How gut health can help support kids’ immunity

The gut is home to 70 per cent of the body’s immune system and the bacteria in your child’s gut plays an important role in keeping them healthy.

There’s no doubt about it, gut health has become a hot topic in recent years.

We now know our gut microbiome (the bacteria that live in our gut) affects basically every aspect of our health, from digestion to mental health and immune health.

The microbiome is established in the early years of life, which is why maintaining good gut health in kids as early as possible is super important in setting them on a path to a lifetime of wellness.

Here are some strategies to help nurture your child’s microbiome.

1. Feed the good bacteria

Science has found that eating too much fat and sugar as a child can alter the microbiome for life. 

The good bacteria in the gut love a diverse diet and thrive on prebiotics (special plant fibres that feed the friendly bacteria in the gut) so think fruits, veggies, legumes, wholegrains, nuts and seeds. 

Some simple swaps to wholegrain bread and brown rice can help.

2. Embrace active cultures

Fermented foods are rich in live and active cultures (good bacteria) and have been shown to aid digestion, support immunity and increase the nutritional content of foods.

Not many kids are going to want to eat sauerkraut straight from their plate, so try introducing fermented foods slowly, adding a spoonful to a dish they love.

Yoghurts are great too, as long as they contain live cultures and aren’t packed with sugar.

3. Pets and dirt (yes dirt) are good

You might think it’s unclean but research suggests encouraging your kids to avoid dirt prevents the proper formation of healthy gut bacteria.

Owning a cat or dog can also be a good thing, according to research published in the journal Microbiome, which found children exposed to furry pets during infancy had higher levels of two types of bacteria that may protect against allergic disease and childhood obesity.

4. Amazing HMOs

What are HMOs, we hear you ask? 

HMO stands for human milk oligosaccharides (yes, HMO is much easier to say) — special prebiotics found naturally in breast milk that exclusively support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, where 70 per cent of the immune system resides.

There are more than 150 different HMOs in breastmilk, but 2’-FL HMO is the most prominent.

Through scientific innovation, structurally identical HMOs to those found in breastmilk can now be found in supplement form.

Biostime 2′-FL HMO ProBOOST + VIT D provides a convenient method of giving your child 2’-FL HMO and is available from pharmacies. It also contains vitamin D to support a healthy immune system, growth and development in children.

For children 12 months and older, simply mix one level scoop with water, milk or into a soft food of your choice once daily.

* This post is brought to you by Biostime Supplements. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. 2′-FL is not derived from breastmilk. Suitable for children 12 months of age and older.