Strengthening their kids’ immunity has been a growing concern among parents in recent years. With so many bugs and viruses about, it’s become more important to protect your child’s immune system.
One of the ways that parents have been doing this is through probiotics.
There has been overwhelming research that probiotics is not only related to gut health but also to immunity.
In this episode of AskMeDoctor!, Motherhood interviewed Dr Hieu Yu Jin, a paediatrician at Mini Child Specialist Clinic, to gain some valuable insights on how probiotics can support your child’s immune system.
Q1: What are probiotics and how do they improve your health?
Yes, probiotics are live microorganisms that help your health in different ways when you eat enough of them.
People often call them ‘good bacteria’ because they help keep a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut, which is important for the body’s health as a whole.
You can get probiotics naturally from foods like yoghurt, kefir, pickles, and kimchi. Probiotics are also available in the form of a supplement.
Normally we consume a wide range of generic probiotics but actually now there are clinically-tested probiotics to support targeted health concerns.
While they are often associated with digestive health, research suggests that probiotics can also play a crucial role in strengthening the immune system.
Studies have shown that probiotics lessen the duration of cough and flu and the need for antibiotics, especially in children.
It helps with reducing sick days, helping kids learn better, play better, and have fewer missed school days.
Probiotics ultimately supports a child’s overall growth and development.
Q2: How can probiotics help improve our immune health?
The gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play an essential role in the immune system—which help in various processes such as digestion, absorption of nutrients, and the maintenance of a healthy gut barrier.
Did you know that almost 70% of your body’s immune cells is located in the gut?
Research has shown that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system. For instance, imbalances in the gut microbiota have been linked to various immune-related disorders.
Probiotics help support the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and the immune system by regulating the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, reducing inflammation, and producing antimicrobial compounds that kill harmful pathogens.
Unfortunately, when we prescribe antibiotics for kids, some of the good bacteria in their gut is also affected. So, it’s not uncommon for doctors nowadays to prescribe probiotics concurrently with antibiotics.
This helps maintain a health and balanced microflora in the gut. Especially with these adequate immune-boosting probiotics which helps the child recover quicker and faster as well.
Q3: What specific strains of probiotics have been shown to be effective in boosting the immune system?
There are several strains of probiotics that have been shown to have immune-boosting properties.
Some of the most studied strains include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Saccharomyces boulardii.
These strains have been found to help support the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies, improving gut barrier function, and reducing inflammation.
You may be asking why probiotics is so important. It can help prevent harmful pathogens from entering the bloodstream and causing infections.
This is important because the gut is the first line of defence against harmful pathogens, and a healthy gut barrier is crucial for a strong immune system.
Q4: How can a parent determine which probiotic supplement to give their child?
It’s essential to choose a probiotic supplement that contains specific strains of probiotics that have been shown to have immune-boosting properties.
Well-researched and carefully selected strains, like L. acidophilus and B. Lactis BL-04, helps promote gut health and actively work with immune cells to protect you and your child from pathogens.
By preventing pathogen invasion and boosting immune cells to protect our body in standby mode, it provides ageless, long-lasting immune protection for your child and also the whole family.
It’s never too late to start on probiotics, and starting early may prevent allergies or health issues as the child grows up.
Q5: Can probiotics be taken with other medications?
Yes, probiotics are generally safe to take with other medications.
However, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new supplements or medications, especially if your child has any underlying health conditions.
Probiotics are generally safe for children. But it’s important to choose a probiotic supplement that is made for kids and has strains that are safe and effective for their age group.
It’s also a good idea to talk to your paediatrician before giving your child any new supplements.
Boost Your Child’s Immune System with BiO-LiFE
BiO-LiFE Imunix contains 2 probiotics strains in one capsule which are Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis BL-04.
Both probiotics strains work together to improve the growth of beneficial bacteria.
It is suitable for both children aged 2 years old and above.
BiO-LiFE Imunix is perfect for:
- Those who hope to improve beneficial intestinal microflora
- Those who wish to maintain body’s physical wellbeing
- Those who always fall sick and wish to strengthen their immune system
If your kid suffers from bowel problems and falls sick frequently, try out BiO-LiFE Imunix to help restore their gut ecosystem and improve immunity. For better health for years to come.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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