Tummy truths: a healthy gut supports your child’s immunity

Do you know that the way to your child’s health is through the gut?

Many parents can confirm that a happy tummy means a happy child. A healthy digestive system and smooth bowel movements can not only help to improve a child’s mood, but also benefit a strong immune system.

70% of the immune system is located in the gut (another term for gastrointestinal tract)1. The gut is home to immune cells and beneficial bacteria. They work in harmony to protect the gut lining, help digest food, assist in toxin clearance and shield from invading bacteria and viruses. When this teamwork is disturbed in children, we can see changes in a child’s ability to fight infections.

As a child’s immune system is compromised, the common cold and digestive problems, such as loss of appetite, cramping, nausea and diarrhea, will be frequent concerns.

Therefore, the gut of a child needs to be carefully taken care of to enjoy optimal immunity and growth development.

How to keep your child’s gut healthy?

Today, researchers believe digestive problems such as diarrhea and constipation in children may be caused by disrupted gut health. Emerging evidence have shown that probiotics may benefit not only adults but also infant and children. Formulations containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains have repeatedly shown to help with such problems in children2,3.

Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are beneficial bacteria that already exist in a normal digestive system, so they are generally well tolerated by users. Keep in mind though, that the health benefits are strain-specific, and should be supported with high quality clinical studies.

References

1. Vighi, G., Marcucci, F., Sensi, L., Di Cara, G., & Frati, F. (2008). Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Clinical & Experimental Immunology, 153, 3-6.
2. Allen, S. J., Martinez, E. G., Gregorio, G. V., & Dans, L. F. (2010). Probiotics for treating acute infectious diarrhoea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (11).
3. Huang, R., & Hu, J. (2017). Positive effect of probiotics on constipation in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 7, 153