Probiotics are taking over the shelves it seems at just about every grocery store. You may have recently found yourself intrigued by the amazing benefits from these gut-friendly bacteria. With all the benefits, many are now wondering how and if probiotics are just as helpful for children. Here is a quick guide with everything you need to know!
Understanding Prebiotics + Probiotics
We bet you’ve heard something about probiotics–that they’re the ‘good’ bacteria and help your gut. But what many people aren’t aware of, is that probiotics aren’t useful without prebiotics. Your body needs both for a happy gut, and many products out there just provide probiotics without the prebiotics.
In order to best understand how both prebiotics + probiotics will play a role in your children’s diet, it’s a good idea to begin with the basics. Essentially prebiotics are fiber that your body does not digest and instead is used to feed probiotics. Probiotics on the other hand are the good bacteria that live in your gut to help you maintain a happy and healthy gut.
While the conversation has mostly left out prebiotics, it is important to realize that probiotics need prebiotics to serve as fuel so that they can function properly. When looking for probiotics to add to your diet, it’s equally important to make sure you’re also welcoming prebiotics.
Prebiotics generally come from fibrous foods (vegetables and fruits) such as chicory root, asparagus, artichoke, garlic, onions, apples, etc. As most of us know already, unfortunately most kids aren’t getting their recommended daily servings of both vegetables and fruits, so their balance of prebiotics and probiotics are suffering as a result.
Benefits for kids
The greatest overall benefit that comes from probiotics is gut health. What a healthy and happy gut can do for your child includes:
- Reduce digestion issues
- Reduce stomach pains caused by antibiotics
- Avoid allergies and asthma in the future
Research is still being done on how different types of probiotics help the body. What most people agree with is that probiotics should be received through the consumption of food as opposed to a supplement. That’s it. Probiotic Bars are a convenient and allergy-friendly way of getting your daily dose of prebiotics + probiotics. They are a nutrient-rich, fruit-filled snack that can be enjoyed by both children and adults to get in your daily recommended servings of fruit. Try them today— your kids (and their tummy) will thank you!
Please consult your child’s pediatrician before making any drastic changes to your child’s diet.
Related Blogs
Two Surprising and Insanely Powerful Benefits of Probiotics
Why That’s it. Bars are Safe Snacks for Back to School
That’s it.’s Guide to the Amazingly Powerful Benefits of Probiotics
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5636929/
https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20101128/children-may-benefit-from-probiotics-prebiotics#1
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/19-best-prebiotic-foods#section9