IMPORTANCE OF GUT HEALTH IN CHILDREN

 

“All health begins in the gut" - Hippocrates

Gut health refers to the overall health and equilibrium of the digestive system, which includes the gastrointestinal tract and with the associated organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. The gut contains an intricate and interconnected ecosystem of microorganisms known as the gut micro biome, which plays a crucial role in digestion, immune building function, and overall wellness.

Ensuring good gut health involves maintaining a healthy balance of good bacteria in the gut micro biome, avoiding inflammation and damage to the gut lining, and ensuring efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients. 

Most children are born with weakened immune systems. Immunity builds up as certain vaccines are given to infants soon after they are born. It is only until 3 months that infants start building an immune system.

Some of the most common gut diseases in children include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A condition in which stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn and chest pain.
• Celiac disease: An autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, damaging the lining of the small intestine.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): A group of chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Food allergies: An immune system response to certain foods, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
• Constipation: A condition in which a child has difficulty passing stool, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as diet, dehydration, and certain medical conditions.
• Diarrhoea: A common condition in which a child has frequent loose or watery stools, which can be caused by infections, food intolerances, or other underlying medical conditions.
• Hirschsprung's disease: A rare condition in which the nerves in the colon do not function properly, causing chronic constipation and other digestive problems.

It's important to note that many gut diseases share similar symptoms, and a proper diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional to be able to accurately identify the health problem and give its due diagnosis. 

 Your child deserves nothing but the best gastroenterology treatment in India to find common stomach diseases and improve gut health in children, a combination of diet, lifestyle, and medical interventions is needed alongside good medical attention.

Here are some ways to promote good gut health in children:

• Encourage a healthy diet: A diet that's high in fibre, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables and low in processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats can help promote a healthy gut micro biome.
• Limit sugar intake: Consuming too much sugar can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut micro biome and contribute to inflammation.
• Promote hydration: Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help prevent constipation and promote healthy digestion.
• Encourage physical activity: Regular exercise can help promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation.
• Ensure adequate sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for overall health, including the digestive system.
• Reduce stress: Chronic stress can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut micro biome and contribute to inflammation.
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use: Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut micro biome, so it's important to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use when possible.
• Consult with a healthcare professional: A qualified healthcare professional can provide individualized guidance on how to improve gut health in children, including medical interventions as needed.

Food allergies are a leading cause of Gastroenterological issues in the human body. While some of us may have a strong armoured digestive ability, children are often susceptible to certain gastro problems and have a weakened stomach system due to ancillary health issues. The best nearby gastroenterologist doctor is found at Sohana Hospital. If you are trying to understand why gastric trouble occurs, the Department of Gastroenterology provides education and intensive high-end care services for patients with stomach pain, digestive, liver, diverticulitis, and pancreatic-biliary diseases. They also address diseases of the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, liver and the functioning of the entire digestive system.