FAMILY: Quit Your Bellyaching

By Bryce Edmonds

Help is on the way for kids whose digestive tracts react harshly to antibiotics. A new study has found that probiotics show great promise in combating the diarrhea that often accompanies antibiotic use. The beneficial bacteria or yeast probiotics contain restore the bacterial balance in the intestinal tract.

Researchers looked at 10 qualifying studies involving almost 2,000 children, ranging in age from infant to teen. These studies used the probiotics Lactobacilli spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Streptococcus spp., and Saccharomyces boulardii, either alone or in combination. The researchers found that the probiotic-taking kids lowered their chance of developing diarrhea compared to those taking the placebo or other remedies.

For the maximum benefit, start treatment as soon as possible with 5 to 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day. Some kid-friendly probiotics to try: Udo’s Choice Children’s Blend; Nature’s Way Primadophilus for Children; Jarrow Formulas Yum-Yum Dophilus; Garden of Life Primal Defense Kids; Kid’s Kyo-Dophilus; American Health Chewy Bears Acidophilus; and RenewLife FloraBABY.

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