Although textbooks state constipation is less than 3 bowel movements every week, I was taught as a nutritionist that less than 1 bowel movement a day actually means you are constipated.  

Normal transit time for food to be eaten to pooped out is between 17 and 24 hours.  Longer than 24 hours and it means the body is storing and possibly circulating toxins throughout the body.

Signs of constipation include:

- bowel movements less than every 24 hours

- straining when trying to poop

- the time between bowel movements is more than 24 hours

- tummy aches

- large hard stools

- streaking of poop in the underwear

- stools that contain "poop balls" even if  stuck together

- periods of diarrhea interspersed with hard stools or no stools for days

Basically, if a bowel movement isn't happening at least once every 24 hours then it is likely that you are constipated. 

Constipation occurs when the colon absorbs too much water or if the colon's muscle contractions (peristalsis) are sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly. This causes stools to become hard and dry ... and leaves the child bloated, straining, and often in pain with the sensation of a full bowel. 

There are many different reasons for why this is happening:

1. Diet (e.g. high sugar diet, especially combined with lack of fluids and lack of fiber, cause the peristaltic muscles to become sluggish and the stool becomes hard with rough edges, which can cause a rectal fissure, a painful microscopic tear in the rectum

2. Medications or certain supplements (e.g., iron, antacids, diuretics, pain killers, antidepressants)

3. Not enough fluid

4. Too much or too little fiber

5. Nutrient deficiencies (e.g. magnesium deficiency, folic acid deficiency)

6. Hypothyroid issues

6. Autoimmune diseases

7. Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)

8. Imbalance of the microbiome 

9. Lack of physical activity 

9. Celiac disease

10. Diabetes

11. Intestinal obstructions

12. Anatomical problems with digestive tract (e.g. short bowel syndrome, chronic idiopathic constipation), problems with the colon or rectum

13. Spinal cord or brain injuries 

14. Disorders affecting the spinal cord or brain (e.g. Parkinson's Disease)

15. Fructan intolerance (e.g. oligofructose or inulin)

16. Food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances (e.g. cow's milk)

17. Laxative abuse

18. Holding back on the urge to poop

19. Parasites (e.g. Giardia lambia)

20. Changes in life or routine, such as starting school, travel

21. High stress levels and anxiety

22. Stroke

23. Liver problems

CRaP4Kids provides parents a one-stop shop to child-focused options that parents can choose.  The Group and Intensive programs offer direct guidance and support from a clinical nutritionist that will help you help your child. It's Time to Poop! is a first step to helping your child to poop every day, which is always the first step in constipation relief.  CRaP (n'Stuff) Club monthly membership gives parents continued support to help with gut healing and overall wellness.

Testing is not absolutely necessary but highly recommended.  Sometimes through food, supplements and some procedures we are able to make progress.  However if none of the above is not enough to start resolving the constipation, gut testing (e.g., comprehensive stool tests, Organic Acids urine test, food sensitivity blood tests) can provide clues on what is happening internally.  These clues help to direct how we should proceed and shorten the time to get some relief. 

This ultimately depends on the child and the symptoms being experienced.  Some of the tests that may be recommended include comprehensive stool tests, Organic Acids Test, Food Sensitivity Tests, hormone testing, and tests which help check for candida, molds, yeasts, and parasites.   The price of each test is usually between $200-$700+ USD. Testing is not included in the price of any program.  

The cost of the Constipation Relief Program depends on the option(s) chosen.  Please click on each program link to see the current cost of each program.  

Prices do not include the cost of supplements or any recommended testing.  

Supplements: We try to recommend as few supplements as possible to keep the cost as low as possible, but it will depend on how severe the constipation is and the underlying cause. Usually supplements are needed to help bring nutrient levels to therapeutic levels.  We have had plenty of experience recommending supplements for children based on their tastes and preferences and try to match the supplement recommendations to the child.   If you are going to do the Intensive or Group program then please hold off on purchasing supplements till you find out what is recommended.   

If you are wondering how much to budget for supplements, I would estimate anywhere from $100 - $500.

Testing:  Again, testing is only recommended if absolutely necessary.  The costs of tests are established by the laboratories that offer them.  Test costs usually range from $200-$700.   Depending on your insurance some tests make partially be covered by your insurance if your doctor is willing to order the test and share the results.  Please budget to do at least a comprehensive stool test ($200 USD if in Canada / USA).

If you are in the UK or another country we do our best to find supplements and tests available in your country.  

The best answer for this is "as long as it takes".  Our goal is to help you help your child poop every day without the use of laxatives or supplements and we work with you to achieve this.

However, there is no magic wand, pill or portion that we can wave to stop constipation from occurring if you don't follow the instructions we provide and do the work. 

And it's hard work!  

If there is no diet change and work done on the underlying cause, it's very unlikely the constipation will end. So new eating and lifestyle habits have to be learned, practiced and adopted - possibly for months, years, or life.  Yes, kids can be really picky but they can still learn and grow and thrive.  We start where your child is at and work with you to help them gain confidence and new habits.

As the gut heals usually the constipation relieves too.  Testing helps us pinpoint where to focus treatment.  Even though you can have your child pooping every day (with the help of supplements and some diet change) very quickly, it takes time to fix the issues and heal the gut.   I would put aside at least 6-12 months to work on this.   

Our group program is 10 weeks long and our intensive program 4 months long.  Within those time frames you will have the tools you need to continue and can purchase a short appointment and/or join the CRaP (n'Stuff) Club for additional support along your journey.  

We are here to help you  every step of the way. We will do what we can to provide tools, encourage, resolve issues, and celebrate with you - as long as you are prepared to take positive action forward. If you aren't prepared to put the time and energy into following our recommendations then it's unlikely that this program is for you. xo

This is the only completely holistic program available for parents to learn how to help their children overcome constipation without the use of medications, drugs, surgery, and laxatives.

All treatment recommendations are child-focused, age-appropriate, and simple to follow.  Parents can watch the videos at their own pace, ask an unlimited number of questions live or in a community group platform, and implement the recommendations. 

Lisa, your "Poop Whisperer", has been trained as a clinicial nutritionist and has spent the last 8+ years focused on pediatric gut health for neurotypical children and those with special needs.  She has become one of the world's leading experts on constipation relief in children by helping hundreds of children around the world poop painlessly and improve their gut health, which is crucial to ensure all body systems are functioning optimally.