Eating a healthy diet is crucial for kids as they are constantly growing and developing both physically and mentally. Despite our best attempts, kids may suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Sometimes the deficiencies are due to diet or sometimes due to genetic mutations (such as MTHFR that affects nearly 50% of the global population and inhibits proper vitamin absorption).
While we understand that a balanced diet gives the necessary vitamins and minerals to the body, it is not always as easy as it sounds to provide kids with the nutrients they need. In addition to diet and genetic disorders such as MTHFR, there is growing literature and research about the gut and its role in cognitive, mood and body health as well as the number of ways we can support what many call, “The Second Brain”. Many malnourished kids experience hyperactivity, fatigue, autoimmune disorders, allergies, etc. In response to this, many parents are embracing natural supplements for kids to give them proper nutrition and are experiencing real results. Here we introduce the role of prebiotics, probiotics, methylfolate and vitamin D3.
Prebiotics are dietary fibers, which the body is unable to digest. They are found in foods such as legumes, onions, bananas, beans, etc. Probiotics are the live bacteria that are consumed through fermented dairy foods like aged cheeses, kefir, yogurt, etc. They are helpful in restoring the perfect balance of gut bacteria.
The connection between prebiotics and probiotics is that prebiotics help probiotics by acting as food to the good bacteria in the gut. Together, prebiotics and probiotics support the body in building as well as maintaining a healthy group of bacteria that helps digestion and gut health.
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As you know, kids are very choosy. They do not eat everything that is provided to them. So, there is a good chance that they won’t be naturally consuming enough prebiotics and probiotics in their food.
Another reason is that crops are aggressively cultivated on the same soil without a lot of turnover or additional soil and many times with toxic pest control. Additionally, this over-farming and over-cultivation contribute to the depletion of many food’s nutritional values. So, counting on supplemented prebiotics and probiotics for kids for a healthy gut has become important.
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Kids can face tummy troubles for a number of reasons. Rather than relying on gut stripping over-the-counter solutions, probiotics can come to rescue for kids. Probiotics get into action when there are fewer numbers of good bacteria in the body. They kick in to assist in balancing good and bad bacteria. This further helps in maintaining the proper functioning of the digestive system and the immune system of the body.
Parents usually look for multivitamins for kids. But considering probiotics supplements are an excellent addition. Apart from promoting immunity and balancing friendly bacteria in the digestive system.
They also offer other benefits. Some pros associated with probiotics are – improves mental health conditions, keeps the heart healthy, helps in maintaining a healthy weight, and many more. Probiotics also help in relieving issues such as flatulence, constipation, diarrhea and acid reflux. In fact, according to some research, probiotics also enhances gut immunity. Further, probiotics help in avoiding immune-related diseases and autoimmune disorders like colds, eczema, and asthma in children.
MTHFR is a genetic variant affecting a large part of the population that can be easily remedied and has real implications if it is not addressed. Methylfolate: The best form of folate supplementation for those affected by MTHFR.
It is estimated that between 5 and 10% of the global population has a gene variant that reduces MTHFR activity by 70%, while nearly 50% of people of European descent have a genetic variation that decreases MTHFR activity by as much as 35%.
If you fall into this population or descent, you are likely to be a victim of methylation deficiencies that can cause numerous issues with mood or the nervous or immune system as your body can become overloaded with toxicity and unable to properly absorb vitamins and minerals.
While we have long believed that folic acid is helpful and the same as folate, that is not 100% true for everyone. Folic acid when consumed by those with MTHFR who are missing the genetic version of this important enzyme, is unable to efficiently go through several enzymatic steps to become an active form of folate. Therefore, the process does not provide the body with the folate it needs to participate in the homocysteine-lowering step that results in the production of the safe amino acid methionine.
Methionine is essential to cellular function. Unfortunately, folic acid, while cheaper and readily available, is a homocysteine-lowering regimen that doesn’t work for the entire population.
Thankfully, doctors and the general population are becoming more knowledgeable. Instead of relying on the folic acid in your diet, supplement with L-methylfolate also known as methylfolate.
Hello Health supplements such as Feelin’ Belly Great starts with the active form of folate (methylfolate) so your body does not have to go through the process of conversion.
Additionally, coupling prebiotics, probiotics, methylfolate with vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol-D3) is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D3, calcium and phosphorus provide density and strength to the skeletal system and teeth for optimal health.
While it is a good idea to consult your doctor, it is vital to note that the FDA does not consider probiotics as a medicine, but instead as a food product. Probiotics are of different types like saccharomyces, bifidobacterium, and lactobacillus. Where saccharomyces boulardii is a yeast type probiotic, which helps in treating gastrointestinal (GI) problems. Lactobacillus is found in fermented foods and yogurt, and it helps with diarrhea. Bifidobacterium is found in dairy products and it treats irritable bowel syndrome. It is clear that probiotics are safe for kids as they provide relief from tummy troubles.
Next Steps
When evaluating supplements, it can be best to look for natural ingredients, made in the USA, non-GMO and manufactured in a cGMP facility. Natural supplements focused on providing a healthy gut and a means to allow for proper nutrition are important factors for kids. Optimizing you and your child’s health takes work and support. It is suggested that you talk to a pediatrician to know the proper dosage for your child. Stay safe and give the best to your kids by going natural!
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† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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