The science of probiotics

Allow your kids to discover things, engage in different activities, and play with other children without worrying about their health. Let them explore the world around them with the protection from probiotics.

Probiotics are live and good microorganisms that contribute in achieving optimal health. They can help your children maintain healthy digestive and help support in strengthening immune systems. 

With the help of probiotics, you know that your kids can fight off certain diseases and infections even if they become exposed to germs and viruses.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are often called “good bacteria” as they are very beneficial to the human gut. They help reinforce gastrointestinal health by balancing the digestive system. If there’s an unnatural balance of the digestive system, this can affect other body functions, such as the immune function, and could cause diseases.

Some foods like growing up milk are fortified with probiotics as healthy nutritional ingredients. José Saavedra, a well-known gastroenterologist, says that fortifying foods goes a step further than providing basic nutrients for growth and development.

“The inclusion of probiotics (in food) addresses an important objective of nutrition: supporting and modulating children’s immune system,” Saavedra says.

The Nestlé Research Center in Lausanne, Switzerland collaborated with Imperial College London on a research saying that probiotic drinks and yoghurts help improve the health of the gut.

How do probiotics work?

Probiotics promote a healthy gut. They help the digestive system recuperate after children have been treated with antibiotics. Probiotics restore the good bacteria that were destroyed by medication.

They can also be used to offset the side effects from antibiotics like diarrhea and gas.

Another benefit of probiotics is they increase the absorption of nutrients in food. Since probiotics help prevent intestinal infection, the body is more likely to absorb more and better nutrients needed for normal growth.

Earlier studies about probiotics also say that they help prevent bowel conditions, protect kids against allergies, and reduce the risk of colon cancer. They used as well to relieve symptoms of lactose intolerance- a condition in which the gut doesn’t have enough enzymes to digest milk sugar.

Are probiotics and prebiotics the same?

Probiotics are usually confused with prebiotics. Although both help in balancing bacteria in the digestive system, prebiotics are non-digestible ingredients of food that stimulate the growth of microorganisms present in the gut.

Sources of prebiotics include fruits, legumes, and whole grains. However, some milk brands are now fortified with prebiotics so children can maintain a healthy digestive system.

Is it in the label?

Growing kids need sufficient amount of probiotics to maintain the health and structure of their gastrointestinal tract and help improve their immune system. It is recommended to check the label of your kids’ milk to know if it has the right amount of probiotics that your children need.

Protect your kids from illnesses during this time of discovery by strengthening their immunity with a healthy diet that includes probiotics and prebiotics from their growing up milk.