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Probiotics are the healthy bacteria that are naturally found in an infant's digestive system.Supplementing probiotics can cure your baby of many common health conditions.
When it comes to caring for an infant, clean is a top priority. Many parents sanitize everything their baby comes into contact with in an effort to protect her from harmful bacteria, which is why purposefully giving your baby bacteria can seem strange to many parents. The human body is filled with bacteria; the important thing is to maintain a healthy balance between the beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria that makes you sick. Supplementing probiotics, or healthy bacteria, can help keep your baby’s immune and digestive system working properly, especially after she has been sick or has been through a round of antibiotics that strip the body of all bacteria, including the good ones. What Are Probiotics?Probiotics are the healthy bacteria that are naturally found in the body and help fight the bad bacteria that may be picked up through normal living. Probiotics are found naturally in the intestines of breastfed babies, however, recently several commercial formulas have started to include probiotics so formula-fed babies can receive some of the same benefits of breast-fed babies. Probiotics are often used to restore the balance of healthy bacteria, especially after a round of antibiotics which kills all bacteria in the body, whether it is healthy or not. Probiotics are useful in treating a wide variety of infant conditions including, infant diarrhea, upset stomach, eczema, and many health conditions of pre-term infants. Many pediatricians recommend the use of probiotics to relieve digestive issues in infants. Where Can Probiotics Be Found?Probiotics can be found naturally in foods such as yogurt (that contains live cultures), keifer, cottage cheese, aged cheese, and pickles. Probiotic supplements can be purchased in most health food stores in chewable, powder, or capsule form. Powdered probiotics are the best choice for infants because they can be mixed into milk, formula, or juice easily. Are Probiotics Safe?Probiotics are a natural part of a healthy digestive system and are considered a safe treatment option for infants that is recommended by many pediatricians. Ask your pediatrician if he feels probiotics could help your baby if she is suffering from digestive issues, allergies, or skin rashes. The American Academy of Pediatrics has done studies that show that probiotics can be successful in treating many health conditions in infants, including potentially fatal conditions of pre-term infants. When Should Probiotics Be Used?Probiotics can be used to treat any digestive issues your baby may be having including diarrhea and vomiting. A course of antibiotics can give babies diarrhea, cause a yeast infection (yes, even babies can get them), or cause an upset stomach. Probiotics taken along with antibiotics or immediately afterwards can help maintain the balance of healthy bacteria and prevent complications related to taking antibiotics. In many cases, colic, infant eczema, allergies, and respiratory illness have been successfully treated by supplementing with probiotics. Probiotics are a natural and healthy part of a healthy digestive system and they can be used to treat a wide variety of common infant health conditions. Talk to your pediatrician to determine whether or not taking probiotic supplements is right for your baby.
The copyright of the article Probiotics for Infant Health in Infant & Toddler Health is owned by Rachel Lister. Permission to republish Probiotics for Infant Health in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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