Using Probiotics for Children - The Benefits

Here, you will learn about the use of probiotics for children.

Probiotics means for life and have been used since ancient times. They were added to milk (acidophilus) around the turn of the 20th century (after it was isolated from the gut of a breast fed baby), which was also the first time Bifidobacteria was used (by Henry Tissier of the Pasteur Institute) to treat diarrhea in infants.

Today, probiotics are widely used as natural components in many foods that promote health, not only in adults, but in children as well. It can be used safely from infancy to adulthood with few ill effects. As a matter of fact, they can be taken daily as a supplement or in foods, as the use of probiotics for children greatly influences their digestive system as well as enhances their immune system.

In newborns, there is a lack of bacteria in the intestines, whether beneficial or harmful. They quickly begin to colonize, though, particularly when the child is breast fed. This is the same storehouse (breast milk) from which babies draw their immunities until they begin producing their own. Babies who are vaginally delivered have more beneficial bacteria than those who have been delivered via cesarean section, as are babies who are breastfed.

Probiotics for children is as important as they are for adults if antibiotics are involved. The balance of the bacteria, molds or yeast of the intestinal tract must remain in balance for wellbeing to be maintained. Antibiotics can easily upset this balance.

And in the case of the cold or flu, probiotics can be just the boost one's own immune needs.

Other conditions which can benefit from probiotics are allergies and children's IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), as both are indications the immune is not functioning as it should. Also, a diet which is high in refined carbohydrates / sugar and low in fiber is quick to upset the balance.

Infantile eczema and eczema in children, called atopic dermatitis, are an itchy inflammation of the skin caused by harmful bacteria. Often accompanied by staphylococcus bacteria, both can be chronic conditions that may or may not be accompanied by hay fever or asthma.

The signs and symptoms of infantile eczema include a crusting rash that can ooze (occurs on the face, scalp, arms and behind the knees). In toddlers, the rash dries out a bit and darkens in color. During adolescence, symptoms change again to scaly sores that are easily irritated.

In such a situation, because the itch caused by eczema can be severe, and the condition can be embarrassing, it is important to start the use of probiotics for children early.

Probiotics are believed to have a beneficial effect on those subject to allergic reactions, because of their ability to improve mucosal barrier function as well as aid in immune system development. Lactobacillus GG is thought to be helpful in aiding with symptoms of food allergies, especially those connected to lactose (milk).

How else is the use of probiotics for children beneficial?

Throughout the lives of children, they are exposed to threats against their general health and wellbeing because they are the sociable creatures they are. They think nothing of touching, sharing, and drinking after one another, without even realizing how unhealthy it may be. It is up to parents to instill in them early the benefits of a healthy lifestyle as well as a good diet. Teaching them about using probiotics for children as well as adults will also help them stay healthy all of their lives.

Having read about the use of probiotics for children, you may wish to learn more by reading the other related probiotics articles and pages.

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What is Probiotics? - Discussion on Good Bacteria

A Good Probiotic Diet - Useful Foods

Using Probiotics for Children - The Benefits

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