Gut Health for Kids: Promoting Digestive Wellness in the Summer Months
For all the mamas out there: it is SUCH a joy to see your kiddos happy and thriving, especially during the summer months when they’re out of school, right?!
On the other hand, it can be heartbreaking to see them getting sick or just not feeling 100%.
Keeping your little ones’ digestion and gut health on track is one way to keep them happy and healthy this summer! It is ESSENTIAL to prioritize your kids’ gut health– a well-nourished gut lays the foundation for overall well-being, boosts their immune systems, and helps them keep up their energy levels!
As you will see, we will explore some simple yet effective summer gut health tips for kids to set them up for a healthier future.
Staying hydrated is crucial for good digestion, as well as flushing out all the nasty substances from your kids’ bodies! This is especially important for those kiddos who love to spend lots of time outdoors in the hot weather.
You can make drinking water more appealing to your kids by infusing water with fresh fruits like berries or slices of citrus fruits. Herbal teas or diluted fruit juices are also AMAZING options! Or add a scoop of delicious-tasting Gut Greens + Reds for a boost of vitamins and minerals!
Emphasize Whole Foods
We all know that a balanced diet consisting of whole foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins is ESSENTIAL for kids’ gut health. These foods provide fiber, which aids digestion, keeps things moving in the gut, and supports a healthy gut microbiome.
Incorporating seasonal fruits and veggies that are readily available during the summer, such as watermelon, berries, cucumbers, and leafy greens, is a great way to start!
Try encouraging your kids to make a colorful plate with each color of the rainbow to make eating fruits and veggies so much more fun!
Got a picky eater on your hands? No problem!
Try incorporating these foods into other foods that you know your child loves, such as sneaking some veggies into some pasta sauce or into a smoothie. Make homemade popsicles by freezing blended smoothies!
Probiotics = Good Bugs!
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy gut microbiome, in that they help maintain a balanced gut bug population and aid in proper digestion! They are present in foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, fermented pickles, and sourdough bread.
However, we know that these foods can be hard to find, or they aren’t a part of your typical diet, or your kids may not enjoy eating them– if this applies to you, then probiotic supplements are an INCREDIBLE alternative to support gut health for kids! The Go-To Jr. is the probiotic of choice from our registered dietitians. Add 1 scoop to any drink or soft food (it’s flavorless!).
Limit Processed Foods and Sugary Treats
During summer, it can be tempting to indulge in ice cream, sugary drinks, and other processed treats often. While ALL treats can fit in moderation, eating too much of these foods can disrupt your child’s gut health.
This is because these foods often lack the nutrients necessary for healthy digestion and may cause discomfort in their tummies. Also, refined sugars feed bad bacteria in the gut, so it’s important to limit added sugars if possible!
If you're looking for nutrient-dense alternatives that your kiddos will LOVE, try homemade fruit popsicles or frozen yogurt with fresh fruit.
Encourage Playing Outside
Physical activity is not only crucial for overall health but also supports healthy digestion. It stimulates the digestive system, promotes regular bowel movements, and exposes their gut to healthy microbes in the environment!
Plus, being out in the sun allows kids’ bodies to naturally synthesize vitamin D, which also plays a role in gut health!
P.S. Engaging with your kids in outdoor activities like swimming, walking, or riding bikes, if you can, will make it more enjoyable for them AND gives you the chance to spend quality time with your kiddos, and who doesn’t want that?!
Interested in Promoting Your Kids’ Health? We Got You!
Our Kids Wellness Bundle has everything you need to ensure that your kiddos are the healthiest they can be! This bundle includes The Miracle Worker, The Go-To Jr., The Rescue Jr., and The Defender Jr.! Your one-stop-shop for kids’ gut health!
The Miracle Worker keeps things moving in the digestive system so it helps your kids poop regularly– it also helps them sleep better and can support cognitive function and focus. It tastes so delicious, your kiddo will be asking for more!
The Go-To Jr. is all-around great for gut health in that it maintains a good balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, supports normal poops, aids in digestion, and helps improve vitamin and mineral absorption. It is truly one of the BEST probiotics for children!! Mix this with a scoop of The Miracle Worker each evening.
While The Rescue Jr. helps protect against seasonal allergies by blocking histamines, The Defender Jr. is powerful immune support that includes a powerful combination of key nutrients and botanical extracts! (And both come in a yummy, kid-friendly chewable!)