Good Health Begins with Good Digestion
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And it all starts with proper nutrition.
When it comes to staying healthy, there's no better strategy than to maintain a healthy digestive system.
"The digestive system is 70 percent of the immune system," says Yinka Davies, M.D., a Sacramento pediatric gastroenterologist. "It's your first line of defense."
Foods for Healthy Digestion
Putting the right food on the table is important to keeping your child's digestion on track. Look for kid-friendly choices such as yogurt, and foods that are high in fiber, such as beans, vegetables and popcorn.
And limit simple carbohydrates with high fructose content, Davies adds. Check the ingredient labels on packaged foods for high-fructose corn syrup, especially on foods such as granola bars, fruit snacks, breakfast cereals, soft drinks and low-calorie treats.
"When kids eat these as a majority of their diet, bad bacteria propagate off of that, causing bloating, discomfort and fructose intolerance," she says.
Secret Weapons for a Strong Digestive System
Starting at 2 years of age, says Davies, children should be taking supplements of probiotics (beneficial bacteria and microbes) and prebiotics (nondigestible fiber sources that support probiotics). Kids' "intestinal florae" are underdeveloped, making these supplements a must for maintaining good digestive health.
Together, probiotics and prebiotics work together to...
- Help kids' florae to grow and their good bacteria to multiply.
- Improve mineral absorption.
- Create antibodies against viruses and infections.
- Destroy toxins.
- Prevent anemia.
- Stop harmful bacteria from attacking the gut wall.
Signs of Digestive Trouble
Poor digestion can be a sign of serious conditions, such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease. Here's what to watch for:
- Diarrhea
- Mucus in stools
- Thinning hair
- Excessively dry skin
- Stunted growth
"Your primary care doctor is your number one resource to monitor your child's health," Davies says. "Following the growth charts is ideal so you can catch problems early. If you get the digestive system in good shape, you're hopefully going to prevent diseases."