Probiotics: Are They Good For Our Kids?

Did you know your digestive tract is teeming with bacteria? Good bacteria, that is.

Probiotic is the term used to describe the billions of “friendly” live bacteria located in the intestinal tract. We are first exposed to bacteria when we are born and during infancy. The birth canal is full of  bacteria that the infant swallows while moving through the birth canal. Then, the bacteria colonize the infant’s gastrointestinal tract and set the stage for a healthy immune system.

When a child is born via Caesarean section, the “good” bacteria is never exposed to the child and he or she may have a delay in the colonization of the beneficial bacteria. This delay allows for a greater risk of:

• infection
• colic
• constipation
• gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
• Infants suffering from thrush and cradle cap can also benefit from probiotics

Breastfeeding your child, a diet rich in probiotics, and probiotic supplementation will support an increase in the proper bacteria and allow for a healthy immune system.

Our levels of  beneficial bacteria do not fluctuate very often, but if we are under stress, not eating properly, or taking antibiotics we suscept our immune system to infection.

If you or your children must take antibiotics, you should follow up with probiotics like Culturelle For Kids. When choosing a probiotic supplement for your child:

1. The package must state the name of the bacteria culture, such as Lactobacillus casei. The most beneficial products contain a “blend” of different bacteria cultures
2. The number of colony-forming units (CFUs) should always be listed in the billions
3. The probiotic package or container should never claim to be a “cure” for a disease or condition
4. The very best probiotics are found in the refrigerated health section of your grocery or health-food store. Refrigeration allows for live cultures to stay dormant until ingestion by the consumer
5. The manufacturer of the product should have a good reputation as a distributor of probiotics. There are many products out there that state they contain probiotics but many of them do not list the number of CFUs they contain, and oftentimes very few CFUs remain once the product arrives to your home. Look for a refrigerated product containing active (live!) cultures.

To keep my immune system healthy, I take the product Culturelle daily and I enjoy the original probiotic called “Kefir“. I have to say Kefir is an acquired taste but Lifeway makes many different flavors for their product. You will feel great after drinking Kefir, especially as you prepare for your day during breakfast.

With the use of probiotics, you and your children can live a healthy life by preventing disease and promoting great nutrition!

To Your Well-Being,

Olivia Johnston

Tagged with: culturelle • immune system health • kefir • probiotics • probiotics and kids

Filed under: Children's health

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