It is all in the gut! Apparently, this statement rings true in almost every medical affliction that adults and children are affected with.
It is a bizarre fact that approximately 80 percent of our entire immune system operates from the digestive tract. Known as enteric nervous system, the gut is often referred to as the second brain for humans! Hence, many health issues such as autism, chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalance and joint pains are associated with anomalies in the digestive tract.
Our digestive tract contains probiotic bacteria that are responsible for absorption of nutrients and, fighting infections caused by foreign triggers. Besides, they produce Vitamin B12, Vitamin K2 and butyrate. They also stimulate secretion of IgA (antibodies in the mucous lining of the GI tract) and T Cells (Lymphocytes that provide immunity at a cellular level).
Probiotic deficiency: Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms exhibited by your child if suffering from probiotic deficiency are as listed below:
- Extreme mood swings
- Loss of appetite
- Picky eating
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Hives
- Bloating
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Itching in the rectum
- Urinary infections
Probiotic deficiency: Solution
Children need more probiotic supplements with their food given that, their immune system is still developing. To help them resist common cold, flu and other gastric conditions, following points must be considered.
- Avoid giving processed foods and, confectionaries with high content of white sugar to your children. High sugar content can kill the natural probiotic bacteria in the gut, leading to health issues. Besides, never give caffeinated beverages to your child.
- Include naturally fermented foods in your child’s diet such as yogurt, Idlis and dosas (Indian version of rice buns and pancakes) and jaggery/palm sugar. Other probiotic rich foods include fermented soya beans, pickles, finely cut cabbage (sauerkraut) and fermented millets.
- Power naps for a child should not exceed an hour in the afternoon. And, eight to nine hours of sleep in the night is mandatory for a healthy digestive system in a child.
- Inculcate a disciplined lifestyle in your child’s life. “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy and wise” must not only be preached but followed too.
Probiotic supplements are also available over the counter. Incorporate them in your child’s diet naturally or through supplements and, boost your child’s immune system. After all, it is all in the gut!
