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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!

It is not uncommon or unnatural for certain parents to second guess their ways and means of parenting when, their child responds differently to certain sensory stimuli as compared to others.

Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder

Essentially Sensory Processing Disorder (SDP) is a medical condition in children in which the brain does not receive certain sensory impulses, thereby resulting in lapse of responses from the brain.

Certain children exhibit a hypersensitive response to sensory inputs like, being startled on loud noise or, feeling claustrophobic. Hyposensitivity symptoms are seen in children who are extremely clingy and fail to comprehend the importance of personal space. Essentially, such children are impervious to change and do not take instructions well.

6 ways to tackle sensory issues and picky eating in children

Picky eating in children is every mother’s agony! However, one cannot blame the child for his misplaced sensory responses to certain food smells, shapes and texture. In such cases, patience and perseverance are the keys to help the child adapt to the change in the diet.

1. Make a list of vegetables that your child has been cautiously avoiding. Try out recipes with the rejected ingredients and introduce them in a different way. For instance, vegetable cream soup with freshly toasted breads can be a welcome change from the mundane lunch routine of flatbreads and vegetables.
2. When you introduce a new vegetable or a protein, make sure that you also keep familiar components in the diet, given that children suffering from SPD are averse to change.
3. Include your child in your cooking team. Involve your child in baking cakes and making ice creams. Introduce fruits and vegetables here and, you will find their connection unfolding with colours and textures.
4. Make sure the plate is appealing visually. For instance, a vegetable roll with a smiley and, with a catchy name like – Funky Monkey can be more interesting than the regular triangular shaped bread!
5. Be honest. Instead of sliding beetroot slices inconspicuously between the sandwich, tell your child that, he has a yummy sandwich with little amount of pickled beetroots that will give him all the Vitamin A and Iron he needs!
6. Include your child in your day to day house old chores. For instance, creases disappearing from clothes when ironing and, stains fading from clothes during rinsing clothes can play a crucial role in getting the child to connect with the change. This also aids in building self dependence in children.

Importantly, be an example to your child. Eat as a family. Speak to your child a lot. Engage him in conversations about how good food makes good health. If the child plays with food, do not curb it rudely. Be patient and yet, strict. Set the time limit and, a couple of weeks in discipline will definitely give a positive result, if not on a large scale.

It is important to remember that Rome was not built in a day. So, do not expect instant results. Rewiring nerve impulses with the above mentioned approach requires tonnes of patience and perseverance. And, kindness and sensitivity go a long way in helping the child comprehend the nuances of sensory perceptions.

An unhealthy diet will lead to poor digestion and yeast overgrowth leading to increased craving for sugar. Hence it is important to follow a healthy diet for your child.

Below are 4 best practices that will ensure your child gets his daily dose of nutrients

1. Supplements

If your child is a picky eater, then consider adding supplements like multi-vitamin tablets rich in iron, calcium and vitamin D into his diet. Including probiotics is also a good option.

2. Be a healthy role model

Children learn by observing the behavior of their parents. So if you make healthy choices, your kids will also begin to take your example.

3. Practice the “one bite” rule

The one bite rule encourages picky eaters to try at least one bite of all the things that is served. This will expose the child to new food and they will eventually begin to try foods by themselves.

4. Cook together

Allow the child to make his own sandwich by offering a choice of healthy toppings of fruits and vegetables along with an array of cheese spread and eggs. This will spark interest in the child to eat his hand made meal.

Kids are more likely to taste the food if it is visually appealing to them. So let your imagination run wild. Use different cookie cutters to cut the food into fun shapes. Reading books with lively pictures of fruits and vegetables will also help add fun to eating.

Probiotics are generating a lot of buzz due to the following points.

• Clinical studies have suggested that probiotics are useful for easing colic pain in infants.
• If a child has diarrhea, administering probiotics is known to reduce its severity.
• It is also beneficial for managing Eczema due to milk allergies
• It is a natural way to manage tender tummies

But there is a catch! The results mainly depend on choosing the right probiotics as different probiotics have different strains which may or may not be effective on your child.

Below are 8 best strains that are well studied and considered important in any probiotic drink.

1. Bacillus Subtilis
2. Lactobacillus acidophilus
3. Bifidobacterium Lactis
4. Bifidobacterium Longum
5. Lactobacillus Case
6. Lactobacillus Plantarum,
7. Bifidobacterium Breve
8. Lactobacillus Casei

Probiotics can be either single strain or multiple strains. Hence it is vital to know the correct combination of strains and the exact dosage in order to witness noticeable improvement in your child’s health.

Probiotics are known to be generally safe for a wide population of children. So indulge your kids with a yummy probiotic filled yogurt or delicious smoothies. But if you are unsure consult your child’s pediatrician before introducing probiotics to kids.

Below is a list of 7 best supplements for kids.

1. Probiotics

Children can largely benefit from good quality probiotics as it is a great source of good bacteria that helps to destroy the bad bacteria in the body. It aids better digestion, helps to avoid constipation, and builds immunity.

2. Cod liver oil

It is basically fish oil which is available as a gel and also as capsules. Kids who regularly consume this are found to be calmer and have high concentration levels. Vegetarians can opt for algae sourced options to fulfill their nutritional requirement.

3. Minerals

A multi-mineral supplement that contains zinc, calcium and magnesium helps in muscle development and nerve function.

4. Colostrum

Colostrum supplements help reduce the risk of respiratory illness, stomach virus and frequent cold in children who have weak immunity systems.

5. Vitamin D

It helps the body to absorb calcium more effectively which leads to the development of stronger bones.

6. Vitamin K2

It helps to maintain bone density by binding calcium to the bones. It also removes calcium from places it is not required so that it does not get deposited in our arteries.

7. B12

It is required by the body to build red blood cells and supports nerve development. B12 deficiency can cause anemia and neurological disorders.

1. Digestive issues

If your child constantly complains of stomach pain and is constipated, it’s an indication that his digestive system is compromised. A high fiber diet consisting of oatmeal, beans, chia seeds and plenty of fruits and vegetables will greatly benefit the child.

2. Irritability

Poor diet has been linked to attention deficit disorders, irritability and aggression in kids. Hence it is imperative to maintain a healthy diet plan that will reduce the chances of behavioral issues.

3. Lack of focus

A child’s diet should comprise of protein, fiber and fat in perfect balance which will prevent surge in blood sugar levels that cause energy dips that leads to lack of concentration.

4. Craving for sugar

Sugar is a slow poison and hence handing down sweets as a reward should be strongly discouraged among kids. A diet with high level of sugar is tied very closely to ADHD as they disrupt the chemicals in the brain.

5. Hyperactivity

Feeding a child junk food such as burgers and fries with a can of soda is a sure short formula of raising a hyperactive kid. Therefore cut back on sugar and encourage the child to pick up healthy eating choices which will help in his overall physical and mental development.

1. Dairy

If you see your child experience discomfort after eating milk or milk products, then it means the child is lactose intolerant because the body is not capable of digesting lactose. The child will seem irritated due to cramps, painful gas and stomach pain.

2. Eggs

If the child develops a rash or has vomiting or wheezing after consuming eggs, then it indicates that the child is allergic to egg. This may lead to fatigue and slowed thought process.

3. Gluten

Some children are allergic to protein in Wheat, Rye, Oats and Barley. This is an indication that of gluten intolerance. Gluten that is not processed by the body gets deposited as sticky residue that lines the digestive track leading to tiredness and brain fog.

4. Sugar

If your child’s diet is dominated by sugar, it may lead to Candida which is due to overgrowth of yeast in the body. This can affect the behavior of children having ADHD and Autism.

5. Shellfish

Shellfish can have severe allergic reaction in children. It ranges from mild rashes to difficulty in breathing and passing out.

6. Soy

It is found commonly in most processed food. It is a rich source of magnesium but if consumed in excess can lead to poor concentration and neurological problems.

7. Foods High in Salicylate

Salicylate is a naturally occurring immune hormone present in fruits and vegetables. If children are allergic to salicylate then they may display symptoms like aggressive behavior, bed wetting, excessive thirst and hyperactivity.