As parents, we need to make sure that our children have healthy, strong immunity. As they go to school where they can pick up colds and infections easily. And one of the ways to take care of your child’s health is to support their gut. You may be surprised to learn that 70-80% of the immune system is located inside the gut.
What are probiotics?
The human gut is a home for bacteria, fungi and yeasts. Most of these organisms are harmless and help your body work properly. This thriving colony is known as the gut microbiome.
Probiotics are friendly bacteria that helps your body to maintain healthy gut microbiome. Probiotics are like an army that constantly fighting on your behalf against harmful bacteria. They produce acids that inhibit pathogen growth and form a barrier which protects our gut cells and immune system.
Probiotics may contain different microorganisms. The most common are bacteria that belong to groups called Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. They all have different benefits.
Here is a list of food that contain healthy bacteria:
- Sauerkraut
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Natto
- Pickles
- Kimchi
Probiotics for children and immunity support
Childhood years come with factors such as school, high-sugar diet, medications, antibiotics, and busy lifestyles which can all impact your child’s microbiome. Probiotics has been associated with immune system support and may lower incidence of respiratory and flu-like sickness.
Probiotics are very important for children. They are not only help to restore digestive balance and support immunity, but also improve general wellbeing. A well-functioning gut with a good balance of bacteria allows your children to digest food better and absorb all nutrients from it.
Especially it is important to give your child probiotic supplement during and after antibiotic treatment. Because antibiotics kill not only bad bacteria, but friendly as well.
Probiotics also may help to reduce allergy symptoms. They may help to improve the integrity of the intestinal lining.
Recent studies
One study found that children who were given probiotics every day for 3 months were less likely to have respiratory problems and diarrhea than children who were given a placebo.
Swedish study of children, ages 3-5, studied the occurrence of symptoms among a group given placebos versus those given either single or combination probiotics twice a day for 6 months. Within that study:
- The frequency of fevers was 53% lower with single probiotics and almost 73% lower with combo probiotics.
- Coughing incidents were 41% and 62% lower, respectively.
- Runny noses were 28% and 48% lower than the controlled placebo group.
