Gastrointestinal problems are common at various stages of life. But children who experience this adversity may develop emotional complications in the future, a study reveals.
Researchers also believe in the reverse order of events: trauma (such as being abandoned by parents) suffered during childhood can be the cause of intestinal problems or gastritis in the future.
The research, published in the journal Development and Psychopathology and done at Columbia University, in the United States, analyzed data from 344 young people (between 3 and 18 years old).
115 of them were raised in orphanages and the other 229 were raised in the home of their biological parents.
Children who were raised in orphanages and foster homes had more stomachaches, nausea, nausea and constipation.
From this, 8 children from each of the two groups, aged between 7 and 13 years old, were selected to undergo laboratory tests.
Examinations of feces and brain images showed that those who were separated from their parents had microbiomes (a set of natural microorganisms in the intestine) different from those who did not suffer from a lack of parental care.
Connection between the nervous system and the intestine
The intestine has its own nervous system that is connected to the brain by branches.
Therefore, it is common to have intestinal problems ( diarrhea , for example) when experiencing an anxiety or stress situation .
Read more: Intestine: why is the organ considered the second brain?
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day, exercising regularly, taking care of your diet (eating fiber, fruits and vegetables) and meditating can help fight diseases that are related to the intestine.
Always be alert to health problems in children. Many of them may indicate even greater complications in the future. If in doubt, take the child to a pediatrician.