HAPPY tummy ni Chikiting, HAPPY Mommy!

Moms always want the best for their babies. Lahat ay ginagawa ng isang ina para makasiguro na healthy at happy ang kanyang anak. Ngunit may mga pagkakataon na nararanasan ng ating mga chikiting ang mga common tummy problems tulad ng colic or kabag, diarrhea at constipation. Pero sabi nga nila, “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” Kaya dapat ay may mga preventive measures tayo para sa mga ganitong mga problema!

How do we keep our little one’s tummy healthy?

Ang tummy o tiyan ay maituturing na importanteng aspeto ng kalusugan dahil sa napakarami nitong functions o gamit. This is where digestion and absorption of nutrients takes place at dito rin nakasalalay ang napakalaking porsyento ng proteksyion laban sa infection dahil sa matibay at malusog na gut microbiota. Yes mommies, ang digestive system is the center of immunity or resistensiya. Ito ang pinakamalaking organ system sa ating katawan na nagpapatibay ng resistensiya. In fact, 80% of all antibody producing cells are found in the digestive tract. Ito ang sentro ng pang depensa ng katawan laban sa sakit at infections. And a big part of this protective function is made possible by our gut microbiota.

Gut MicrobioWHATa?

Gut microbiota represents a complex, dynamic and diverse ecosystem in humans. Typically, about 100 trillion bacteria, comprising hundreds of species are seen in the human gut. Bawat tao ay may kaniya-kaniyang distinct pattern of bacterial composition that is based on the host genotype and initial colonization at birth. Ibig sabihin ay nakadepende sa ibat ibang factors sa kung anong klase ng microbiota ang meron tayo, katulad ng paraan kung paano ang pagkakapanganak. Mas madaming good bacteria ang mayroon si baby kung siya ay pinanganak thru normal delivery kaysa sa CS. Ang gut microbiota ay kinabibilangan ng iba’t ibang good and bad bacteria. Sa mga pagkakataon na may infection, stress o hindi maayos na nutrisyon, mas dumadami ang bad bacteria, at tuluyan tayong nagkakasakit… so, papaano natin mapapanatiling madami ang good bacteria sa ating tummy? Through good nutrition and Probiotics!

PROBIOTICS, Pro Health

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help maintain a healthy gut. When consumed in adequate amounts, it provides health benefit to the host. Napakadaming naidudulot na benepisyo ang probiotics sa ating katawan. They help in the digestion and absorption of nutrients as well as improve immunity by producing bacteriocins o mga naturally produced enzymes na siyang lumalaban at pumapatay sa mga mikrobyo na pumapasok sa ating katawan.

In short, probiotics keep things clean and they fight off the bad bacteria but more importantly, they improve digestive comfort.

Digestive Comfort

Common digestive problems include colic or kabag, diarrhea and constipation. These usual gastrointestinal discomforts can be prevented through the help of Probiotics, but we should also take note na hindi lahat ng probiotics ay pare-pareho. Dapat ay suriin natin at icheck kung anong klase ng probiotics ang mga may proven scientific studies katulad ng Lactobacillus reuteri. Ayon sa mga bagong pagaaral, L. reuteri helps in the reduction of crying time among colicky babies to as much as 50%, kaya naman mas comfortable at happy si baby. Probiotics also resulted to a more frequent and regular bowel movement in constipated babies. Studies also showed that L. reuteri is effective in reducing the incidence of diarrhea in children attending day care centers. Napakadaming benefits ng probiotic sa ating katawan at lahat ng ito ay nakakapagdulot para magkaroon ng healthy tummy. At siyempre, kapag mayroong healthy tummy si baby, siya ay mas magana kumain, mas malusog at masigla at less chances of colic, constipation and diarrhea. Lahat ng mga benepisyong naibibigay ng healthy tummy, kasama ng proper nutrition and nurturing environment, ay mga katangian ng isang batang lumalaki ng masaya!