Digestive Wellness: Strengthen the Immune System and Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion, Fourth Edition (26 page)

Babies who are unable to properly colonize friendly flora, however, can become irritable and colicky and have gas pains, diaper rash, or eczema. Babies who
don’t
develop the right balance of beneficial bacteria are also more susceptible as they age to diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, allergy, asthma, and eczema. They are more prone to acne and severe gingivitis.

In a study of growth rate and probiotic supplementation, babies given bifido-bacteria showed better growth during their first six months of life; in another study, supplemental Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. casei decreased the severity and incidence of bronchitis and pneumonia in babies aged six months to two years. Adding probiotics to infant formula can reduce the need for antibiotics and can help prevent infections in preterm infants by giving their immune systems a boost. I’ve seen colicky babies become calm in less than 24 hours when given Bifidobacteria infantis—what a blessing!

PROBIOTIC BACTERIA HELP US IN MANY WAYS

Digestive

Digest lactose

Digest proteins to free amino acids

Balance intestinal pH

Improve or prevent irritable bowel syndrome

Stop diarrhea

Regulate peristalsis and improve diarrhea, constipation, IBS

Reduce intestinal inflammation

Protect gums and teeth

Nutritional

Manufacture vitamins B
₁
, B
₂
, B
₃
, B
₅
, B
₆
, B
₁₂
, and K

Increase absorption of minerals

Minimize or eliminate lactose intolerance

Aid in protein digestion

Manufacture essential fatty acids and short-chain fatty acids