The human intestinal tract is home to millions of friendly bacteria. These friendly bacteria make substances that help keep the cells in the intestinal tract healthy, plus they keep unfriendly bacteria, yeasts and molds in check.
Sometimes the good bacteria become out of balance with the unfriendly bacteria, and the bad bacteria, yeast and mold grow unchecked. This can happen with use of antibiotics or with a bad diet.
Probiotics are friendly bacteria found in foods and dietary supplements that can help bring back the balance of good bacteria.
Probiotics and Children
I asked Dr. Holly Lucille, a naturopathic physician located in Los Angeles, Califorina, a few questions about probiotic use and children. Here is what she told me:Q. At what age might a child benefit from taking probiotics?
A. Actually at any age. They can be taken as a daily supplement as they heavily influence the entire digestive and immune system.
Q. Can probiotics help with any specific childhood disorders?
A. Absolutely. If a child has been on an antibiotic, it is extremely important to replenish the beneficial bacteria lost by taking a quality probiotics supplement over the following two weeks.
Probiotics can help boost the immune system whenever a child might be coming down with symptoms of a cold or flu.
Allergies are another indication of one’s immune system under-functioning and probiotics are ideal in this situation.
Acne and any digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome or Chrohn’s disease would also be an indication.
Q. What conditions might result in a flora imbalance in a baby or child?
A. Having a bought of diarrhea, taking an antibiotic, eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and low in fiber as well as stress.
Q. What is the best way for a child to get probiotics - food or supplements?
A. Due to the pH of the stomach, it is best to use supplements when you are trying to affect one’s health. Use a supplement with a delivery system that assures the bacteria are not going to get killed off by the acidity of the stomach and they can make it safely to the intestines where they really make a difference.
The pearl technology insures the live bacteria are protected from the stomach acid and delivered to the intestines alive, happy, and ready to grow, proliferate and serve towards overall health.
To learn more about Probiotic pearls, visit their website.
Source: Ouwehand AC. “Antiallergic effects of probiotics.” J Nutr. 2007 Mar;137(3 Suppl 2):794S-7S.
