Unless you’re living off the grid, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of probiotics.
“They’re part of a healthy diet!”
Or so they say. . .
But what “they” say isn’t enough to convince you Picky Parent. And for that, we say BRAVO! Because before we ever give our kids supplements, we need to know:
- What they are
- What they do
- Are they safe?
Let’s dive in!
What are Probiotics?
Here’s a question: When you hear the word “bacteria,” what do you think of?
Maybe the yucky kind that makes you sick???
If so, we wouldn’t blame you. Especially after this pesky virus that’s still on the loose!
But actually, not all bacteria are bad.
Lucky for us, we have some good guys on our side! And they go by the name — Probiotics.
Probiotics are healthy organisms you can consume through supplements or food that help keep your gut healthy.
Pretty cool huh?!
So now that we know what they are, let’s talk about what they do.
What Are The Benefits of Probiotics?
Like we said, probiotics have an important job — they keep your little ones tummy healthy.
So what does that mean?
Well, for one, it means a BALANCED gut. Which leads to better:
- Digestion
- Immunity
- Nutrient absorption
And in some studies, probiotics have also helped with:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
And if that’s not exciting enough, did you know that our stomach is sometimes referred to as our “second brain”?
That’s right.
There’s a close connection between our brains and our stomachs! And studies show that keeping a healthy stomach may positively influence brain development.
That’s what we in the picky eating business call a win-win!
But although there are many benefits to probiotics, it’s important to remember that every body is different. And each of our stomachs have a unique makeup of bacteria.
This means it might take trying a few different kids supplements before finding one that works for your little one.
Are Probiotics Safe For Children?
Now the big question. . . Are they safe?
While that answer is completely up to you, we will say that in most cases, the answer is YES!
While benefits vary from child to child, there are enough studies to show that probiotics are safe. *
* Because every kiddo is different we always recommend that you consult with a pediatrician before giving your little one any supplement.
How to add Probiotics to your kiddo’s diet
So after giving probiotics a big A-OKAY in safety, let’s get our hands (or should we say tummies) on some!
There are 2 ways your little one can benefit from all the goodness of probiotics.
Diet and Supplementation.
There are many foods that contain natural probiotics and are a great addition to a healthy diet for kids.
A few common ones are:
- Yogurt (but watch the sugar!)
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
But for Picky Eaters who wouldn’t dream of eating sauerkraut, taking probiotics as a supplement might be a better option.
Here are a few types of probiotic supplements:
- Kids Probiotic Powder
- Kids Probiotic Chewable
- Kids Probiotic Melts
Conclusion
Probiotics are safe and part of a healthy diet for kids. And adding them to your kiddo’s daily routine makes for a healthy, happy tummy!
If you’re ready to get all these yummy tummy benefits, try the best probiotic for toddlers.
With 4 of the BEST probiotic strains for kids, Renzo’s Yummy Tummy Probiotic is loved by Picky Eaters and approved by Picky Parents.
**The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease.