So once we have a better understanding of just how important it is to maintain good gut health, it goes without saying that most parents are keen to find ways to Improve Gut Health in our children too.
Why Are Your Children’s Gut Health Important at a Young Age
Research shows that our gut microbiome is well established by the age of 4 or 5, and so the early years of childhood are really crucial when it comes to getting things off to a good start for our kids. But of course, it's never too late to make positive changes either.
Starting A Good Daily Routine for maintaining a good gut health
Although there are various ways to encourage a healthy gut, our diet is responsible for around 75% of the variation of our microbiome so it's extremely important to focus on what we're feeding our children in order to keep their guts as healthy as possible.Introducing gut healthy habits into your childs daily routine from a young age is a great way to Improve Gut Health - here's an example of a gut healthy routine:
Breakfast - Encourage intake of beneficial bacteria through foods such as yoghurts and kefir which are ideal for breakfast times. Try to cut down on sugary cereals where possible, as sugary and processed foods can inhabit the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Lunch - The phrase "Eat The Rainbow" is a great one to keep in mind, as encouraging intake of a good variety of fruits, berries and vegetables is one of the best things we can do to encourage gut health. Try to stick with wholegrain breads where possible too.
Dinner - Try to add in some potatoes often as these prebiotics which support gut health, as well as some healthy fats such as avocado or coconut. It's also well worth adding in a supplement to support your gut health too.
Best Food and Supplements for Their Gut
There are lots of articles out there full of tips for feeding kids a gut healthy diet, but here are some basic tips to get you started:
*Fermented Foods such as yoghurts, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut are known to be very beneficial for gut health*Protein rich meats, fish and plant based options*Wholegrain options for bread, pasta and cereal are best for gut health*Healthy fats such as avocado and coconut*Potatoes*Plenty of Fruit and vegetables
As for supplements, stick with a reputable brand and look for a supplement that has a good amount of live bacteria per dose such as Bio-Kult.
As well as managing your childrens gut health through diet, it's also advisable to keep antibiotic use to a minimum where possible and discuss any concerns with your GP.
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