5 Benefits of Probiotic Foods for Kids

1) Probiotics Improve Gut Health For Kids

As you may recall from our previous blog post, probiotics are full of friendly, or “good,” bacteria. Our stomachs harbor billions of bacteria and, although a majority of these bacteria are relatively harmless, they affect your overall gut health. It is very important to maintain the right gut health for kids, because gut bacteria is linked to numerous health benefits like weight loss, digestion, skin health, and more.

According to the National Instute of Health (NIH), the friendly bacteria in probiotics restore the natural balance of gut bacteria. As a result of this rebalancing act, your child can experience a great number of health benefits, which we dive into further down the page. Probiotic foods and supplements can greatly benefit the gut health for kids.

2) Probiotic Foods For Kids Improve Health Conditions

Hopefully, your child does not suffer from many health conditions and is living an active and healthy life. But, it has been shown time and time and time again (per the NIH) that gut health is correlated to a number of medical conditions that younger children are more susceptible to. In fact, the American Academy of Family Physicians says that probiotic foods for kids may benefit your child if they have:

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Crohn’s disease

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Acid Reflux

Not only can probiotics improve these health conditions for your children but they’ll also undoubtedly provide you (the parent) some much needed relief, as well.

3) Probiotics Reduce The Severity of Allergies And Eczema

Allergies tend to arise early in life and, while allergies may be affected by genetics, they are mainly the result abnormal immune system reactions (kidshealth.org) to things that are usually harmless to most individuals. Additionally, eczema - a condition that makes skin red and itchy - has genetic implications as well, but is correlated to the health of your gut.

However, studies have shown that probiotic foods for kids (infants and young children) significantly lower eczema and allergy risk. And when expecting mothers ingest probiotics (healthline.com), their children can have an 83% lower risk of developing eczema in the first two years of life. While more studies are still being conducted, the evidence may already speak for itself.

4) Probiotic Foods For Kids Improve Immune System Responses

Aside from the immune system boost to the gut health of kids, probiotics have been shown to promote the production of natural antibodies in the body (NIH). These antibodies are the foundation of a strong immune system and can help protect against future infections. An improved immune system means less skipped days of school and less work for you, as a parent.

5) Probiotics Can Improve Mental Health Conditions

While it is unlikely that your child may suffer from a life-threatening mental health condition, such as depression, they could still have autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or other anxiety/stress related conditions. Probiotics are by no means a cure to these mental health conditions, but findings published in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility have shown that probiotic foods and supplements can improve these mental health conditions. Additional research is still being conducted, but probiotic foods for kids could be the boost your child needs to support their mental health.

Where Can I Get Probiotics For My Kids?

Through our partnership with LuckyVitamin.com, HopeNWellness offers a bounty of probiotic options to choose from and support the health of your child. You can purchase your first probiotic supplement, LuckyVitamin - Children's Probiotics Berry-Flavored Chewable Tablets, and you'll child will soon experience the health benefits probiotics have to offer.

HopeNWellness also supplies probiotic supplement options for different age groups, like infants and toddlers, young children, and even adults. One of the best options for your growing children could be the LuckyVitamin - Children's Probiotics 10 Strains Berry 2 Billion CFU - 120 Chewable Tablets: provides 2 billion CFU from a combination of 10 clinically validated probiotic bacterial strains designed to support gastrointestinal health and healthy immune system function. It’s a berry-flavored chewable probiotic supplement that your kids will enjoy!