If you read my blogs often, you know I talk a lot about diarrhea and bowel movements. Today, we’re talking about the other end of the spectrum… summer constipation.
Constipation might not seem like a “summer thing,” but you’d be surprised how often it shows up when children (and adults) are out of their usual routine. This can be especially true as summer comes to an end and we start shifting back into our school year routines.
Between travel, pool snacks, summer camp, and new school schedules, it’s the perfect storm for slowing things down (literally 😜).
Why Summer Constipation Happens
Even when kids are feeling their best, shifts in routines and changes to eating and drinking habits during summer can quietly impact digestion.
Here’s why constipation often becomes more common this season:
💧 Dehydration – Kids are running around, sweating more, and a lot of the time not drinking enough water to keep things flowing.
💪 “Holding it in” – Whether they’re at camp, at school, or too busy playing outside (which I love!), many kids tend to avoid using the bathroom until they’re back home which can make things worse.
🫑 Low-fiber foods – It’s easy to get caught up during the summer or at the start of a new school year and not eat as healthy as we should. This can lead to not consuming enough fibrous foods like green veggies, which help with maintaining regular bowel movements.
😬 Stress & overstimulation – Fun events or new school nerves activate the nervous system, and a stimulated or stressed system can suppress digestive function, even if your child doesn’t seemed stressed.
What We Can Do to Keep Things Moving
1. Hydration, hydration, hydration
Start the day with a big glass of water, and continue drinking water throughout the day—especially if it’s hot outside and you’re spending a lot of time outdoors.
Make hydration fun by mixing fruit with water, and freezing it into ice cubes.
Also, use fun water bottles or mix in Ultima Electrolytes for a little flavor and a lot of mineral support. Electrolytes help cells absorb water more effectively, especially in hot weather.
2. Use targeted supplements
Our HKHM Constipation Bundle is a powerful trio and works wonders, especially during travel or after a few days of off-routine eating:
🌱 HKHM Plantadophilus – supports healthy gut bacteria and regularity
🍽️ HKHM Digestive Enzymes (also available in chewables and powder) – help break down meals and reduce the post-meal stomach aches
🧠 HKHM Advanced Magnesium (also available in powder) – helps relax the nervous system and draws water into the bowels to soften stools
3. Make fiber a no-brainer
Don’t stress about changing the whole diet, just sneak in fiber-rich swaps where you can.
It can be as simple as adding flax or chia seeds to smoothies, keeping cut-up fruits and veggies ready to grab, and aiming for at least one fiber-rich food at each meal or snack.
4. Nightly digestive reset routine
Creating a calming wind-down routine can make a surprising difference in digestion. When the nervous system relaxes, the bowels do too.
Here are a few ideas for an end-of-day reset:
🥥 Gentle belly massage with castor oil or coconut oil
🛀 Epsom salt bath (bonus: magnesium absorbed through the skin)
🍓 Sleep-friendly, calming magnesium popsicles
📲 Screens off, soft lights on, and quiet time before bed
Let’s get your child and family thriving again! 💗
