Are you looking for probiotic foods for kids? They’re essential for gut health and easier to get than you may know.
The first question you may ask is, “what are probiotics?” The word itself sounds like a little creature, and that’s actually partly true. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have tons of health benefits for your body and brain when you eat them.
These microorganisms are naturally present in your digestive tract and help aid in your digestions and can even reduce inflammation in your gut. Our first reaction may be to avoid bacteria. While that may be smart in certain cases, some bacteria, like probiotics, can actually promote better health!
Why are probiotic foods for kids important? There are tons of health benefits including improved digestion, better immune function, healthier skin, reduced risk for some diseases and even weight loss.
It may feel daunting to try to get your child to eat some of these foods, but they’re all surprisingly kid friendly. Many can have a salty or intense flavor which I have seen kids immediately open up to from the very first bite, so give your child a chance even if they have never tried one of them before.
When children’s bodies are developing and trying new foods on a weekly basis, it’s important to be eating plenty of probiotics. The question many people ask is how do you get them into kid’s through their diet and what are the best foods to eat. Here’s my list of probiotic foods for kids that may or may not already be on their list of favorite foods.
1. Yogurt: this creamy treat is loaded with friendly bacteria which may reduce inflammation and help kids taking antibiotics. It’s important to enjoy yogurt with live cultures and to avoid yogurt which includes added sugar.
2. Kimchi: this sometimes spicy Korean side dish is truly addictive (says one of my kids). Often made with cabbage and a few other vegetables it contains a lactic acid bacteria that helps promote digestion.
3. Sauerkraut: not only is it rich in fiber and made from lactic acid bacteria, but it’s also one of the most tasty probiotic foods for kids.
4. Kefir: it contains several strains of friendly bacteria and is considered a better source of bacteria than yogurt. We add it into smoothies and drink it on it’s own.
5. Tempeh: it’s a fermented soy bean food with a nutty earthy taste. We love cutting it into cubes to add to a lunch box, sautéing or air frying it.
6. Kombucha: one of our favorite fermented tea drinks that comes in a variety of flavors. It does contain low levels if caffeine and alcohol, so you don’t want to give your child more than a few ounces at a time.
7. Miso: this fermented soy bean paste is unbelievably delicious in fish recipes, in a stir fry and especially in a big bowl of miso soup at a Japanese restaurant.
8. Pickles: they’re a great source of healthy probiotic bacteria that may improve digestion. Pickles also happen to be one of my kids favorite foods.
9. Probiotic powder or capsules: probiotic powders can easily be added to smoothies or other drinks. Try two of my favorites probiotic powders here and here!
What are some of your probiotic foods? Let me know in the comments below!
