What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are strains of bacteria that help to foster a healthy microbiome in the human body. The true definition is a bit more nuanced, though. Probiotics, which are found in fermented foods, enter the body through regular consumption. They get to work replacing harmful bacteria with bacteria that regulates bodily processes according to what is known to be a healthy part of the human microbiome. Probiotics essentially help to rid the body of harmful bacteria that can negatively impact the natural processes taking place in the human body. Typically taken over longer periods of time, probiotic treatments are not an immediate cure to bodily issues—rather, probiotic therapies work long-term to foster a holistic sense of healthy operation in the gastrointestinal tract and elsewhere in the body.How Long Have Probiotics Been in Use?
Probiotics were first discovered in the early 20th century by Russian-born scientist Élie Metchnikoff, later to be researched by hundreds of scientists. But, the use of probiotic-positive foods goes back much further than this. Metchnikoff was inspired by the fermented yogurt diets of the Steppe people, local to Central Asia. He attributed this diet—a tradition the people of the Steppe have carried on for centuries—to an incredible sense of health, along with longer lifespans. Centuries before them, the Greeks and Romans were eating cheeses and fermenting dairy products that they believed fostered greater overall health. Unknowingly, probiotics have been a part of healthy diets for, by some estimates, thousands of years.What are Probiotics Used For?
One of the most common uses for probiotics is to introduce and grow healthy bacteria within the colon. With all the different types of food we consume, oftentimes harmful bacteria are brought into the microbiome. These harmful bacteria will multiply in the body, causing the gastrointestinal tract to operate incorrectly. Problems with digestion, passing of stools, and other colon-related maladies create discomfort that, for babies, is extremely uncomfortable. Using probiotic supplements causes helpful bacteria species to replace harmful bacteria in the microbiome. This replacement of harmful bacteria sets the gastrointestinal tract on a course for more effective and efficient operation. This sets the stage for a healthier colon and, ultimately, less discomfort for the tummy.Probiotics for babies and kids have many uses, including but not limited to:
● Helping with symptoms of Colic & reducing gas ● Relieving occasional Constipation ● Promoting healthy digestion and a stronger immune systemHow Do You Take Probiotics?
For years probiotics have been consumed through fermented food such as cheeses and fermented milks and yogurts. Various new delivery methods of probiotics for babies and kids are making it easier to get probiotic into your child’s diet. Besides naturally occurring probiotics in foods, supplements are often mixed in with formulas and soft foods. As with all supplements, talk to your pediatrician before giving your baby any product.Delivery methods for probiotics include:
For Newborns & Infants:
Liquid probiotic drops can be mixed into breast milk or formula, or applied to breast during feeding. Mommy’s Bliss Probiotic Drops contain Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG; the most studied probiotic strain. If you are looking to boost your infant’s immunity over a shorter period of time, a good option is Mommy’s Bliss Probiotic Drops 15 Day Boost.6 months of age or older:
Probiotic powders: A product like Mommy’s Bliss Probiotics Powdered Packs make it easy to mix probiotics into your kid’s food or drink. Older kids can use these powder packs as a quick, direct out of the pack, on-the-go treat that also boosts gastrointestinal health and immunity.Are Probiotics Safe?
While in extremely rare cases researchers have noted side-effects of using probiotics, most all forms of probiotics are mild enough that no side-effects are recorded. For babies, the mildness of probiotic supplements is important considering the sensitivity of the infant gastrointestinal tract. Quality probiotic supplements will use natural ingredients and the simplest, most effective strains of probiotics to ensure they are easily digestible and safe for even the most sensitive baby tummies.Are Probiotics Good for Babies & Kids?
As babies and kids will sometimes develop unhealthy bacteria in the colon—which can happen for many different reasons—probiotics can help set the course for your baby to be healthier as time passes, and can help avoid some gastrointestinal issues that cause major discomfort for your baby.Frequently Asked Questions:
When should I use probiotics?
It’s suggested that mommies use probiotics for infants under one year. But, as probiotic foods and supplements are made to be mild, they can be used after your baby is older than one year. Start using probiotics, along with immediate-relief supplements like gripe water, when a baby is suffering from colic associated symptoms. While the gripe water will help ease the discomfort quickly, whatever probiotic supplement you use will help strengthen baby’s gastrointestinal tract over time. This may help to avoid instances of gastrointestinal distress in the future. Infant probiotics are also great for babies who are having difficulty passing gas.What methods can I use to give my baby probiotics?
The most common ways people use probiotics for babies is through probiotic drops like Mommy’s Bliss Probiotic Drops . These can be mixed with formula, breastmilk, or put on breast during breast feeding The mild probiotic formulas make these supplements easy for baby digestion. The unflavored drops and powders make adding these probiotics to the baby diet easy.How often should I use probiotic supplements?
Many probiotic formulas, including the Mommy’s Bliss line of products, should be used daily. While some are meant for prolonged use, there are also “boost” formulas for shorter cycles, such as Mommy’s Bliss 15 Day Boost.Wrapping It All Up
Probiotics for babies and kids are how moms can use the power of science and tradition to ease baby’s digestive and gas issues while also fostering a healthier immune system and gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics have passed the test of time as a safe and healthy way to make babies and kids tummies more comfortable as their bodies develop. Before giving your child probiotic products, it’s always advisable to consult a pediatrician. Also, you can see that mothers around the world have used probiotic products to help ease the discomfort caused by harmful bacteria. You’ll also want to know that the probiotic supplement you are using for those achy child’s tummies is the best you can possibly find. That’s why we believe the Mommy’s Bliss line of probiotic supplements are your best bet for healthier and happier babies and kids. Using only a single-strain lactobacillus rhamnosus GG probiotic, we have developed a mild and effective product to foster long-term colon and immune system health. Whenever considering probiotics for your child, going with the simplest form of single-strain ensures easy digestion.This site is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Please consult your physician or other health-care professional.
