Photo Credit: by freepik.com
It cannot be understated how important it is to support our children’s growth – physically and emotionally. As they grow, so too does the bustling village of bacteria that make up the gut microbiome. This unique ecosystem of microbes is critical to our overall health, especially our immune system – that battalion of cells that ward off infection. The critical growth period begins at birth and continues through age three (toddlers, 1–3 years). After this stage, the gut microbiome reaches an adult-like composition around ages 3–5 and continues to mature throughout childhood, particularly during the school-aged years (5–12 years). Next, we will discuss the gut microbiome, how we can support it, and what it does for our bodies.
Meet the Microbes: A Mini Microbial Community
As our children grow, their gut microbiome rapidly expands, supporting important functions. These bacteria, which make up the gut microbiome, first develop at birth and continue to grow. Their gut health is influenced by a multitude of factors, including diet, environment, and how they were born (how they were delivered at birth). While maintaining gut health is important for proper gut function, it is equally important for maintaining a healthy immune system. A staggering 80% of our immune cells are contained within the gut. To add to this, many neurotransmitters (or nerve messengers) are made within the gut, forming what is termed the “gut-brain axis”. Recent studies suggest that maintaining a balanced, healthy gut microbiome may also be linked to mental health, indicating that a healthy gut likely plays an important role in your child's emotional well-being. One such study, done at UCLA, found that specific species of gut bacteria were potentially linked to a higher risk of “internalizing symptoms”, i.e., anxiety and depression, in children.
Gut Check! Signs Your Child’s Digestive System Needs a Little Love
It is no surprise that poor gut health can lead to tummy troubles in our children. Common symptoms include gas, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and irritability. If your child develops any new or worsening symptoms, such as those mentioned, it is extremely important to see your pediatrician before trialing any over-the-counter medications. If it is deemed a gut health issue, your pediatrician may recommend the following dietary changes to maintain a healthy gut microbiome:
• Yogurt: promotes good bacteria growth in our guts
• Proper hydration to prevent constipation
• Fruits and vegetables: They are high in fiber and aid in proper digestion
• Low-fat cheese: a good source of calcium, especially if your child cannot tolerate milk, as cheese is naturally low in lactose
Additionally, your pediatrician may recommend any of the following probiotics, which supply your gut with the good bacteria it needs (i.e., the bacteria that form our gut microbiome):
• Culturelle: contains the good bacteria for your gut, Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• Jamieson Probiotic Chewable: contains the good bacteria Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus
• BioGaia Protectis Baby Drops: contains Lactobacillus reuteri for healthy digestion and colic relief
As always, these should only be given at the direction of your pediatrician, and the above serves for informational purposes only. For a variety of reasons, your child’s gut may not have enough of the good bacteria to support proper gut functioning – i.e., the bustling village of bacteria may not be so “bustling” after all. If this is true, your child may have insufficient beneficial gut bacteria to digest the foods they eat properly. This leads to gas buildup, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.
Therefore, providing your children with the foods these bacteria feed on and supporting their gut with these beneficial bacteria in the first place are important steps in supporting overall gut health.
Final Thoughts: Supporting Little Guts for Big Growth
Supporting your children’s gut health is about more than just digestion – it is about nurturing their immune system, emotional well-being, and overall growth. By providing the right foods that feed the gut microbiome and, when appropriate, supplementing with probiotics under a pediatrician's guidance, parents can help ensure that the bustling village of bacteria inside their child thrives. A balanced gut can reduce common digestive issues such as gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea, while also supporting a resilient immune system and potentially supporting mental health. Every small step, from including fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to maintaining proper hydration and offering gut-friendly probiotics like Culturelle, Jamieson Chewables, or BioGaia Protectis Baby Drops, can make a meaningful difference. Ultimately, caring for little tummies lays the foundation for big growth – supporting not just today’s comfort, but your child’s long-term health and vitality. By caring for their little guts today, we are giving our children the gift of a healthier, happier, and brighter tomorrow.
Related Articles:
https://neurosciencenews.com/depression-microbiome-toddler-29876/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-05302-8
https://www.nutritioninsight.com/news/infant-babies-gut-bacteria-microbiome-psychiatry.html
https://www.nature.com/articles/d42473-025-00145-3
https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/features/vitamin-d-deficiency-in-children-implications-for-bone-and-gut-health/
###
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *.