Colic Naturopathic Protocol
Colic Naturopathic Protocol
This Colic Naturopathic Protocol is provided as information for patients of HealthMasters Naturopath Kevin Tresize ND as part of a treatment plan to assist patients with understanding of their treatment plan. It is important to note that this is a summary only and is intended to assist discussion between practitioner and patient as part of consultations. This Colic Naturopathic Protocol may be changed to suit the individual requirements of the patient and should not be substituted for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
HealthMasters Naturopath Kevin Tresize ND
Definition: Colic
Colic is a state of excessive crying seen in infants typically during the late afternoon or early evening. From 15% to 20% of infants develop colic, and it seems to be more common in firstborns and in boys than in later-born infants and in girls. Colic is seen in otherwise healthy infants and can begin as early as 2 weeks of age. It is self-limited, only rarely lasting until the infant is 6 months old.
Aetiology (Cause) / Risk factors: Colic
No cause has been proven for this disorder, but theories include those listed below.
- Stage in the development of an immature central nervous system or digestive system
- Response to emotional and family stress—need for comfort
- Reflection of differences in infant temperament and physiology
- Intolerance to foods in mother's diet, specifically, dairy products, caffeine, or gas-producing foods
- Introducing food into infant's diet too early
- Over-stimulation or under-stimulation of infant
- Second-hand smoke
- Antibiotics given at birth or to mother during labour
Signs and Symptoms: Colic
- Inconsolable crying that lasts more than three hours for three or more days a week in a healthy infant 2 weeks to 3 months of age
- Crying accompanied by vigorous kicking, pulling the legs up tightly to the body, and making tight fists
- May have swollen or distended stomach, burp, or pass gas often
- Infant appears to be in pain
- Arched back and clenched fists
- Frequent vomiting after feeding
CORE TREATMENT: Colic |
Support intestinal microbiome |
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From 0-36 months of age: Strain Specific Probiotics for Infant Health; OR
Specialised Probiotic Support during Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Infancy |
Maintenance: ½ metric tsp (1.4 g) daily mixed with breast milk, formula or water To restore gut flora: ½ metric tsp (1.4 g) twice daily mixed with breast milk, formula or water Infant dose: Empty the contents of 1 capsule and mix with breast milk, formula or water once daily |
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Children 3+ years and above: |
2/3 tsp daily |
If baby is breast fed |
| Ensure mother is feeding to hind milk on each breast |
Breast feeding mother to consume a balanced nutritious diet &/or investigate potential colic inducing foods |
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Modification of intestinal microbiota for the infant and mother specifically: Specialised Probiotic Support during Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Infancy |
Mother: Take 1 capsule twice daily |
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Wellness and Healthy Ageing Program OR Elimination diet (especially eliminating brassica vegetables for 2-3 weeks at least) |
Assess and address parental stress |
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Use the Mood and Stress Questionnaire (MSQ) to select a formula based on specific patient needs:
Herbal and Nutritional Support for Adrenal Health; or Rehmannia Complex for Nervous Exhaustion; or Herbal Support for Hyper HPA and Stress; or |
1-3 tablets daily 2 tablets twice daily 1 tablet 3 times daily 3 capsules twice daily 3 capsules twice daily |
Alphabetical Reference of Nutritional Support: Colic |
Formula Catch Phrase |
Key Benefits |
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Indicated for stress with mood swings, irritability and anger. Symptoms may be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, such as PMT and menopause in women. There may be fatigue, worse in the morning, headaches, insomnia, sweating or flushing and shoulder and neck tension. |
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| L.acidophilus NCFM and B.lactis Bi-07 are clinical proven to reduce the incidence and duration of upper respiratory infections in children. Combined with LGG this formula reduces systemic inflammation and supports healthy immune function | |
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Indicated for stress with a lack of emotional resilience. Patients may react to stress by crying, a lack of confidence and anxiety. There may be palpitations, restless, dream-disturbed sleep and adrenal fragility. |
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An herbal blend designed to manage nervous disorders and restore balance to physiological function during times of nervous tension and anxiety. Helps promote restful sleep and to relieve muscular tension. |
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Traditional Ayurvedic, Chinese and Western adaptogenic herbs, including rhodiola and withania, with tyrosine, to assist in supporting and restoring adrenal function. This combination may help to reduce physical and mental fatigue caused by stress. |
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Where there is anxiety with nervous exhaustion rehmannia and American ginseng calm and nourish the nervous system and adrenals. Lavender and hops are included to support reduce anxiety and exhaustion. American ginseng is shown to prevent decreases in dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin in times of stress and promote the anxiolytic effects of GABA. |
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Specialised Probiotic Support during Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Infancy |
Some probiotics have evidence specifically for pregnant and breastfeeding women and their infants strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®), Bifidobacterium breve (M-16v), Bifidobacterium breve (M-16v) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis (BB-12®) support the Modification of intestinal microbiota to improve health outcomes in infants. |
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Research has shown that probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®), Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis (BB-12®), Bifidobacterium longum (BB536) and Bifidobacterium breve (M-16v) populate the infant gut, enhance microbiome development, support immune function and promote gut health. These strains have also been shown to reduce the incidence of infantile and childhood eczema, upper respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, ear infections, antibiotics prescriptions and antibiotic-related side effects. |
Supportive Lifestyle Programs: Colic |
| Elimination diet | The Elimination diet, with food challenges, is the most effective way to identify food allergy, sensitivities and/or intolerances. When following this program over at least six weeks, patients learn to identify the impact that food may have on their health and wellbeing. |
| Wellness and Healthy Ageing Program | This program recommends a low glycaemic load diet with lifestyle recommendations for exercise, relaxation, intellectual stimulation and effective stress management – all factors associated with healthy ageing and chronic disease prevention. |
Diet and Lifestyle: Colic |
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Because there is no identified cause, treatment involves finding what is effective from among the items listed below, and supporting the parents.
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Pathology Tests: Colic |
TEST |
INTERPRETATION GUIDELINES |
| None may be required | In the absence of poor feeding, diarrhoea, weight loss, fever; black, green, or bloody stools in an infant less than 2 months old, or the persistence of crying beyond 6 months of age, no laboratory tests are needed. |
Pharmaceutical Treatments: Colic |
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