An important point that my mother made me realize, and she also suggested the cure — Enterogermina. And this name, Enterogermina, was new. Since experience has taught me that Mom is always right, I decided to dig in and find out more about gut health and this new probiotic.

Our gut comprises of the digestive organs, starting from the mouth all the way to the rectum. The gut microbiome or gut microbiota refers to all the microorganisms residing in the gut. These include several kinds of good bacteria which help to maintain a healthy ecosystem in the gut, with functions like digesting food, maintaining immunity as well as ensuring nerve health.

Babies are born with a sterile gut, and the intestinal bacteria starts to grow right after birth. The health of the gut then depends upon factors like diet, exposure to germs and use of antibiotics. An unhealthy gut is obvious from all kinds of tummy problems like diarrhoea or constipation, vomiting or indigestion, fussy eating or overall crankiness.

Now that I fully understood the cause, it was time to look into the cure. And that is how Enterogermina made its grand entry into my life! Enterogermina is manufactured by Sanofi India Ltd. Enterogermina is made of the Bacillus Clausii, a healthy bacteria that produces antimicrobial substances that have been proven to be helpful against germs causing gastro intestinal infections.

Okay, that sounds pretty impressive, and it was sufficient for me to make a decision to try Enterogermina for my son. Within a few days, he was back to his happy self and even seemed to have more energy than before!! This was indeed what he needed — something to boost his gut health.

Like I said, Mom is always right! There are many reasons that contribute to unhealthy gut bacteria, like stress, lack of activity and a bad diet. Here are tips to ensure that your little one has a healthy gut all through his life.

Breastfeed exclusively for the first six months and for as long as possible after that. Diet is the number one factor for good gut health. It is important to include enough of both soluble and insoluble fiber so that food gets enough bulk to move through the system properly and bowel movements are easier.

And to feed them and help them grow, this means getting plenty of probiotic and prebiotic foods. Combined, they make one delicious gut-friendly breakfast bowl! Cutting back on processed foods and foods high in sugar i.

Also, reducing sources of saturated fat coconut, meat, full-fat dairy helps prevent the overgrowth of bad microbes like Bacteroides and Alistiptes species, which can be linked to stomach pain, gas, and bloating.

When it comes to gut health for kids, antibiotics can cause some changes. Some good, some bad. Taking antibiotics kills bad bacteria.

But the thing is, they also kill off healthy bacteria too. Another thing is that antibiotics can cause antibiotic-resistant bacteria, like C. diff, to thrive. This bacteria can cause life-threatening diarrhea or, at the very least, inflammation and leaky gut if left unchecked.

On top of all that, other antibiotic side effects include stomach pain, constipation, nausea, and bloating. In other words, a whole lot of some not-so-fun things. If you have any questions, be sure to bring them up with your healthcare provider. Probiotic supplements are a nice gut health for kids ace card.

At Sun Genomics, our personalized kids' probiotics make it easy on parents. Floré Baby Under 1. Floré Tots Floré Kids This might seem counterintuitive on the subject of gut health for kids. Research has even found a positive correlation between kids who grew up on farms and their immunity.

This may be in part to their stronger immune systems that they gained from being exposed to all sorts of dirt, hay, plants, and animals on the farm. Physical activity has been linked to improved gut health for kids.

It relieves constipation and makes for a balanced gut. Not to mention, getting up and moving is also a way for your child to release built-up energy and save them from bouncing off the walls like a pinball machine later. When it comes to gut health for kids and sleep, research shows not getting enough means a sluggish immune system and gut imbalances.

So make sure your child is getting enough shut-eye! The ultimate sign of health and wellness is a healthy gut. Interested in learning more about gut health for kids?

Chad Richardson is a freelance writer from Cincinnati, OH who also enjoys going to the gym and doing his best Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonation, scrolling through Netflix trying to find a new binge-worthy show, and catching a game to root on his hometown sports teams.

Get occasional updates on our latest developments and scientific discoveries. No spam. We promise. A cookie is a small file of data that can be placed on your device that allows us to recognize and remember you.

Ultra-processed foods mainly refer to soft drinks, desserts, and snacks with high amounts of food additives like emulsifiers and artificial sweeteners. The GBA gut-brain axis is a bidirectional link between the gut and the brain.

More specifically, the GBA refers to the communication between the central nervous system and the enteric also referred to as the intrinsic nervous system.

The enteric nervous system ENS is a division of the nervous system that lives in the gut and controls its function. Your gut contains million neurons connected to your brain via nerves in your nervous system, especially the vagus nerve.

The vagus nerve sends messages in both directions: from the gut to the brain and vice versa. Studies show that digestive problems often ensue when vagus nerve activity is inhibited by stress.

While the increased prevalence of C-sections and their impact on gut health is highly debated, the evidence does demonstrate a connection between dysbiosis and C-sections versus vaginal births, potentially setting a child up for specific health problems down the road.

Measures can be taken to regain a healthy gut microbiota with C-sections, such as infant probiotics and breastfeeding. Increased use of antibiotics in children has also taken a toll on gut health and might be linked to certain health problems. If your child is a picky eater, try kid-friendly foods that support the gut , like plain yogurt with honey dairy or dairy-free , a colorful variety of vegetables and fruits, adequate animal or plant-based protein, and plenty of healthy fats.

As much as possible, avoid foods known to cause a heightened inflammatory response—like fried foods and refined carbohydrates—and instead choose foods rich in antioxidants.

Simple swaps like blueberries for popcorn, dark chocolate for milk chocolate, and leafy greens for iceberg lettuce can make a difference in getting kids the nutrients they need for proper gut and overall health.

Kid-friendly probiotic foods include plain yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables like raw sauerkraut. Since these foods tend to be acidic, a probiotic supplement can help fill in the gaps.

Many pediatric probiotic supplements are low in CFUs and strain variety, so look for a multi-strain product with at least billion CFUs per serving.

Other herbal supplements that support gut health include turmeric, basil, dandelion, and other bitter plants. In the past two years, the number of children experiencing mental and emotional health issues has skyrocketed.

Stress is at an all-time high, and many parents are unsure how to reduce stress and encourage self-care for their children. Lack of social support, pressures to be productive, and a fast-paced lifestyle with little downtime all accumulate to create a high-stress environment for many kids today.

Studies show a tangible link between gut health and regular exercise. Pay attention to digestive discomforts like bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort, but also consider less obvious issues connected to the gut, such as anxiousness, poor sleep, and lack of concentration.

doi:

But sometimes, this amazing system needs a little TLC. Feed the good bugs. Fiber in grains, fruits, and vegetables helps keep gut bacteria healthy—especially fiber types found in whole grains like whole wheat bread and brown rice , bananas, and berries.

Getting plenty of fiber from food kids need up to about 25 grams of fiber daily can also help reduce the odds for constipation, a common childhood problem. Add more beneficial bacteria to the mix.

Inflammation in the gut has been linked to worsening ADHD, autism, and other spectrum disorders. Read: 5 Tips for Parents Who Have Kids with Food Allergies. Adding a quality probiotic, focusing on a healthy diet with fermented foods, and plenty of fiber is crucial for a healthy gut-brain connection.

Autoship powered by. Probiotic Gut Bacteria Change Behavior in Your Child Holistic Pediatrics. Share 0. Tweet 0. Learn about becoming a new patient. Ready to Get Started? Shop The Blog.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Automatically re-order your favorite products on your schedule. Picture the gut microbiome as a bustling city, with countless inhabitants, each having its own unique role and function.

These microbial citizens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. Their collective presence creates a complex and dynamic ecosystem within our digestive tract. The gut microbiome's evolution from infancy to adolescence is a remarkable story of growth.

Beginning with microbial colonisation in the first year, it sets the stage for a child's health. What is microbial colonisation? As children transition from breastfeeding to formula and solid foods, their gut microbiome undergoes significant changes. This transformation is influenced by various social and environmental factors and is particularly rapid during the first three years of life.

Notably, the population of beneficial Bifidobacteria declines during this period. Around this time, the gut microbiome reaches a stable state resembling that of adults. Importantly, the gut microbiome's development links closely with immune system maturation, teaching it to distinguish friend from foe.

Throughout this journey, we'll explore the importance of a healthy gut microbiome for your child's well-being, especially its role in supporting immunity and overall health.

The development of the gut microbiome during infancy and weaning is intimately intertwined with the maturation of a child's immune system.

This connection is pivotal, as it sets the stage for a robust and resilient defence mechanism against illnesses. With approximately per cent of the immune system located in the gut, there's a well-documented link between our gut health and the function of our immune system.

In fact, it's during the early years of life that this connection takes centre stage. This period is widely recognised as a critical phase for establishing the community of gut bacteria, collectively referred to as the gut microbiome. This community of microorganisms plays a pivotal role in safeguarding us against infections and cultivating immune tolerance.

As the gut microbiome matures, it plays a profound role in shaping a child's immune system. Think of it as the microbiome providing an essential education to the immune system during its formative years.

The presence of diverse and beneficial microbes in the gut teaches the immune system to distinguish between friend and foe. This process is essential in preventing the immune system from overreacting to harmless substances or underreacting to harmful invaders.

In other words, a balanced and diverse gut microbiome helps in building immune tolerance. Moreover, specific strains of gut bacteria are known to produce molecules that contribute directly to the immune system's readiness to combat infections.

These microbe-derived molecules stimulate immune cells and enhance their ability to respond effectively to pathogens.

In summary, the early years of life are crucial for nurturing a robust gut microbiome, a key ally in establishing a child's immunity.