Did you know that you have trillions of microbes that live in and on you – a freaky thought I know?
But nothing to be scared of, in fact most of these microbes are ‘good guys’ and live in a symbiotic relationship with you.
Meaning your bacteria actually helps with how your body functions and helps determine how well you are.
A big percentage of your bacteria live in your digestive system (gut).
Research is finding that the more diverse your gut microbiome is the healthy and leaner you are. For example, someone who has 500 different species in their gut are generally more healthy, than someone who has 100 species.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus - An important good bacteria to support your child's long term health
Lets look at just one for now...
A very well researched bacterium called ‘Lactobacillus rhamnosus’. In the right balance this is a really ‘good guy’ and one you want to have living in your gut.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus is an important early bacterium for children and will help support their healthy development throughout life.
Benefits of Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Promotes development and diversity of the gut microbiome
- Supports healthy growth
- More likely to maintain health as you age
- Less chance of stress related disorders such as anxiety and depression
- Helps build a strong immune system
- Helps build strong gut wall and prevent gut damage
- Reduces risk of eczema in early years.
How does your child get it?
Gut health is passed down from generation to generation. It has been found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus has a high ability to transfer from mum to child.
Good news - If mum has good levels of Lactobacillus rhamnosus in her gut pre-conception, during pregnancy and while breast feeding then baby will 'inherit' these important guys too.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus is available as a probiotic to help restore and maintain your levels.
We often get asked if the Kultured Wellness Coconut Yoghurt and Coconut Water Kefir culture starters (which contain 9 probiotic stains including Lactobacillus rhamnosus) are suitable for pregnant women and children?
The answer is yes! And from the above information even extra important if you want to help pass down better gut health to your children. Of course it is always wise to start with small amounts and gradually build up and consult with your practitioner.
These culture starters are demonstrated in our Healing the Gut Workshops
References:
- Yan, F., Liu, L., Cao, H et al. (2017). Neonatal Colonization of Mice with LGG Promotes Intestinal Development and Decreases Susceptibility to Colitis in Adulthood. Mucosal Immunol 10(1): 117–127.
- Bravo, JA., Forsythe, P., Chew, MV et al. (2011) Ingestion of Lactobacillus strain regulates emotional behavior and central GABA receptor expression in a mouse via the vagus nerve. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011 Sep 20; 108(38): 16050–16055.
- Saulnier, DM., Ringel, Y., Heyman, MB et al. (2013) The intestinal microbiome, probiotics and prebiotics in neurogastroenterology. Gut Microbes. 2013;4:17–27
- Farmer, AD., Randall, HA., Aziz, Q. (2014) It's a gut feeling: How the gut microbiota affects the state of mind. J Physiol. 2014 Jul 15; 592(Pt 14): 2981–2988.