How Can Probiotics Boost My Child’s Health?

Do you consider yourself a good Singaporean parent? Then you’re probably looking for ways to make sure your children grow strong, healthy, and happy. This often means having them eat wholesome foods or even take health supplements. 

One important matter that you shouldn’t ignore about your child’s health is probiotics. These are the “good” bacteria in our gut that support various bodily functions. It’s quite common for us adults to eat probiotic-rich foods and buy probiotic supplements in Singapore, but should we get them for our kids too? 

To help you decide, let’s first check out how they can boost our children’s wellbeing:

What Are the Health Benefits of Probiotics for Children?

• Improves Digestion - Probiotics aid the digestive system in breaking down food more effectively, which also improves bowel movements. This can be particularly helpful if your child is prone to problems like bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation. 

• Stronger Immune System - Probiotics also play an essential role in your child’s immunity by fighting off bad gut bacteria.  

• Absorb More Nutrients - A healthy gut biome helps our child’s body absorb more nutrients, which is important for their growth and overall development. 

• Healthier Skin - Is your kid prone to irritated skin? Some probiotic strains can help reduce the severity of skin problems like atopic dermatitis and eczema. 

Probiotic Sources For Your Kids

But how can we introduce our children to probiotics? You have two main options: through food or through health supplements. 

What Foods Are Rich in Probiotics? 

Some foods you can include in your child’s diet include: 

• Yoghurt - Be sure to buy varieties that indicate they have live and active cultures on the label. 

• Kefir - This food is like a thinner version of yoghurt which you can add to your kid’s breakfast smoothies or oatmeal. 

• Kimchi and Sauerkraut - These two can be acquired tastes for kids, so try out milder versions first even if your child is an adventurous eater. 

• Kombucha - This is a fizzy, fermented tea with a tangy flavour that your child might enjoy. Just make sure to buy low-sugar versions so you don’t have to deal with a hyper little one afterwards. 

• Cheese - If your child isn’t lactose intolerant, see if they’ll like cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, Swiss, and Parmesan. These are some of the many types of cheese that contain probiotics. 

Supplements As An Alternative

If your child has food allergies, is a picky eater, or if you want a particular strain, you can buy probiotic supplements from Singapore’s health shops instead. They come in different forms like capsules, chewable tablets, powders, syrups, and gummies. This gives you many options in case your kid doesn’t like one kind. 

But do make sure that you’re buying from brands that have been verified for their efficacy and safety. And even then, always remember to read the labels for any ingredients that might harm your child, like steroids or fillers. 

Infographic: 5 Benefits of Taking Daily Probiotics

Consult Your Paediatrician First

As healthy as probiotics can potentially be for your child, it would be wise to discuss this with their paediatrician first. They can better evaluate your kid’s condition and determine if probiotics can benefit them and, if so, what the recommended dosage is for them. 

A doctor can also help monitor your child for side effects and advise you to stop giving probiotics if necessary. 

Probiotics Can Help Build Your Kid’s Healthy Future

Probiotics are one of the many ways you can support your child’s health and development. However, always make sure to buy from reliable sources and consult a healthcare provider so your kid can be as safe as can be. 

When it comes to our little ones’ well-being and future, let’s always invest in the best for them. 

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