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We hear so much about the importance of looking after our gut microbiome as adults and as we age, but we rarely discuss the importance of supporting our children’s gut health.

Children can experience a wide range of digestive problems from vomiting and diarrhoea to complaining about constipation and stomach pain. When your child is experiencing tummy troubles, it is important to try and identify the cause behind it.

70% of the immune system is found in the digestive tract! This means the bacteria – both friendly and bad – in the gut can influence the immune system(1). When working properly, the immune system is designed to fight disease and keep bacteria and viruses at bay. Whilst exposure to bugs and germs in everyday lives can strengthen children’s immune system, if weakened at any time, our children become more venerable and susceptible to colds, flu and serious illnesses(2).

Going back to school can leave your children feeling anxious and stressed, which may lead to digestive problems. Here are some tips to avoid those first-day disasters.

 At birth, the immune system is relatively immature and evolves throughout life when faced with different exposures. Therefore, our immune system is continually adapting from birth, through childhood, via young and mature adulthood (including pregnancy) and into old age.

Children will often come home from school saying they’re hungry and will grab whatever they see first! Leave out healthy choices like veggies and hummus, fruit skewers or peanut butter on rice cakes which they can grab as soon as they come home. Whilst they should be allowed treats sometimes – try and avoid leaving highly processed snacks filled with sugar around the house.