If you are a parent dealing with a constipated child, you are not alone. The immense frustration of seeing your little one struggle, trying remedy after remedy, and still not finding relief can be overwhelming. While it might feel awkward to discuss, constipation affects a staggering one in four children—and even more in children with conditions like autism (70%), anxiety (40%), and ADHD (30%).

As a parent, you’ve probably already explored many options. Maybe your pediatrician prescribed Miralax, or maybe you’ve tried the natural route with diet changes, probiotics, and magnesium supplements. While these approaches may offer temporary relief, many families find themselves stuck in a cycle of recurring issues.

But….why? Because we’re almost always missing a crucial piece of the puzzle.

The Surprising Root Cause

Here’s something that might surprise you: Your child’s constipation may not primarily be about diet or genetics. Instead, there is a good chance it is rooted in their nervous system.

Think of your child’s body as a sophisticated communication network. When this network gets overwhelmed or stressed, it can get stuck in “fight-or-flight” mode. In this state, the body prioritizes certain functions while slowing down others—including digestive motility.

This explains why we often see constipation alongside conditions like:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• ADHD
• Sensory Processing Challenges
• Anxiety

All these conditions share a common thread: an imbalanced nervous system.

A Different Approach to Relief

Let me share a story about Lucas, a seven-year-old who had been struggling with stomach issues since age four. His parents had tried everything—multiple doctors, specialists, x-rays, and even a traumatic experience with a full GI flush combining Gatorade and Miralax. Nothing provided lasting relief.

What finally helped Lucas wasn’t another medication or diet change. It was addressing the underlying nervous system imbalance through Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care.

How Does It Work?

The key lies in something called the vagus nerve—essentially your body’s “relaxation switch.” When properly stimulated, it helps:

• Activate natural digestive movements
• Reduce stress response
• Restore proper gut function

Through gentle and very specific adjustments, we can help “reset” this system. Parents are often amazed to find their children experiencing relief within minutes or hours of their first adjustment—we sometimes playfully call it “hitting the poop button” because the results can be that quick- we’re not kidding!

What Does This Mean for Your Child?

Imagine your child:

• No longer doubled over in pain
• Not having to miss out on activities due to stomach issues
• Finally feeling comfortable and regular
• Being able to focus on being a kid instead of their digestive problems

Next Steps

If you’re feeling frustrated with endless rounds of Miralax, unsuccessful dietary changes, multiple specialist visits with no answers, or watching your child continue to struggle- there is hope with a different approach! Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care offers a gentle, drug-free option that addresses the root cause of chronic constipation, not just the symptoms.

Your Child’s Path to Relief

Every child’s situation is unique, and finding the right solution starts with understanding the true root cause of their struggles. If you’ve tried everything else and are looking for a natural, lasting solution, call us here at Highest Health Chiropractic today to have your child’s nervous system evaluated. If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you!

Chronic constipation isn’t something your child has to live with forever. By addressing the underlying neurological component, many families find the lasting relief they’ve been searching for.

The holiday season is already upon us, bringing with it joy, celebration, and… STRESS! As a parent, you’re likely all too familiar with the craze that comes with this time of year. From school projects and concerts to sports schedules and holiday parties filled with sugar and food dye, not to mention those end-of-year work deadlines – it’s enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed and straight stressed!

Did you know that according to a poll by the American Psychological Association, around 41% of U.S. adults report that their stress levels increase during the holiday season compared to other times of the year? I’m sure you’re not shocked. This stress can manifest in various ways, such as headaches, sleep problems, fatigue, and even weakened immune systems, making it harder for families to fully enjoy the festive season.

But here’s the great news: you have the power to ensure your family not only survives, but actually thrives during this busy season. Let’s explore five essential strategies that will help you prioritize your family’s health and well-being, keeping stress at bay and resilience high.

1. Prioritize Your Family’s Neurological Health

At the core of managing stress is a well-functioning nervous system! This is where Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care comes into play (aka: us!). Regular chiropractic adjustments can help reduce nervous system dysregulation, keeping you and your children calm and resilient in the face of holiday chaos.

As a parent, consider making chiropractic care a part of your family’s routine to ensure you are optimizing your entire family’s neurological health, enabling everyone to handle stress better.

2. Protect Everyone in your Family’s Sleep Routine

We all know how cranky children (and adults!) can get when they’re tired. During the holiday season, it’s more important than ever to maintain consistent sleep schedules. A well-rested nervous system is better equipped to handle stress and support overall well-being.

Create a calm, sleep-friendly environment in your home. Establish a bedtime routine that includes winding down activities like reading a book together or practicing gentle stretches. By prioritizing sleep, you’re supporting your family’s nervous system and immune health. Here are some practical tips:

• Stick to regular bedtimes and wake-up times, even during school breaks.
• Create a “wind-down” hour before bedtime where screens are turned off, and calm activities are encouraged.
• Make bedrooms conducive to sleep: dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.
• Consider using white noise machines or calming music to help drown out sound and promote sleep.

3. Stay Active and Spend Time Outdoors

Physical activity is a natural stress reliever and helps regulate the nervous system. Make time for regular exercise as a family. This could be as simple as taking morning walks together, doing a family yoga session, or playing outside.

Don’t underestimate the power of fresh air and sunlight. Even in colder weather, spending time outdoors can do wonders for both physical and mental health. Bundle up and enjoy a winter nature walk, or build a snowman together!

4. Focus on Good Nutrition

The holidays are synonymous with treats, but a nutritious diet is key to managing stress and supporting your family’s nervous system. While it’s okay to enjoy some seasonal goodies, make sure to incorporate plenty of whole foods, fruits, and vegetables into your family’s meals.

Stay hydrated and try to limit the indulgent treats. This will help keep everyone’s energy levels stable and support your bodies in fending off seasonal illnesses.

5. Support Your Family’s Immune System

Speaking of illnesses, the holiday season often brings increased exposure to germs. Boost your family’s immunity with supplements like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and probiotics. Combined with regular chiropractic care, these supplements can help your family stay resilient against increased stress and exposure to bugs during holiday gatherings.

Putting It All Together

Remember, as a parent, you have the power to set the tone for your family’s health this holiday season. By incorporating these five tips into your family’s routine, you can create a foundation for a stress-free, healthy holiday season filled with joy and meaningful moments with your loved ones.

Your family’s health is the greatest gift you can give this holiday season. By prioritizing neurological health through Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care and embracing these healthy habits, you’re not just managing holiday stress – you’re setting your family up for a lifetime of wellness. So, don’t wait to reach out to Highest Health Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment for a consultation. If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find a PX Doc near you.

Don’t let stress steal your holiday joy. Take charge of your family’s health today and create the happy, healthy holiday season you all deserve!

As a parent, there’s nothing more stressful than seeing your kiddo suffer through an illness. When faced with a  toddler who has a fever or a child complaining of an ear ache, it is natural to want a really quick fix. Often, that “quick fix” comes in the form of antibiotics. But…what if we told you that this seemingly harmless solution could be setting your child up for long-term health issues?

Here’s a startling fact: according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 30% of antibiotics prescribed to children are NOT necessary. Let that sink in for a moment!! Almost one-third of the time, we are giving our children powerful medications they don’t actually need.

Why is this such a big deal? Isn’t it better to be safe than sorry?

The truth is, antibiotics are not friendly medications. While they can be life-saving when used appropriately, unnecessary use of them can lead to a cascade of health issues that may impact your child for years to come.

The Domino Effect of Antibiotic Overuse

When we use antibiotics unnecessarily, we’re not just fighting off an imaginary threat. We’re potentially creating real, long-lasting problems for our children’s health:

1. Disruption of the Gut Microbiome: Antibiotics don’t separate between good and bad bacteria. They wipe out both, disrupting the delicate balance of your child’s gut microbiome. This imbalance, known as dysbiosis, has been linked to a range of health issues, including inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, asthma, even obesity and more. 
2. The Gut-Brain Connection: Did you know that many neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, are produced in the gut? When antibiotics disrupt gut function, they can throw off this balance, possibly impacting your child’s mood and behavior. Research has shown a strong link between gut health and mental health.
3. Impact on the Vagus Nerve: The vagus nerve is like a superhighway between your gut and your brain. It plays a huge role in regulating inflammation, immune function, and even your child’s ability to relax. Antibiotic overuse can negatively impact vagal nerve tone, potentially leading to a host of health issues. When vagal tone is disrupted, it can affect everything from digestion to heart rate variability. 

Frequent Scenarios of Antibiotic Overuse

To better understand when antibiotics might be overprescribed, let’s look at some frequent scenarios:

1. Ear Infections: Did you know that up to 80% of ear infections clear up on their own without antibiotics? Yet, they remain one of the most common reasons for antibiotic prescriptions in children.
2. Sore Throats: While strep throat does require antibiotics, most sore throats are caused by viruses. Despite this, many children receive antibiotics for viral sore throats.
3. Colds and Flu: These are viral infections that do not respond to antibiotics. However, some parents still request antibiotics when their children have severe cold or flu symptoms.
4. Bronchitis: In children, bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. Unless pneumonia is suspected, antibiotics are typically not necessary.

Taking Charge: Natural Alternatives to Antibiotics

So, what can we do as parents to protect our children’s health without relying on unnecessary antibiotics? Here are some strategies:

1. Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care: Neurologically-focused chiropractic care can help improve the function of the nervous system, supporting overall immune function and helping the body fight off infections naturally. Chiropractic adjustments can also help improve the drainage of the Eustachian tubes, sinuses, and lymphatic system, helping the body clear infections more effectively.
2. Support the Body’s Natural Healing Abilities: Remember, not every illness requires antibiotics. Many common childhood ailments, like ear infections, are often caused by viruses that antibiotics can’t treat. Sometimes, the best course of action is to provide comfort, love and support while the body works to heal itself.
3. Explore Natural Remedies: There are many natural remedies that can support your child’s immune system and help fight off infections. These might include:
   • Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria can help restore balance to the gut microbiome.
   • Herbal supplements: Echinacea, elderberry, and garlic have all shown promise in supporting immune function.
   • Essential oils: Some oils, like tea tree and eucalyptus, have antimicrobial properties.
   • Dietary changes: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support overall health and immune function.

The Power of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care is a comprehensive approach to health that recognizes the central role of the nervous system in overall well-being. Here’s how it can address the root causes of many childhood ailments and reduce the need for antibiotics:

1. Boosting the Immune System

The nervous system and immune system are intricately connected. Chiropractic adjustments can enhance nervous system function, which in turn boosts immune response. This means your child’s body becomes better equipped to fight off infections naturally, reducing the need for antibiotic intervention.

2. Improving Drainage and Reducing Inflammation

Many childhood illnesses, particularly ear infections, are caused by poor drainage of the lymphatic system and Eustachian tubes. Chiropractic adjustments can improve this drainage. This not only helps clear current infections but also prevents future ones.

3. Enhancing Overall Body Function

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care isn’t just about treating symptoms – it’s about optimizing your child’s body function. By ensuring proper alignment and nervous system function, chiropractic care can:

• Improve sleep quality, boosting natural healing processes
• Enhance digestion and nutrient absorption, supporting overall health
• Reduce stress and tension, supporting emotional wellbeing

4. Addressing the Root Cause, Not Just Symptoms

Unlike antibiotics, which often provide a temporary fix, chiropractic care aims to address the root cause of health issues. For example, recurrent ear infections might be due to subluxation or misalignment within the neurospinal system. By correcting this subluxation, adjustments can provide long-term relief and prevention.

Empowering Parents: Making Informed Health Decisions

As a parent, by choosing Neurologically-focused Chiropractic care, you are not just avoiding the potential risks of antibiotic overuse – you’re actively supporting your child’s overall health and development.

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Search for a Neurologically-Focused pediatric chiropractor: Look for a chiropractor who specializes in neurologically-focused care for children.
2. Start early: Even days old newborns can benefit from gentle chiropractic adjustments.
3. Combine with other natural approaches: Chiropractic care works well alongside other natural health strategies like proper nutrition and adequate sleep.
4. Educate yourself: Learn about the benefits of chiropractic care and how it can support your child’s specific health needs.

A Brighter, Healthier Future for Our Children

By embracing Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, we’re not just reducing antibiotic use – we’re paving the way for a healthier future for our children. We’re teaching them the value of proactive health care, the power of the body’s innate healing abilities, and the importance of addressing root causes rather than just symptoms. 

Take the first step towards a healthier future for your child and reach out to Highest Health Chiropractic today. If you are not local to us, check out our PX Docs directory to find a PX Doc near you. Consider Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care as your first line of defense and a powerful tool for promoting overall health and well-being.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re on a journey that no one prepared you for. Your child might be battling chronic conditions like seizures, insomnia, anxiety, depression, constipation, or autoimmune issues such as PANS or PANDAS. You’re not alone in this struggle, and today, we want to shed light on a condition that might be the missing piece of your child’s health puzzle: dysautonomia.

The Hidden Epidemic

We’re facing an absolute epidemic of chronic health problems among our teenage and young adult population. The rates of anxiety and depression have skyrocketed, and the sheer number of teens struggling with poor gut health, autoimmune conditions, and even seizures is staggering. As a parent, watching your child struggle with these issues can be overwhelming and leave you feeling helpless.

Traditional medicine often falls short, offering little more than a cocktail of medications to mask symptoms. Many of the teens and young adults we meet are on 3, 4, 5, or even 6 different medications, dealing with side effects that make them feel even worse. The truth is, these medications don’t address the root cause of their health issues.

Connecting the Dots: Dysautonomia

What if we told you that there’s a common thread tying these seemingly unrelated conditions together? It’s called dysautonomia – a dysfunction and imbalance in the autonomic nervous system. Understanding dysautonomia could be the key to unlocking your child’s path to better health and improved quality of life.

What is Dysautonomia?

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls all of our body’s automatic functions, like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. It’s made up of two main branches:

1. The sympathetic nervous system (our “fight or flight” response)
2. The parasympathetic nervous system (our “rest and digest” mode)

These two systems were created to work together seamlessly to maintain balance. However, in dysautonomia, this delicate balance is disrupted, leading to a wide range of symptoms that can affect nearly every body system.

The Two Main Problems of Dysautonomia

1. Sympathetic Overdrive: The “fight or flight” system gets stuck in the “on” position.
2. Parasympathetic Suppression: The “rest, relax, and regulate” side of the nervous system gets suppressed and shut down.

Because the ANS controls so many major physiological systems and functions in the body, problems start to show up all over, often in a specific sequence:

1. Sleep: Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, leading to fatigue, exhaustion, and brain fog.
2. Digestion: The gut and digestive system require a lot of energy and focus from the nervous system. When stuck in “fight or flight” mode, the body diverts energy away from digestion, leading to various gut issues.
3. Immune function and inflammation: A chronic state of stress leaves the body in a constant state of inflammation and suppressed immune function.
4. Brain health: When dysautonomia is in full effect, mental, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive capacities are significantly affected.

The “Perfect Storm”: Understanding the Origins of Dysautonomia

Dysautonomia doesn’t develop overnight. It’s often the result of a “Perfect Storm” of factors that can include:

1. Prenatal stress
2. Birth trauma or interventions
3. Early childhood stressors
4. Environmental toxins
5. Poor nutrition
6. Chronic infections

Recognizing these factors can help us understand why your child might be experiencing these challenges and guide us in creating a comprehensive healing approach.

Taking Charge of Your Child’s Health

As a parent, you have more power than you might realize to help your child overcome these challenges. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Recognize the Signs: Be aware of the symptoms of dysautonomia and how they might manifest in your child. Look for patterns in sleep disturbances, digestive issues, anxiety, and other seemingly unrelated symptoms.
2. Seek Proper Care: Traditional medical tests often miss dysautonomia. There is no valid medical testing for dysautonomia, just as there’s no test for the supposed “chemical imbalance” theory behind conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression. This is why conventional medicine often misses it 99% of the time. Look for healthcare providers who use Neurological INSiGHT Scans, specifically Heart Rate Variability (HRV) testing. These scans can detect patterns and evidence of dysautonomia and nervous system dysregulation.
3. Explore Holistic Approaches: Consider Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, which addresses the root cause of dysautonomia and helps balance the nervous system. This approach has shown remarkable results in helping teens and young adults regain their health and vitality.
4. Support Your Child’s Nervous System: Implement stress-reduction techniques, ensure proper nutrition, and create a sleep-friendly environment. Remember, every positive step helps in rebalancing the autonomic nervous system.
5. Be Patient and Persistent: Healing takes time. Celebrate small victories and keep moving forward. Your child’s nervous system has likely been out of balance for some time, so be patient as it learns to function optimally again.
6. Educate Yourself: The more you understand about dysautonomia and the autonomic nervous system, the better equipped you’ll be to support your child’s healing journey.

Hope for the Future

Parents, don’t let dysautonomia and chronic health challenges hold your child and family back any longer. Thousands of parents and patients every single day are finding hope, answers, and drug-free action steps with Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care.

At Highest Health Chiropractic, our incredible care starts with a Consultation and Case History, where we ask questions and dive deeper than any doctor ever has to find the real root cause of your teen’s chronic health challenges. Then, we run the INSiGHT Scans to test for dysautonomia, nervous system dysregulation, and more – a process that takes just 15-20 minutes but can absolutely transform your understanding of what’s really going on with your child’s health struggles.

After gathering this vital information, we sit down knee-to-knee at our Report of Findings visit, show you the scan findings, explain everything, and go over your child’s Customized Care Plan. This comprehensive approach ensures that we’re not just treating symptoms, but addressing the root cause of your child’s health challenges.  So please don’t wait, reach out to us today! If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you.

Remember, you are your child’s best advocate. By understanding dysautonomia and taking proactive steps, you can help your child not just survive, but thrive! 

If you are reading this, chances are you’ve been on a journey with your child’s health. You have likely spent many hours researching, planning, and implementing various diet changes and detoxes. We know that kids today face a greater “toxic load” than ever before, and you’re doing everything in your power to help your child overcome challenges like autism, ADD/ADHD, allergies, or other chronic health issues.

Despite your tireless efforts – eliminating countless foods, very carefully planning meals, and investing in expensive supplement protocols – your child might still be struggling with gut issues, immune challenges, or behavioral problems. If this sounds familiar, please know that you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault.

What if we told you there’s a crucial factor that is often overlooked? It’s not another diet or a new supplement – it’s your child’s nervous system.

Let’s explore why diet changes and/or detoxes sometimes fall short and introduce you to a wildly effective approach that could be the missing piece in your child’s healing journey.

What is the “Perfect Storm?”

To grasp why dietary interventions alone might not be enough, we need to look at what we call the “Perfect Storm.” This concept refers to a series of events that, when combined, create conditions for chronic illness in children. Here’s how it unfolds:

1. High-Stress Pregnancies: Maternal stress hormones can cross the placenta and affect the delicate balance of a developing fetus’s brain and nervous system. This can “pre-wire” a child’s nervous system to be more prone to stress.
2. Birth Trauma: Interventions like C-sections, forceps deliveries, or vacuum extractions can strain a newborn’s neck and brainstem region. This area houses the vagus nerve, which is crucial for proper nervous system function, specifically the parasympathetic nervous system side of things. The parasympathetic system is the “rest, regulate, digest and detox” side of the nervous system – so when it is not functioning properly, results will be very limited.
3. Early Life Stressors: Environmental toxins, emotional stressors, or physical injuries can further impact a child’s developing nervous system.

All of those factors can lead to subluxation or to a condition called dysautonomia – essentially, a nervous system stuck in “fight or flight” mode.

Why Your Efforts Might Be Falling Short

When the nervous system is chronically and constantly stressed, it can:

• Shut down gut motility and digestion
• Weaken the immune system
• Create a pro-inflammatory state in the body

This is why even the best diet changes and detox protocols might have limited results. If the nervous system isn’t functioning optimally, it can’t properly support the body’s natural healing and detoxification processes.

A New Approach: Neurologically-Focused Care

This is where Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care comes in. By addressing the root cause – a dysregulated nervous system – we can often see remarkable improvements in children’s health, even when other approaches have fallen short.

At Highest Health Chiropractic, we use state-of-the-art technology, including INSiGHT Scans, to accurately detect and measure nervous system dysfunction. These scans can reveal if your child’s system is stuck in that sympathetic “fight or flight” mode, which could explain why previous interventions haven’t been as effective as you’d hoped.

Next Steps for Your Kiddo

If you’ve tried everything and nothing has fully worked yet, then it’s almost certainly a case of subluxation, sympathetic dominance and dysautonomia.  No one else in healthcare tests for nervous system dysfunction and dysregulation like this, so please don’t wait to reach out to us here at Highest Health Chiropractic  today to set up a consultation and schedule an appointment to get INSiGHT Scans done for your child. If you are not local to us, please check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you.

Once we have these scans and the “neuro-metrics” that come from them, we can then create a customized and personalized care plan made specifically for your child!

**Remember, you’re doing an amazing job advocating for your kiddos health. It’s a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to answers and solutions. By considering this aspect of your child’s well-being, you might just find the missing piece that makes all the difference.

Your dedication and love for your child are powerful forces for healing. Keep going, stay informed, and don’t hesitate to explore Neurologically-Focused Care!