Should Children Take Probiotics?

The health of our children is paramount, and probiotics are a natural way of helping to maintain the balance of gut flora, which can help keep our children healthy in many ways. The word probiotic comes from the Greek “for life”, and refers to friendly bacteria that live inside our intestines. This bacteria is vital to our health and well-being.

Probiotics aid digestion, boost the immune system, and help the body to absorb nutrients. Probiotics can be taken as a daily supplement to help replenish levels of “good” bacteria in the gut, and is recommended after taking a course of antibiotics. To date, there have been no reported side effects, and probiotics are considered to be safe for children. Allergies, colds, flu and thrush are all signs that the “good” and “bad” bacteria are out of balance.

Cultured or fermented foods such as cheese, live yogurt and buttermilk contain various types and levels of probiotics. Supplements are also an effective way of introducing probiotics into the system, with the added benefit of having an exact measurement of the probiotics ingested.

Probiotics Science.

Studies show that probiotics may be effective in preventing diarrhea in children after a bout of antibiotics, the same way as they are effective in adults. Antibiotics reduce helpful bacteria, which heightens the chances of diarrhea. Probiotics help to restore the balance of “good” bacteria, which ultimately prevents antibiotic induced diarrhea.

A recent study suggests that the probiotic strain Lactobaccilus casei rhamnosus may boost children’s immune systems, which may lead to prevention of infections.

Another area of research is how probiotics may help children with eczema. Eczema is an inflammation of the skin, which can lead to dry scaly skin that is prone to cracking. This breakage of the skin can lead to infections. Keeping eczema under control is important for your child’s comfort, and health.

Areas For Address.

The cause of eczema is not known, but early research indicates that probiotics may help with this allergic condition by helping to balance the functioning of the digestive tract. Preliminary studies show that probiotics are most effective in children with moderately severe eczema, as opposed to children with mild eczema.

Avoiding known allergens in combination with probiotics may help to keep your child’s eczema under control. Probiotics are not a quick fix to this problem however, and it is worthwhile talking to your health care provider about the possible benefits of administering probotics to your child.