Probiotics - The Good Bacteria

I've been wanting to discuss probiotics for a while now. If you or your child have never had a tummy or bottom issue before, then you may have never given probiotics a second thought. Until about 5 years ago, I never even knew much about probiotics except from the yogurt commercials claiming all that they can due to aid in your digestion (which is true by the way). I was a Marketing major in college so I tend not to buy into all of the gimmicks on commercials and in magazines. But in this case, that Activia commercial you saw was right. Yogurt does contains good bacteria necessary for properly regulating digestion.

My probiotics story began with my daughter, Grace. When she was about 2 years old we began noticing issues of multiple yeast irritations (not necessarily infections) and bathroom "troubles". After talking to my pediatrician and researching online, I decided that implementing a daily probiotic won't hurt her and could even possibly help her regulate her syste. Within a week we noticed a difference and she's been taking one ever since.

There are plenty of probiotics to choose from, but we like: Culturelle Kids Chewables

According to the World Gastroenterological Organization (WGO), there are many ways to achieve optimal digestion in addition to taking daily probiotics. Some of those ways, include:

1. Include foods rich in FIBER - fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts & beans.
2. Consume FISH 3-5 times a week to get your Omega 3's and/or take a daily Fish Oil supplement.
3. REDUCE intake of fried and high fat foods which are rough on your intestines.
4. Select LEAN cuts of meat - pork, chicken, and turkey.
5. Drink WATER (see Water...and those Other Drinks)
6. EXERCISE regularly. Even a daily walk will aid in proper digestion, as well as overall health.

Its important to know your own body and to help your kids understand theirs. When their tummy is constantly upset or if they are having trouble going to the bathroom (regularly) then its worth a conversation with their doctor about probiotics, I have found them to be a lifesaver for us, they may for you too!

For more information on the WGO, check out: http://www.worldgastroenterology.org/wdhd-2008.html