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Probiotics Benefits for Toddlers probiotic toddler

Let’s face it: No matter how many times you wash your toddler’s hands, he’ll catch a bug — an ear infection, a sore throat, or a gastrointestinal ailment — that will require antibiotic treatment sooner or later. probioticseverything.comprobiotic toddler

While antibiotics are great for eradicating bacterial infections, broad-spectrum antibiotics — those that kill both the nasty bacteria that causes sickness and the beneficial bacteria that keeps us healthy — can cause diarrhea, which is inconvenient and unpleasant. (Talk about adding insult to injury for your already irritable toddler.) probioticseverything.comprobiotic toddler

Giving your toddler probiotics, which are live, active, healthy bacteria found in supplements or foods like yogurt, is one strategy to control antibiotic-related diarrhea while your child is on antibiotics, aside from investing in extra-absorbent diapers.

Here’s all you need to know about toddler probiotics.

What are probiotics, exactly?
Probiotics are live, “good” microorganisms, such as bacteria, that can aid in the health of our intestines. probioticseverything.comprobiotic toddler

Some of these beneficial bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium members, are identical to the trillions of other good bacteria that already live happily in our gut, aiding digestion and warding off other, potentially hazardous species.

Is it safe to provide probiotic pills to toddlers?
Probiotics are usually thought to be safe for healthy toddlers and newborns (in fact, some infant formulas are fortified with probiotics). Even if you’re giving your child a supplement, it’s a good idea to ask your pediatrician which bacteria strain or brand of probiotics you should give him.

The reason for this is that dietary supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so there can be a lot of variation in manufacturing and it’s difficult to know exactly what you’re getting (what’s tested in a research study and what’s in a bottle at your local drugstore may or may not be the same thing). probioticseverything.comprobiotic toddler

While you’re at it, inquire with your pediatrician about how often you should give your toddler a probiotic supplement, especially if the packaging instructions are unclear.

What are the advantages of probiotics for children and toddlers?
Some probiotics have been shown in studies to assist youngsters avoid antibiotic-related diarrhea. As a result, pediatricians frequently advise children to take probiotics while taking antibiotics.

Because certain medications kill both good and bad bacteria, probiotics work as a reserve force, sending in reinforcements to boost the numbers of beneficial bacteria while crowding out the disease-causing germs. probioticseverything.comprobiotic toddler

These helpful little soldiers also help to reinforce the intestinal lining, making it less appealing for bad bacteria to thrive. They may also change the intestinal environment, making it more balanced and hence less desirable for bad bacteria. probioticseverything.comprobiotic toddler

According to other studies, probiotics can cut the duration of diarrhea in children who have gotten an illness by around one day. probioticseverything.comprobiotic toddler

For the time being, the strongest evidence for probiotics is for preventing and treating diarrhea caused by antibiotics, as well as infectious diarrhea contracted at day care and while traveling.

What forms of probiotics are best for toddlers?
When purchasing for probiotics for your toddler, keep the following in mind:

  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG): This strain has been demonstrated to aid with diarrhea on numerous occasions.
  • This strain of Saccharomyces boulardii is also suggested to aid youngsters with infectious diarrhea. probioticseverything.comprobiotic toddler

Keep in mind that the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium groups both include a lot of bacteria strains in supplement form, so it’s hard to say which ones are the most effective.

Inquire with your child’s pediatrician about which strains he or she suggests for your youngster.

Toddler foods that are high in probiotics
Probiotics are available as supplements, but it’s always a good idea to look for probiotics (and other nutrients) in natural foods whenever possible. The good news is that probiotics are already present in many healthful foods that your child may consume, such with yogurt.

Look for yogurt brands that say “live, active cultures” on the carton and don’t have any added sugars. Lactobacillus is commonly stated as L. acidophilus or L. rhamnosus, and some may expressly mention their strains of active cultures. Keep track of the expiration date, as probiotic efficacy might degrade over time. probioticseverything.com

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