The "gut flora" comprises the complex system of bacteria that live in the human digestive system. It is important that everyone - including children - preserve the intestinal bacterial balance to promote digestion and the process of expelling waste products from metabolism. It is possible to safeguard the health of the intestinal flora by eating foods rich in lactic ferments or by taking probiotic-based supplements.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Avoid Foods That Disrupt the Gut Flora Balance
Step 1. Avoid industrial food products
Foods that undergo a very complex transformation process often contain few nutrients and, if consumed in large quantities, risk reducing the level of healthy intestinal bacteria. In addition, they contain few nutrients and probiotics, which are necessary to keep the gut healthy. Excessive consumption of processed food products is also linked to the increase in intestinal inflammatory processes.
It can be difficult for children to like unprocessed products, as they are often drawn to the captivating color and sophisticated flavor of certain industrial foods. Try to get your child out of the habit slowly. For example, a few days give him a fast food sandwich and some fried chicken nuggets for dinner, as long as he eats an apple or a banana first
Step 2. Use filtered water
If you live in the city, tap water is most likely treated with chemicals, such as chlorine. Chlorine destroys potentially harmful bacteria present in the aqueduct, but it can also kill healthy ones in the intestinal flora once ingested. Instead of giving your child tap water, purify it using a high-quality activated carbon filter. It will remove most of the chlorine and promote the health of the intestinal flora.
- You can purchase an activated carbon purifier at kitchen equipment stores. Manufacturers of coal-based water purification systems include Kenmore, Gizeh and Aquasana. You could also buy a cheaper water filter jug that does not involve any kind of installation.
- Alternatively, buy bottled water at the grocery store. It costs even less if you buy bottles of at least two liters.
Step 3. Consider making organic, non-GMO foods
In many cases, genetically modified foods are treated with pesticides which, when ingested, can damage gut bacteria and compromise digestive health, in both children and adults. To avoid this risk, buy organic foods that are not treated with pesticides, such as glyphosate. Not all GMOs are indicated on the package, so it is necessary to make a careful selection at the time of purchase, giving preference to "organic" foods.
Corn, soy, and canola oil are the most common GMOs. If you want to buy them, go for organic ones when you go to the supermarket or shop at an organic food store. Also, choose organic fruits and vegetables, because those from intensive crops are usually treated with pesticides
Part 2 of 3: Providing Probiotics and Prebiotics
Step 1. Buy probiotic-rich foods
Probiotics are live organisms that help children maintain the correct balance of the intestinal flora. Dairy products are particularly rich in probiotics. So, try to choose a yogurt for your child that contains "live lactic ferments" and aged cheeses.
Probiotics can also be found in fermented foods. If your child has no eating habits, try making food for him using apple cider vinegar, sauerkraut, tempeh, or kefir (a yogurt-like drink)
Step 2. Give him a probiotic supplement
In addition to giving him foods rich in lactic ferments, you can also buy a probiotic supplement to increase the level of good bacteria. If your child has a more demanding palate and does not like foods and vegetables that have not undergone an industrial process, give them one tablet of probiotics a day. Even if you don't need a prescription, consult your pediatrician before you start giving them.
- Probiotic supplements are over-the-counter products that you can buy at a pharmacy. As they contain live bacteria, they should be kept in the fridge. Choose them in the form of tablets. There is usually no precise dosage (as probiotics are not technically medicinal).
- Alternatively, you can buy them in sachets and mix them in your child's plate or choose those specially formulated for children, orosoluble or to be dissolved in water.
Step 3. Feed your baby enough fiber
Foods containing fiber promote the proper functioning of digestion because they are rich in prebiotics, which is the food source that probiotics feed on. Children who eat foods containing fiber and prebiotics have a more receptive gut to probiotics and, consequently, a more balanced gut flora. Next, cook your child high-fiber foods such as artichokes, asparagus, leeks, and onions.
If he doesn't like the strong flavors and texture of these foods, replace them with other foods that are always high in fiber and prebiotics, but more palatable, such as bananas, tomatoes and cereals, including barley and rye
Part 3 of 3: Preserving Your Child's Gut Flora Health
Step 1. Allow him to play outside and get dirty
While it may seem counterintuitive, allowing children to play outdoors and get muddy can be beneficial to their health. If they are exposed to naturally occurring bacteria and germs from an early age, they have the opportunity to develop a stronger immune system and healthier gut flora. While they need to bathe regularly, parents don't need to be too careful to keep them away from germs.
In order for your baby's gut flora to be healthy, also avoid washing their hands with antibacterial soap, as it can kill healthy bacteria as well as harmful ones
Step 2. Look out for signs of bowel problems
If the population of healthy bacteria within the intestinal flora is below normal, the child may experience at least one of the following symptoms: excessive flatulence, diarrhea or nausea. In severe cases of intestinal bacterial imbalance, he could develop irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease, but also lose weight, suffer from bloating and abdominal pain, or even pass blood through stool.
While you can improve the health of your gut by changing your diet and increasing your consumption of probiotics, be aware that these symptoms can be related to other problems. If they don't go away even after making some changes in your diet, make an appointment with your pediatrician
Step 3. Ask your pediatrician about intestinal flora
Whether or not you have noticed signs and symptoms of an imbalance of the intestinal flora, it is always a good idea to ask your pediatrician how it is possible to promote the balance of the intestinal bacterial population. Be sure if you need to make any major dietary changes (including those you haven't considered) and ask them for their opinion on probiotic supplements for children.
