Back to School: Protecting the Immune System of Little Ones

With the days getting shorter, the breeze gradually cooling and the media announcing back-to-school specials, the collective clock strikes the eminence of the return to school.

With the return to school, sometimes dreaded and sometimes long awaited, comes a mountain of logistics. Purchasing school supplies and establishing a routine are just a few concerns. Many parents also feel the anticipation of the return of germs in the household, from relentless runny noses to gastro outbreaks. Schools and daycares are incubators of germs to which children are exposed for several months a year and which, unfortunately, trigger many illnesses and illnesses in children.

This year, rather than suffering the effects of these microbes, be prepared to face them. And this is happening now, by strengthening the intestinal flora of children.

Back to school: Understanding the importance of a child’s intestinal flora

Although we must be wary of germs that can make children sick, recent decades have allowed science to demonstrate that the vast majority of bacteria are beneficial to humans. In fact, not only are they beneficial, but they are vital and they provide defense against harmful organisms called pathogens (viruses, opportunistic bacteria, parasites, etc.). These beneficial bacteria protect the body by providing a defense system, both inside and outside the body. In the digestive tract is one of the body's largest defense systems, the intestinal flora.

Healthy intestinal flora performs several important roles including digestion of fiber, detoxification of certain toxic substances, production of neurotransmitters, construction and maintenance of the immune system. ^1,2,3,4

At this time of going back to school, it is better to ensure the good balance of the intestinal flora so that the immune system is strong and solid to face the germs that children will encounter in abundance. These 100,000 billion bacteria housed in the intestines will soon be put to the test; They deserve a little help! ⁵

Back to School: Taking Probiotics for Good Immune Health

In order to strengthen the intestinal flora of children and thus maintain and strengthen their immunity, taking probiotics is highly recommended.

According to a systematic review carried out by the most recent Cochrane review, probiotic supplementation helps reduce respiratory tract conditions in children, both in frequency, intensity and duration. Taking probiotics also reduces the use of antibiotics and reduces the rate of absenteeism by promoting better healing. ⁶

In addition, a balanced intestinal flora supported by probiotics helps reduce the risks of gastroenteritis. This gastrointestinal condition, so feared by parents, is very widespread in schools and daycares, environments at risk for the spread of rotavirus, often responsible for epidemic viral gastroenteritis in children. ⁷

To ensure your child enjoys a healthy start to the school year, add a probiotic supplement to their diet now. Ready-to-drink formats Bio-Kidz containing 12.5 billion bacteria per serving are very popular with children – and their intestinal flora! Indeed, the effectiveness of the bacterial strains patented by Bio-K+ has been demonstrated in the clinic on numerous occasions. ^8,9

Each cup Bio-Kidz charms children who enjoy consuming probiotics in a form, texture and taste reminiscent of ready-to-drink yogurt. The formula based on fermented milk has a strawberry taste which appeals to children just as much as the vegan version in which the pea base is enhanced with a succulent raspberry flavor.

Childhood Immune Health: Should You Always Supplement With Probiotics?

While probiotic supplementation helps strengthen the human intestinal flora, a balanced diet helps maintain its integrity in a healthy individual.

At the start of the school year, when immune defenses will be put to the test and children will experience adaptation stress that weakens immunity, it is better to supplement. ¹⁰

Other life circumstances may require supplementation. Taking probiotics is recommended if your child:

• has a skin disorder, including eczema;
• has an autism spectrum disorder;
• often has a stomach ache;
• has abnormal stools (diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of the two)
• has allergies;
• receives treatment with antibiotics;
• is experiencing a period of stress (physical or psychological stress);
• being around contagious people/peers

To maintain healthy intestinal flora through diet and lifestyle, encourage your child to:

• playing outside (the organisms present in the earth are beneficial for human flora);
• eat an abundance of fruits, vegetables and whole grains;
• avoid sugary and highly processed foods;
• consume lacto-fermented products;
• have good sleep hygiene;
• manage your stress

Don’t wait for colds, flu and gastrointestinal illness to knock on your door! Stock up on Bio-Kidz now and encourage your child to adopt healthy lifestyle habits while incorporating probiotics.

Happy back to school!

About the author

Naturopaths from La Boite à Grains

Team of qualified and certified naturopaths (ND) in Gatineau in Outaouais.

Original article written by Véronique Cousineau, Naturopath

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