5 Super Benefits of Probiotics for Kids

2/17/18

Your child already thinks they are a superhero, so help them feel like one too!

Did you know that 80% of your child’s immune system resides in their gut? This means that the balance of gastrointestinal flora plays a huge role in immune function!

A newborn’s gut lining is permeable meaning that it can allow foreign material to enter the bloodstream. Probiotics help protect the intestinal wall keeping foreign material inside where it is safer.

If your child doesn’t have enough probiotics, the side effects can include digestive disorders, skin issues, candida, autoimmune disease, and frequent colds and flus.

5 Benefits of Probiotics

1. Reduces likelihood of cold/flu occurrence and can shorten duration of illness, especially respiratory infections.(1)

2. Improves skin- probiotics can be very beneficial for skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis.(2)(3)

3. Promote regular Bowel movements- Daily probiotics have been shown to help support the balance of good vs bad bacteria which in turn promotes regularity and helps prevent bloating, discomfort, and an upset stomach. (4)

4. Can stop antibiotic induced diarrhea-

An AAP review, published by the journal Pediatrics, suggests that giving probiotics early to children with diarrhea from a viral infection, but who are otherwise healthy, can shorten the duration of illness. The review also found that probiotics can help prevent diarrhea in children who are taking antibiotics. (5)

5. Reduces the risk of middle ear infections (6)

Keep in mind that there are also “probiotic killers” that prevent your body from getting all of the wonderful benefits of probiotics. According to Dr. Axe, these are:(7)

1. Prescription antibiotics

2. Sugar

3. Tap water

4. GMO foods

5. Grains

6. Emotional stress

7. Chemicals and medications

Probiotics for Babies and Kids:

1. Day 3 to 3 Months old: just a pinch of probiotic will do once a day. Put it on your finger and let the baby suck, put it on your nipple if breastfeeding, or add it to a bottle.

2. Months 3-12: Increase to 1/4 tsp. May add to cold food (applesauce or pureed fruit) after month 6.

3. 1yr +: Slowly increase until your child is taking 3/4 tsp once a day. My son reached this amount at around age 2.

*If your child is over 1 year old and has never taken a probiotic, start with a pinch and increase every couple weeks to allow their bodies to adapt.

There are many probiotics on the market! Picking a high quality product is so important. You want a wide variety of strains and millions if not billions of cultures! A probiotic that includes prebiotics is a major plus!

My Favorite Probiotic for Kids:

Infants:

1. Klaire Labs. Find>> HERE

2. ProBiota Infant Powder. Find>>HERE

3. Garden of Life Baby. Find>> HERE

Children 12 months and older:

1. Klaire Labs Chewable (2+ yrs). Find>>HERE

2. Garden of Life Chewable (4+ yrs). Find>>HERE

*As always, consult with your child’s pediatrician before introducing a new supplement.

Questions? Just ask!

Want to work with me 1:1 to create the perfect diet for you and/or your family? Contact me today at dana@thrivekin.com.

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