Healthy Kids Naturally
Gut health plays a fundamental role in your child’s overall health and well-being. Research shows our microbiome impacts digestion, growth, immune health, dental health, skin integrity, cognition and mental health. Our gut is responsible for making the neurotransmitters that regulate mood, emotion, stress response and sleep.
It is important to understand gut health is more than simply taking a probiotic supplement. It is necessary to culture and maintain a good variety of bacteria in your child’s microbiome and that involves maintaining a healthy gut mucosal lining, regular bowel motility, good nutrition and hydration.
The current status of your child’s microbiome will be determined by their genetics, pregnancy, birth, diet and environment. If you are not sure how to look after your child’s gut health here are my top tips.
Nutrition
Apples, asparagus, cabbage, sweet potatoes, berries and bananas contain prebiotics that feeds the microbiome, while sauerkraut, yoghurt, kefir, miso and pickles contain the good bacteria your child’s gut needs.
The gut mucosal lining also needs to be maintained for good gut health and this requires protein. Most children I see in clinic are not eating sufficient protein to support their growth and development. Aim for 4-5 serves of protein each day from lean meat, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts and seeds.
If you need some recipes Healthy Kids Naturally has lots of simple family-friendly recipes to try.
Hydration
If your child is not drinking sufficient water this will impact their gut health. Hydration is essential for bowel motility, absorbing nutrients in the small intestine, liver detoxication and kidney function.
Probiotics
Taking a probiotic supplement can be beneficial for your children’s health and well-being, however, choosing the right probiotic can be daunting. There are so many different strains and they range in price enormously.
The strain your child needs will depend on their current gut health, age and health status. For example, if your child is constipated they may need Bifidobacterium lactis strains while a child with eczema may require Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
Limit processed foods
Sugar and processed foods deplete nutrients essential to gut health such as Vitamin D and Zinc and they kill off much of the beneficial gut bacteria we are trying to nurture while feeding opportunistic bacteria and yeast. Swap simple carbs for complex carbs, for example, choose wholemeal pasta, brown rice, and whole grains over white varieties and limit junk food.
Let them play in the dirt
Studies have found that dirt contains a microscopic bacterium called Mycobacterium Vaccae that helps improve mood and cognition. Dirt play also comes with the added benefit of fresh air and sunshine, creating a stress-free and therapeutic experience for your child.
The strain your child needs will depend on their current gut health, age and health status. For example, if your child is constipated they may need Bifidobacterium lactis strains while a child with eczema may require Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
Small changes
Many children don’t like change, and many adults too, so making small changes slowly as these are more likely to stick. Be a good role model and eat the foods you want your child to eat.
If you need more help with your child’s gut health contact Healthy Kids Naturally to discuss your children’s health.
