Learn how to improve the gut microbiome of your kids and infants, to improve the growth and development of your children for years to come.
A healthy gut microbiome is an essential part of a healthy body. We continue to learn how influential it is for body and brain growth, brain functioning, immune system development, skin health, body composition, and mood regulation. As our knowledge of the gut microbiome continues to evolve, one thing that remains true is the importance of optimizing the gut microbiome of kids and infants.
The goal is to improve the health of the gut microbiome by increasing beneficial gut bacteria. The first steps include establishing a healthy gut microbiome from birth onward. This is followed by promoting the growth of those healthy bacteria, as well as preventing the death of those healthy bacteria.
HOW TO OPTIMIZE INFANTS & KIDS GUT MICROBIOME
- Encourage natural childbirth options and vaginal births.
- Breastfeed your newborn and infant when able. If you are unable to breastfeed due to low milk supply, consider reaching out for local breastmilk donation services.
- Introduce a variety of foods to your children after 6 months, including those with high allergen potential. Solid Starts is an amazing resource for parents navigating the world of food introduction.
- Focus on a diverse diet that is full of whole foods, high in vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, fermented foods, whole grains, fatty fish, and meat.
- Let your children get dirty and avoid over sanitization.
- Avoid antibiotics unless absolutely necessary.
- Avoid environmental toxins by avoiding plastic, BPA, and toxic household chemicals and body products.
- Eat probiotics rich foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, fermented vegetables, and kombucha.
- Give your children daily probiotics.
- Eat prebiotic rich foods such as garlic, onions, dandelion greens, asparagus, oats, leeks, apples, and bananas.
- Focus on whole body health, by optimizing your child’s sleep, stress levels, physical activity, emotional health, and elimination.
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