Building up the intestinal flora in a child: Here’s how

The intestinal bacteria of children keep pathogens at bay. How? A large proportion of the immune cells in the human body are located in the intestinal mucosa. The good bacteria that grow there help the immune system to get rid of pathogens – for example, harmful bacteria such as diarrhoea pathogens or disease-causing fungi.

Even in children, some intestinal bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids that serve as energy suppliers for the cells of the colon. Approximately 40 percent of the energy requirement is covered by these fatty acids. At the same time, the fatty acids stimulate intestinal movements, which prevent constipation and flatulence
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Some types of intestinal bacteria even produce vitamins – bifidobacteria and Escherichia coli for example.

Its active ingredients destroy not only the harmful but also the beneficial bacteria in the child’s intestine.

Too much sugar, simple carbohydrates and unhealthy fats or too little fibre: an unbalanced diet also damages the intestinal flora.

Infections can upset the balance between the different types of intestinal bacteria in children.

Meals rich in fat, sugar and very high protein should only be included on the menu in exceptional cases, even for children. However, foods containing lactic acid bacteria, such as yoghurt, kefir and sauerkraut, promote the development of the intestinal flora in children. Dietary fibres, such as oat flakes, wholemeal products, linseed, fruit and vegetables, promote digestion and also help to build up the intestinal flora in children. In children, the intestines sometimes react even more strongly to foods that are difficult to digest. It is therefore important that the food is easily digestible.

Stress has a negative effect on the intestinal flora. In order for a healthy intestinal flora to develop in children, they need sufficient time to regenerate. A nap or quiet activities such as painting and handicrafts have a calming effect. Regular exercise is just as important for stress reduction.

For optimal digestion, children should drink plenty of mineral water, juice spritzers and herbal tea.

How much work the intestines have to do determines, among other things, the way we eat. Chewing thoroughly makes it easier for it to digest food. This can also improve the intestinal flora in children.