Nurturing Little Tummies
A GUIDE TO SUPPORTING YOUR CHILDS MICROBIOME
Every week in clinic I see little ones dealing with allergies, eczema, constipation, low immunity, mood and behavioral challenges (anxiety, depression, ADHD etc) and I always circle back to gut health and more specifically, the microbiome.
What is the microbiome? It refers to the trillions of bacteria and microorganisms living with-in and on our bodies, influencing various systems, from digestion, immunity and the skin. In children, this microbial community is especially critical for healthy thriving bodies.
Why is it important for children to have a healthy microbiome?
Immune System Development - to fend off infections and illnesses.
Digestive Health - maintaining a healthy gut lining and digestion, absorption and assimilation of nutrients.
Mood & Behaviour - research highlights the link between the gut and brain health (gut-brain axis).
And so much more.
The microbiome is always changing based on what you eat, your sleep patterns, stress levels, what is in your environment and this is no different for children.
Understanding how to cultivate a healthy microbiome for our children is essential for their overall health as they grow and develop.
So, How Can You Support A Healthy Microbiome In Your Kids?
Pregnancy, Birth & Breastfeeding : this is really where it all begins. The mothers microbiome influences her developing baby. Studies show the placenta has beneficial bacteria that is passed to the baby. With vaginal births, babies engulf bacteria as they pass through the birth canal. These are the first microbes that populate a baby's microbiome. This is also why preconception care is so important in the lead up to pregnancy, but that’s a conversation for another day.
For C-section births : lots of skin-to-skin time and specific probiotic strains have shown to support the developing microbiome when the baby isn’t born via vaginal birth.
Breastfeeding (for those that can/choose to) provides essential nutrients for the baby and the development of a diverse/balanced microbiome. Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), a prebiotic in breast milk, supports the growth of Bifidobacterium, an important bacteria for reducing risk of autoimmune conditions, allergies, diabetes, eczema, ear infections, childhood obesity, and digestive upset (just to name a few).
Getting Out In Nature has been associated with a strengthened immune system via a more diverse and resilient microbiome, along with just being incredibly good for our kids' brains, mood and development. Right?! If all else fails, just go outside.
Offer a variety of nutrient rich foods we all know this, but did you know it’s important for bacterial diversity? Remember Monkey-See-Monkey-Do. If they see you eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy protein & fats, they’re more likely to try too. Prebiotic foods such as onion, garlic, leeks, bananas, apples (skin on), and berries contain non-digestible fibres which are delicious food for the beneficial bacteria.
Probiotic rich foods aka fermented foods - sauerkraut, kefir, fermented veggies and fruit, coconut yoghurt, greek yoghurt, fermented nut cheese, kimchi etc. Adding these to your childs (and your own) diet is one of the best things you can do for gut health. You can start giving babies ferments when they begin solids. This could begin with a small amount of the sauerkraut brine mixed into their food.
Highly processed and sugary foods Limiting these is key. I know, easier said than done sometimes hey! Just remember you are the gatekeepers to what your little ones eat everyday. Processed foods don’t feed the beneficial bacteria, quite the opposite, they are more likely to throw off the balance of bacteria causing an overgrowth of the wrong type.
Should you give your child a probiotic?
Children with eczema, those exposed to antibiotics, born through C-sections, or formula-fed can benefit from probiotic supplementation. These often include lactobacillus and bifido strains. However at TFN we believe in strain specific support where appropriate following gut microbiome testing.
What if you or your child has to have antibiotics?
Their use should be reserved for when it’s absolutely necessary. Antibiotics target harmful bacteria but unfortunately target beneficial bacteria too.
So, how can probiotics support your child's microbiome during antibiotic treatment?
It's recommended to take probiotics away from antibiotics, to reduce common side effects like upset tummies and diarrhoea.
Continue the use of probiotics (and probiotic-rich foods) beyond the antibiotic course to replenish beneficial bacteria. Be sure to complete the full antibiotic course, not stopping halfway.
Consult a qualified health practitioner to get the specific prebiotic and probiotic strains required plus the necessary gut healing support post use.
If breastfeeding, antibiotics pass through breast milk. Supplementing with probiotics and probiotic-rich foods can double the levels of immunoprotective compounds in breast milk to support your microbiome and your babies.
What specific clues might show up when your child needs microbiome support?
Digestive problems like bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea.
Frequent infections and illnesses seem to take a long time to heal.
Noticeable change in mood/behaviour/increased irritability.
Food sensitivities and adverse reactions.
Eczema, psoriasis, acne or persistent rashes.
Difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep.
Chronic Fatigue or even just a lack of energy.
Obesity or difficulties maintaining a healthy weight.
Allergies and Asthma.
Difficulty concentrating/learning, changes in the gut-brain axis can affect cognitive function.
Understanding the importance of the microbiome for children and implementing the above strategies to support its health is a gift we can give. By embracing nutrient-rich foods, limiting exposure to harmful chemicals, and fostering a connection with nature, we empower our children to thrive with a resilient and balanced microbiome.
If you would like to investigate this further, I offer naturopathic and nutrition consultations, alongside functional testing options, where we can dive much deeper into this with your child.
To make an appointment - www.thefloranaturopath.com.au/book-now
Email - hello@sarahjeanhealth.com
