There are plenty of reasons to help keep your child’s gut in good shape, not just for digestive balance but also immune function as the gut is home to up to 70% of the immune system.
After all, who hasn’t felt awful when their stomach is playing up?
So what can you do to help support the little engine systems of your children to get what they need to help promote a healthy intestinal environment’?
Here a 5 things to keep in mind.
Feed the gut
Regularly eating probiotic-rich foods may help to reduce the frequency of mild gut upsets, which are common in early childhood.
Fermented probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, kefir, and sauerkraut are all good sources of good bacteria, as are probiotic supplements.
Steer clear of sweetened yoghurts and instead substitute them with chopped fruit in a serving of good-quality Greek yoghurt. Some health food stores stock flavoured kefir, which is likely to be more palatable than plain kefir for children.
Increase high-fibre foods
Good bacteria thrive on dietary fibre, the complex carbohydrates found in plants. Plus, eating a high-fibre diet will also help keep occasional childhood constipation at bay.
Feed your children plenty of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, nuts, and legumes to keep the fibre levels in their gut topped up.
Get them moving
Sitting in front of a computer, device or television means less movement for your child but it also means less movement for their digestive system.
Regular exercise is thought to have a positive effect on gut bacteria. And if your child experiences occasional constipation, prolonged sitting and not enough exercise could be contributing to the problem.
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Add water
With so many juices, sports drinks, flavoured milks and soft drinks to choose from, it can be hard to convince kids to drink plain water.
Water supports efficient digestion and to help our intestines eliminate food.
If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to convince your child to drink water, try to make it more appealing by adding sliced oranges, lemons, and strawberries to a jug of water to give it colour and flavour, without the sugar and preservatives found in other drinks.
Blackmores Probiotics+ Kids Daily Health
Probiotics+ Kids Daily Health is a multi-action formula with four clinically trialled probiotic strains, a prebiotic and vitamins.
It may help to:
• Support the body’s natural defences and maintain immune system function
• Reduce the number of days absent from preschool due to colds
• Reduce the frequency and duration of cold symptoms
All in an easily dissolving powder that can be added to food or liquid, or under adult supervision, taken directly
Achieving a good balance of bacteria in the systems of our young family members is an ongoing and never perfect science but maintaining a healthy diet along with regular exercise will help keep them healthy and happy.
Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult a healthcare professional. Supplements may only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.