Our intestinal tract contains billions of bacteria. Both “friendly” and “harmful” bacteria form a delicate balance and are constantly changing balance as they compete to remain in our intestinal tract.
Probiotics are the friendly that help maintain the right balance of bacteria in our intestines which is referred to as “normal flora.” Probiotics help protect our intestines from harmful bacteria to help boost our immune & digestive systems for optimal health. That means probiotics can help keep diseases in check, maintain normal bowel movements, and help with gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
Probiotics containing strains of Lactobacillus have been used for centuries as food preservatives and natural sources to promote good human health. Lactobacillus is considered an especially beneficial bacterium in its ability to aid in the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, fats in foods, and help absorption of necessary elements and nutrients.
Early research also found Bifidobacterium, another friendly probiotic strain, to be dominant in the gut flora of breast-fed babies and observed to help reduce diarrhea in infants. Breastmilk is rich with probiotics and an important nutritional source for the development of babies.
Thanks to remarkable advances in science, certain Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium such as the ones found in FLORATUMMYS® can continue to help play important roles your familys’s health* Most other probiotics contain only one probiotic strain, lacking Bifidobacterium as well as prebiotics, so be sure to read the labels.
Why should kids take probiotics? Your kid’s immune system is tested daily by food, medicines, (especially antibiotics), crowded schools, travel and stress. Weakened immune systems can make kids susceptible to illness and digestive problems. Antibiotics are huge culprits that deplete friendly bacteria from your child’s natural bacterial flora, often causing diarrhea.
Probiotics for children can help boost your child’s immune systems to help fight illness and restore friendly bacteria needed for digestion. Some research shows that kids who take probiotics have less stomach pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation.
Some researchers think that the earlier babies come in contact with friendly bacteria the better their immune system will develop in the long term. Recent studies have also shown that probiotics containing strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have been helpful in children with atopic dermatitis also known as eczema. ²
Should my child take probiotics every day? The best answer is, “it depends.” If your child is healthy with no stomach issues, no allergies, doesn’t cry a lot, rarely gets sick, then he or she might not need to take probiotics regularly. However, if your child is prone to ear infections; often on antibiotics; experiences diarrhea, gas, constipation, and eczema, then you may want to consider a regular regimen of probiotics. Probiotics can help build your child’s immune system. Conditions like eczema are directly related to the immune system.