This post is sponsored by GoodBelly Probiotics.

Probiotics for Kids and Babies

As a dietitian and mama, gut health is super important to me and my family of 4, especially with two germy little ones. #momlife right? So today I’m sharing all about probiotics from the best probiotics for kids and babies to why probiotics are good for you and how to improve your gut health naturally + a new recipe for Strawberry Ginger Probiotic Smoothie to help get your kids to take their probiotics. 

Why are probiotics good for you?

Probiotics are living microorganisms that can provide health benefits to the gut, which makes up 70% of your immune system! Here’s why probiotics are good for you.

• Creates a balanced digestive environment

• Assists in protecting the body from pathogens by restoring the gut’s protective barrier

• Probiotics feed off of the same nutrients as unfavored bacteria which can starve the bad bacteria

• Helps lower the gut’s pH allowing for better absorption of nutrients and minerals and decreasing the likelihood of bad bacteria surviving in a low pH environment

So you know, live and active cultures aren’t always probiotics. And not all probiotics are created equal as different strains of probiotics possess different effects, so it’s important to know the type of strain you’re taking as well as its potential benefits.

Should your baby or toddler take probiotics?

A few studies have examined the health benefits of probiotics for kids and babies. One study found probiotics to be an effective method in preventing the likelihood of childhood eczema. Another recent study showed that probiotics can reduce crying in breastfed babies with colic.

We started probiotics right away with both of my boys and continued through the first year and beyond. Of course, it’s always important to talk with your child’s pediatrician before implementing a new routine or trying probiotics for kids and babies.

What causes bad bacteria in the gut?

If you’re struggling with stomach pain, digestive issues, cramping constipation, bloating, gas, or feeling run down, a disturbance in your intestinal microbiota may be to blame. If harmful bacteria take over, it throws your gut microbiome off balance.

These are the different factors that contribute to a healthy gut; balancing out these areas can help to improve gut health naturally. 

• Exercise
• Diet
• Stress
• Medication
• Lifestyle
• Age

Can I take probiotics with antibiotics?

Yes! Anytime you’re on antibiotics, it wipes out the bad bacteria making you sick but also clears out the good guys living in your gut too. So flooding your body with probiotics is a strategy most doctors recommend when they prescribe antibiotics to replenish your gut flora.

It’s important to remember to take probiotics either two hours before or after your antibiotics (otherwise the antibiotic will kill them).

When is the best time to take probiotics?

Whenever you can remember! Unless you’re on antibiotics (*see note above). Probiotics can be taken any time of the day – morning, afternoon or night and before or after food. Try testing out different routines to decide what works best for you.

I keep my probiotic drinks conveniently located in the front of the fridge so that I remember to take them first thing in the morning.

Good Belly Probiotic Drinks

I’m partnering with GoodBelly Probiotics for a 12 Day Gut Reboot with the entire fam – yep, the 3 year old and soon to be 1 year old are doing this reboot with me and the hubs!

GoodBelly is all about the science behind probiotics and the specific strains that have been well-documented and researched.

Their probiotic drinks contain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, also known as LP299V, which has been backed by more than 20 years of research.

Here’s what you need to know about Lactobacillus plantarum:

• Naturally occurring in the gastrointestinal tract of humans

• Thrives in acidic environments such as our stomachs and juice drinks

• Has been shown effective in supporting healthy digestion by adhering to and colonizing in the gastrointestinal tract

 

Probiotic strains and numbers important.

You can count on GoodBelly to tell you exactly how many you are getting in each of their products! Numbers are conveniently listed on the front of their beverage products. Each one contains 20 billion – 50 billion probiotics per serving depending on the beverage!

GoodBelly Probiotics offers a variety of probiotic products including juice drinks, shots, protein shakes, and infused beverages.

My all time favorite are the GoodBelly Probiotic Shots. These non-GMO, vegan, soy & dairy-free drinks also come in two varieties of shots – plus and straight. They also have some gluten-free options! Good Belly shots not only contain essential vitamins, they’re also a source of 20 billion digestive balancing probiotics!

Forget to take your vitamins? Good Belly shots are a convenient and incredibly tasty way to get your probiotics.

How to get kids to take probiotics.

 

So you know the benefits of probiotics for kids and babies, but may be wondering how I get probiotics into my little ones. And while my toddler loves the smiley face on the GoodBelly Shots, my tried and true way of getting the best bugs into their tummies is by blending up this Strawberry Ginger Probiotic Smoothie.

If you want to get started take the 12 day reboot with us, jump on over to GoodBelly’s website for a sweet coupon to get you started.

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