Why Is My Child’s Tummy Always Upset?
A mum recently brought in her 10-year-old, a bright and bubbly boy who’d been dealing with tummy pain, loose stools, and daily complaints of “my belly feels funny.” She told me, “We’ve tried cutting out dairy, then gluten, then sugar… but it still keeps happening. I just want to know what’s going on.”
This story is far too common.
Tummy troubles in children can be tricky — not always serious, but persistent enough to affect sleep, behaviour, appetite, and even confidence. If your child often complains of a sore tummy, has frequent diarrhoea or constipation, or you’re noticing changes in their mood or skin alongside gut symptoms, it may be time to look a little deeper.
Common Causes of Ongoing Tummy Upsets in Kids
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some of the most common contributors I see in clinic:
Food sensitivities or intolerances – These often show up as bloating, pain, wind, or irregular stools — even without a full-blown allergy.
Poor digestive enzyme function – If your child isn’t breaking down food properly, it can lead to discomfort and nutrient gaps.
Low stomach acid – Surprisingly common in kids with reflux, burping, or undigested food in their stools; it can affect how well they absorb nutrients and manage bacteria in the gut.
Low beneficial bacteria – Kids need a diverse microbiome to support digestion, mood, and immunity.
Stress or anxiety – Sensitive children often hold tension in their tummies, especially around school, social settings, or change.
Post-infection gut imbalances – Sometimes a tummy bug, antibiotics, or even worms can disrupt the gut flora for months afterward.
Overgrowth of yeasts or less helpful microbes – This can lead to cramping, sugar cravings, or mucousy stools.
What a Microbiome Test Can Tell Us
When symptoms keep returning despite dietary changes, a stool microbiome test can help reveal what’s really going on inside.
It can show us:
The balance of good vs. opportunistic bacteria
Digestive enzyme levels (are they breaking down fats, carbs, and protein?)
Gut inflammation or immune activation
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) — crucial for gut lining and comfort
Signs of dysbiosis or yeast overgrowth
Note: While microbiome testing is incredibly useful, it won’t detect worms . These require a separate PCR testing if we suspect something’s lingering.
With this information, we can make tailored, confident choices — from small diet tweaks to specific herbs or probiotics — to gently restore balance.
Herbal Medicine for Little Bellies
Herbal medicine can offer beautiful support for children with recurring tummy issues. In my clinic, I often use low-dose liquid blends, teas, or homemade herbal gummies to suit each child’s needs and constitution.
A few favourite herbs include:
Chamomile – Soothing, calming, and gentle on cramping bellies
Fennel – Eases gas, bloating, and supports digestion
Lemon balm – Helpful for nervous tummies linked to anxiety
Marshmallow root – Gentle, moistening, and calming to inflamed tissue
Homeopathy: When Emotions Live in the Belly
Some children express their stress through their digestion — tummy aches before school, nausea when overwhelmed, or loose stools during change. Homeopathy works beautifully in these cases by supporting the child’s emotional and energetic landscape.
A few commonly used remedies include:
Nux vomica – For kids with a sensitive gut and a strong reaction to food changes or stress
Lycopodium – For children with bloating, gas, and nervousness, especially before school or new situations
Pulsatilla – For clingy, emotional children with changeable digestion and a need for comfort
Arsenicum album – For anxious, chilly children who often feel unwell after eating
Remedies are always chosen based on the full picture — personality, sensitivities, and physical symptoms.
Rhythms That Restore: Supporting Digestion at Home
You don’t need a cupboard full of supplements to help your child’s tummy. Often, it’s the small, consistent rituals that make the biggest impact:
Regular mealtimes and gentle routines
Screen-free eating to support mindful digestion
Encouraging calm before meals – deep breaths, a moment of stillness, or setting the table together
Warm herbal teas after dinner (like chamomile or fennel)
Time outdoors every day to regulate the nervous system
A Little Story from Clinic
That 10-year-old boy I mentioned earlier? We made a few gentle changes to his breakfast, added a gut-soothing herbal blend, and ran a microbiome test that revealed low enzyme output and signs of yeast overgrowth. We introduced a specific probiotic and a few simple herbs.
Within a few weeks, his tummy was calmer, his appetite more stable, and his mum messaged to say, “He’s smiling again at breakfast. I didn’t realise how much this was affecting him until it started to lift.”
A Gentle Word
If your child is always rubbing their tummy, skipping meals, or struggling with unpredictable digestion, you’re not imagining it — and you’re not alone. Sometimes their gut needs a little extra support to find balance again.
And when we understand what’s really going on, we can create a plan that supports their digestion, mood, and comfort — without overwhelm.
Book a Children’s Naturopathy Consultation
Let’s explore the whole picture, gently and thoroughly — and find a plan that works for your child and your family.
With warmth and care,
Ayelet x
