Why your child’s gut health is key to immunity

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As a parent, keeping your child healthy is always at the top of your mind. But did you know that much of your child’s immune strength is linked to their gut health? Let’s explore why your child’s gut plays a crucial role in helping them to grow big, bounce back fast, and keep exploring the world with boundless energy! The gut microbiome, your child's tiny helpers Inside your child's tummy lives a whole world of tiny organisms called the “gut microbiome”. Think of it like a bustling little community filled with friendly bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. They work hard to help your child digest food and release important nutrients that support growth and well-being. The microbiome starts developing when your child is still in the womb and continues to evolve throughout childhood. A balanced and diverse microbiome is a sign of good gut health, while an unbalanced one can lead to health problems. Gut health as the shield for your kid’s defences Did you know that 70-80% of your child's immune system is in their gut? The gut is like the control centre where the body’s defences gather information about potential invaders like harmful bacteria and viruses. The gut’s protective mucus layer acts like a barrier, keeping harmful microbes out while allowing the immune system to study and prepare for future threats. This “education” helps your child’s immune system respond more effectively to challenges throughout the body. So, keeping this tiny community thriving is key to your child’s health and happiness! Probiotics: the gut’s best friends Probiotics are helpful bacteria that live in our gut and help to maintain a healthy gut environment. These friendly bacteria can be found in certain foods, especially fermented foods such as yoghurt, kefir, miso, tempeh, and kombucha. But there are also supplements with probiotics. While more research is needed, early encouraging studies show that probiotics were more efficient than placebos in reducing episodes of acute upper respiratory tract infections (common colds and runny noses) and reduced antibiotic prescription rates for the same. Probiotics have also shown potential for easing tummy troubles like diarrhoea, gastroenteritis and infantile colic (when babies cry a lot due to discomfort), and constipation. How to improve your child’s gut health with probiotics But let’s be honest—most kids aren’t exactly lining up for a plate of fermented goodies. Even when they eat these foods, it’s tough to know how much of the good bacteria actually survived during the processing. That’s why probiotic supplements are a popular option for parents who want to ensure their child’s gut is getting more friendly bacteria. Another way to support your child’s gut health is by feeding the friendly bacteria what they love: fibre (prebiotics)! Gut bacteria subsist on complex carbohydrates and fibres that our own intestinal cells are unable to digest. Those fibrous sources are plant foods, from carrots, leeks and beans to pineapples, bananas and sukuma. Choosing a probiotic supplement for your child When selecting a probiotic for your child, it's important to find one that meets their specific needs. Also, not all probiotic brands are created equal. Therefore, it is crucial to select a well-researched probiotic range to ensure quality and effectiveness. Here are some tips to help you choose:

Probiotics come in many forms, such as gummies, powders, chewable tablets. Pick the form that’s easiest for your child to take.
Probiotics contain something called CFUs (colony-forming units). For kids, a range of 10 million to 10 billion CFUs is generally considered safe. However, it’s best to consult your paediatrician for advice.
Different strains of probiotics are suited to different health concerns. If your little one is dealing with something specific, like an upset tummy, it’s best to choose a probiotic that includes strains targeted for that issue (with guidance from a nutritionist to ensure it’s the right choice). Always be sure to pick a brand that clearly lists all strains on the label.
If your child has allergies or dietary restrictions, make sure to choose a supplement that’s suitable for their needs.

Probiotics are generally safe for healthy infants and children, but some may experience side effects like bloating or gas. Children who are seriously ill or who have a compromised immune system should not take probiotics, as observational studies have reported serious adverse events, so it’s always best to check with a healthcare provider. Other ways to boost your child’s immunity Probiotics are a fantastic way to keep your child’s tummy happy and healthy, which in turn supports their immune system. But there are plenty of other things you can do to help boost their defences too! First, make sure their plate is full of colourful goodies like fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains so that children get the essential nutrients they need for their immune system. Don't forget to keep their water bottles filled—staying hydrated helps their little bodies work like they should, including their immune system. Try to limit the sugary and ultra-processed snacks, which can make their immune system a little sluggish. Encourage plenty of active playtime along with a good night’s sleep to help their bodies recharge. For more tips on nutrition and immunity for kids, check out our blog on Boosting Back-to-School Nutrition here. You can also head to our Instagram page as we have an exciting Live session with our nutritionists coming up! Discover what makes a balanced diet, how to tackle picky eating, and get tips to make healthy eating easy and enjoyable for your family. Shop Super Kids essentials and be rewarded Don't forget, across September, it's Healthy Kids Month at Healthy U! You can earn double loyalty points both online and in-store when you purchase from our curated Super Kids collection. It's the perfect time to stock up on supplements, skincare and healthy foods for your little ones while maximising your rewards! Nurturing your child’s gut health through probiotics and a balanced diet is essential for supporting their overall well-being and immune system. By focusing on gut-friendly foods and supplements, you can help them thrive, stay energetic, and navigate the world with resilience. Remember, a healthy gut lays the foundation for a healthy, happy child. ¹ Hao Q, Dong BR, Wu T. Probiotics for preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD006895. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006895.pub3. Accessed 10 September 2024. ² Huang R, Xing HY, Liu HJ, Chen ZF, Tang BB. Efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of acute diarrhoea in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Transl Pediatr 2021;10(12):3248-3260. doi: 10.21037/tp-21-511 ³ Depoorter L, Vandenplas Y. Probiotics in Pediatrics. A Review and Practical Guide. Nutrients. 2021 Jun 24;13(7):2176. doi: 10.3390/nu13072176. PMID: 34202742; PMCID: PMC8308463.

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