Probiotics Appear In The Gut Earlier Than You Think
If you’re worried about the idea of giving your child live bacteria, rest assured that your child has been exposed to these from the time they were in the womb. Since then, your child’s body has been working hard to develop its own microbiome.
While doctors always rested on the idea that the womb is a sterile place, this line of thinking has been rejected over the past 10 years. Microbial communities are found in the amniotic fluid, the umbilical blood cord, and the placenta. These live organisms constitute the building blocks of the babys future microbiome. In addition, the child who is delivered vaginally gets exposed to the mothers microbiome, which increases their exposure to healthy microorganisms.*
Should Children Eat Probiotic Foods
Some studies suggest that probiotics may be good for children. One study found that children who were given probiotics every day for 3 months were less likely to have respiratory problems and diarrhea than children who were given a placebo.
And while more research is needed, probiotics may reduce childrens risk of developing certain conditions like autoimmune diseases, allergies and asthma.
On the other hand, some researchers note that probiotics may not have much effect on children. Because their microbiome isnt fully developed, probiotics may simply be passed as normal waste.
Probiotics are considered safe for kids with some exceptions, notes Dr. Drass. You should avoid giving your child probiotics if they have a compromised immune system or cancer, or if they are a premature infant. In these cases, probiotics can put them at risk for infections.
In general, its better for kids to get probiotics through foods instead of supplements unless their pediatrician recommends otherwise. Talk to your childs doctor if youre thinking about using probiotics to help your childs digestion because keeping your child safe and healthy is their prime concern.
Two In Natren’s Three
Bifido Factor® is step two in Natren’s three-step custom probiotic system. This Bifidobacterium bifidum probiotic product provides support for the large intestine. The large intestine serves as the body’s waste management and disposal system. It needs specific flora to help it maintain a healthy balance, which the Bifidobacterium bifidum bacteria strain provides. Bifidobacteria prefer to reside along the walls of the large intestine. Bifido bacteria are the second most prolific group of bacteria found in a healthy human being. Japanese researchers claim that bifido bacteria are the most beneficial bacteria to human health. Natren founder and probiotic expert Natasha Trevev has spent over a decade studying bifido bacteria and lactobacilli and their applications to human health with the internationally acclaimed researcher and author Dr. Jeremija Lj. Resic, Ph.D.
Natren’s Bifidobacterium bifidum Malyoth super strain is one of the most beneficial probiotics of the Bifidobacterium genus, and has been available as a probiotic supplement in the marketplace for almost three decades, since Natren was the first probiotic company to introduce a single strain bifido bacteria product to the U.S.
- Production of lactic and acetic acids, which can lower the pH of the large intestine and aid digestion *
- Colon function*
- Large intestine health*
- Repopulation of the colon with beneficial bacteria essential for good health*
Natren Healthy Start System®
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How Long Does It Take Probiotics To Work
If you are taking a high quality, multispecies and multistrain probiotic, you can expect to notice initial improvements and health benefits in your digestion as early as the first 1-2 weeks after starting your probiotic. Depending on how sensitive you are, many people feel a difference after a few days.
The Benefits Of Probiotics
Theyre especially helpful for diarrhea or constipation both of which are common for kids, especially during potty training. Probiotics may help ease some of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease as well.
Children already taking antibiotics can benefit from probiotics, too. Antibiotics can cause stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, and probiotics can ease these side effects. But not all probiotics are effective while taking antibiotics, so talk to your childs pediatrician or pharmacist about which probiotic is best for your child.
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Probiotics May Help Prevent Allergies
A babys inner ecosystem consists of a mucosal lining that is formed from bacteria and good yeast during the first few weeks of their lives. The lining is found in their gut and is necessary for weeding out food and toxins.
If the lining doesnt have healthy microflora, then the food and toxins can leak through to the intestines. When this happens, it can put babies at risk for developing increased allergies early in life.
Giving babies supplemental probiotics that are found in the mucosal lining may help to prevent allergies. In the event of a compromised mucosal lining, these possibly preventable allergies are more likely to develop.
Professionals in infant nutrition claim that it is safe to begin giving your baby probiotics immediately, and that it is crucial that they receive them soon after birth to ensure the best potential anti-allergy benefits.
Nordic Naturals Babys Nordic Flora Probiotic Powder
Nordic Naturals Babys Nordic Flora Probiotic Powder offers support for babies ages 6 months to 3 years old. Nordic Naturals products undergo 3rd party testing that ensures their probiotics are free from environmental toxins and contaminants and to verify each batch of probiotics includes the number of CFUs promoted.
Some studies have shown that 1-3 billion CFU per day have a potent effect on supporting a healthy digestive system in children ages 2 and up. The Babys Nordic Flora Probiotic Powder includes 4 billion CFUs per packet of two strains,Lactobacillus rhamnosusGG and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis. These probiotic bacteria are often found in yogurt.
- Type: Powder
- Dosage/day: One packet
- Dietary Considerations: Non-GMO, vegan, allergen-free
Clinical studies using the final formulation: Studies on other Nordic Natural Products but none on their Babys Probiotic Powder
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Why Give Your Baby A Probiotic Supplement
Babies in the womb have a sterile gut until they are born. Then, bacteria are naturally introduced to a babys gut through vaginal birth, the breastmilk or formula they drink, and the foods they eat. These good bacteria are an important part of digesting foods, extracting nutrients, and helping the body function well.
Illnesses, unhealthy foods, and medications like antibiotics may affect the healthy development of a babys gut.
Probiotics are a seamless and effective way to support the development of your babys gut flora. They become particularly useful if your baby was born by cesarean, had antibiotics, or if you are not breastfeeding. These factors may disrupt the diversity of bacteria in your babys gut, which can negatively impact their long-term health.
Clinical evidence suggests probiotics may help:
- Increase healthy gut bacteria, especially after taking antibiotics
- Reduce the risk of diarrhea associated with taking antibiotics
- Reduce symptoms of baby colic
- Reduce reflux and constipation
- Decrease symptoms associated with eczema
Most studies show that the health benefits of taking probiotics only last as long as youre actively taking them.
Benefits Of Probiotic Supplements For Babies
Theres still a lot of research that needs to be done on giving probiotics to infants, says Carrie Kaufmann, a pediatric nurse practitioner at Stanford Childrens Health in Palo Alto, California, adding that she doesnt see it as a necessary supplement for every baby.
There are some cases where a probiotic supplement may be beneficial, though, including:
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Infant Probiotics: Does Your Baby Need Them
If you spend any time talking to moms of infants, the conversation inevitably turns to probiotics.
These tiny bacteria are hailed as digestive superheroes for everything from constipation to colic! In recent years, probiotics have gone from an alternative health concept to a lifestyle-conscious buzzword to mainstream wellness advice.
But what exactly are probiotics? In this article, well explore what makes these good bacteria so glorious for immune function.
Should You Give Your Child Probiotics
Parents might assume that even if probiotics don’t help, they aren’t likely to be harmful. The American Academy of Family Physicians states that probiotics do appear to be safe for healthy children.
However, there are many types and strains of probiotics to choose from, and the dosages can vary widely between supplements. It can be hard to figure out how much to take as well as how often to take them.
Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding whether to give your kids probiotic supplements:
- They are not regulated by the FDA, making it virtually impossible to know if the label accurately describes what is in the products.
- Although probiotics appear to be an effective treatment for the conditions listed above , there is much we still don’t know about which strains and dosages are the most effective.
- There is no proven benefit to giving healthy kids probiotics regularly, and they are not approved bythe FDA as a treatment for any specific disease or condition, according to the AAFP.
- Gas and bloating are the most common side effects of probiotic supplements. While not harmful, these side effects can be uncomfortable.
A healthy and safe choice is to give your child a serving of yogurt daily or include other probiotic-rich foods in your family’s meals. Look for a statement on the label that the food contains “live and active cultures.” These foods will provide good bacteria to support a healthy immune system without the risk of side effects.
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Probiotics And The Immune System
The immune system is the bodys number one shield against outside invaders. The stronger the immune system, the more likely your child is to have the defenses they need. While vitamin C and zinc play major roles in boosting the immune system, probiotics can play a role in this protection.*
The relationship is simple: Good bacteria have the ability to communicate with the bodys immune cells. When something in the body goes wrong, different parts of the body communicate to get the proper armies ready to combat any nuisance from foreign invaders. Probiotics help form a barrier throughout the intestinal lining, fighting against the passage of harmful bacteria through the body.*
In addition to the immune benefits offered by probiotics, these friendly bacteria can help regulate gas, tame occasional bloating and constipation, and promote healthy gut function. Recent studies are also forming a link between probiotic intake and healthy brain function. In providing mood and memory support, probiotics are being studied in a more pronounced way to ensure everyone is benefiting from such a simple addition to their daily lifestyle.*
Before adding probiotics or any supplement into your childs routine, its important to seek approval from their pediatrician first. Having their pediatrician review the label in conjunction with your childs health history can give you the peace of mind you need to get your little one started with the benefits of probiotics.
Do All Children Need Probiotics
Usually, nutrition mixtures already contain probiotics for babies. However, many parents wonder if their child is getting enough probiotics with food alone or if their child has so-called dysbiosis or intestinal microflora disorders.
So, how do you know if your baby needs to take probiotic supplements?
Well, probiotics are some of the most commonly used nutritional supplements in the world. They are often prescribed for the following conditions:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
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Heres What You Need To Know About Giving Probiotics To Children
1. Babies breastfeeding should not take probiotics until they start on solid foods because they might not get the same benefits from breast milk if a supplement is taken first.
2. Do not give probiotics to babies who have a history of severe allergic reactions to food.
3. Young children may have problems swallowing a pill, so their parents should crush it into powder or mix it with food.
4. Older children can take the supplements as capsules, tablets, or chewable lozengesbut not in a soft drink because the acid will destroy the probiotics.
5. Children should not take probiotics with lots of sugar because it could lead to weight gain.
6. Parents should be aware that some brands of probiotics contain live cultures that release gas. If your child is prone to painful tummy cramps or bloating, speak to his or her doctor first.
One In Natren’s Three
Megadophilus® is step one in Natren’s three-step custom probiotic system. This Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic product provides support to the small intestine.Lactobacillus acidophilus prefer to reside along the walls of the small intestine, where most of the digestive process takes place. Acidophilus is also a resident beneficial bacteria in the oral cavity, vaginal tract, and part of the urinary system. Available in dairy, or vegetarian/vegan appropriate dairy free probiotic formulas, each serving of Megadophilus® provides a minimum of 2 billion colony forming units of:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus, DDS-1 super strain in the dairy cultures OR
- Lactobacillus acidophilus, NAS super strain in the dairy free vegetarian/vegan cultures.
Natren’s Megadophilus® was the first genuine probiotic, ushering in the entire category of dietary probiotic supplements and introducing the term “probiotic” to North America. Natren was the first company to introduce a single strain concentrated Lactobacillus acidophilus powder requiring continuous refrigeration.
Prior to the introduction of Megadophilus®in 1983, Lactobacillus was a catch all phrase for low potency, questionable and often outright inferior products including yogurt tablets, sweet acidophilus milk, and liquid acidophilus.
- Digestion of dairy products by assisting with lactose metabolism*
- Small intestine health*
100% potency guaranteed through the printed expiration date when stored under the conditions stated on the label.
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Culturelle Baby Calm + Comfort Probiotics
This is where we draw the curtain on the best probiotic for breastfed baby, and we are rounding up this entertaining and interesting guide with a probiotic from the Culturelle brand. This is the second entry from this brand, and this shows this brand can be trusted in making high quality and safe probotics for babies. It boasts of safe ingredients used in this formulation alone that will not be harsh on your babys tummy, and boosting your babys digestive system is another benefit that comes with feeding babies this probiotic. It helps in soothing a digestive upset, while restoring good bacteria balance is another benefit of feeding your baby with the Culturelle Calm + Comfort probiotic.
Pros
- It helps in maintaining good bacteria balance
- It is recommend for babies struggling with colic
- It leaves parents satisfied with performance
Cons
- There are no issues yet
Probiotics comes in the form of supplements and topical creams, and they can also be found fermented foods like yogurt, kombucha, and kefir. Below, we would be discussing the vital health benefits of adding probiotics to your babys diet.
Why Probiotics May Be Critical In The Early Development Of Infants And Young Children
Generally speaking, humans are born with all the vital organs they need to surviveexcept the so-called forgotten organ. Unlike the liver or kidneys, the gut microbiome is non-existent at birth, and undergoes extensive development during the first few years of life. Colonization of the gut begins in early infancy and continues until age three, when the composition of the microbiota becomes adult-like.14 The most significant microbial colonization is believed to occur during delivery and shortly afterwards, when babies come into contact with the mothers microbiota and surrounding environment.14
Whereas the intestinal microbiomes of babies delivered vaginally tend to show similarities with the mothers vaginal microbiota babies delivered via cesarean section do not pass through the birth canal, and are not exposed to the bodys natural method of transferring healthy bacteria from the mother to the baby.14 Consequently, babies delivered via cesarean typically experience a lower abundance and diversity of intestinal bacteria.15,16 In other words, a greater chance of dysbiosis.
In addition to mode of delivery, factors including formula-feeding, preterm birth, and early exposure to antibiotics can also affect the establishment of a healthy gut microbiota, and place babies at increased risk of dysbiosis, allergies, common infections, and pediatric illnesses.2,14
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Probiotics Can Help Children Maintain Healthy Lungs And Skin
Dr. Mercola reports a wide range of potential health benefits associated with the use of infant probiotics.
These beneficial effects include the prevention and reduction of the following:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: a painful type of arthritis that affects the joints
- Eczema: a skin disorder that can cause severe itching, scaling, discomfort, and dry skin
- Vaginal Infections
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Asthma
Dr. Mercola is an active advocate for the administration of supplemental infant probiotics.
He cites many studies that point to the potential health benefits of using probiotics to thwart health issues in infant-hood and throughout childhood.
One study that he references reveals that daily probiotic use may reduce your childs chances of developing eczema by 58%.
He believes and quotes studies to back his professional opinion that administering probiotics prior to treating infants with antibiotics can eliminate many of the side effects that these treatments may cause.
Health Benefits Of Probiotics In Babies
Boosting Immune System
A very high amount of a bodys immune system is found in the gut, and helping your baby to have a healthy gut simply means helping your babys body to fight away sickness and other foreign element attacks. If your baby is well fed with probiotics, he is going to have minimal or zero inflammatory issues.
Fighting Colic And Enhancing Digestion
If your baby has a microbiome level that isnt balanced, your baby will struggle with health and digestive issues. Babies will also battle constipation, colic, gas, and indigestion if they are not fed probiotics, but having a balanced microbiome level means babies will have absolutely nothing to worry about.
Fighting Back Obesity
Babies stand getting obese if their body doesnt have or isnt fed with enough probiotics. This is why you should feed your baby with probiotics so they do not have to turn obese in a short period.
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