Have you ever wondered why your child suddenly has diarrhea after taking antibiotics? Or do you ever ask yourself why one child catches every bug while their siblings rarely get sick?

The answer might live in their gut.

What Is the Gut Microbiome and Why Does It Matter?

Trillions of bacteria live in your child’s gut, and together they make up the gut microbiome. This entire ecosystem of bacteria weighs about 3 pounds. That’s roughly the same as the human brain.

People often think of bacteria as harmful. But some bacteria are helpful and needed for the body to function well. It’s the balance between helpful and harmful bacteria that matters. 

A healthy gut microbiome helps build your child's immune system and impacts their metabolism. When it gets out of balance, it can affect your child’s health. 

Research has linked an unhealthy microbiome to food allergies, celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The gut microbiome also plays a role in how the body processes food. And research has linked it to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

How Your Child Gets Their Microbiome

Within 24 hours of birth, your baby’s gut begins filling up with bacteria. That’s when the gut microbiome begins to develop. 

Although the microbiome is mostly set by the toddler years, other factors continue to shape it. Diet is one of the biggest. Fiber found in foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps feed healthy gut bacteria. 

A Word About Antibiotics 

Antibiotics can help save lives, but they can affect more than just the infection they’re treating.

Think of the gut microbiome like a garden. Gardens grow beautiful flowers and plants, but they also grow weeds. Antibiotics act like weed killer by clearing out harmful bacteria. But they also wipe out some helpful bacteria. That’s also why diarrhea becomes so common during or after antibiotic use. 

Repeated rounds can make it harder for the garden to fully recover and regrow good bacteria. This is especially true during the toddler years. Repeated use can also increase the risk of digestive issues later on. 

This isn’t a reason to avoid antibiotics. There are times when antibiotics are needed to clear infections. It means being thoughtful about when to use them, and always with guidance from your child’s doctor. 

What About Probiotics? 

You’ve probably seen the word probiotics on yogurt containers and other fermented foods. The science behind them is still evolving in terms of which strains to use for which conditions. Many claim to help restore beneficial gut bacteria. They may even ease tummy discomfort or antibiotic-related diarrhea. 

Probiotics are okay for most healthy kids. But they’re not right for every child, especially those with a suppressed immune system or chronic illness. 

Before starting your child on any new vitamin or probiotic, it’s always a good idea to run it past your child’s doctor first.

How Parents Can Help

Focusing on a few simple habits can go a long way in supporting your child’s gut health:

• Offer a variety of fiber-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains
  
  
• Use antibiotics only when they’re needed, and always as directed by your child’s doctor
  
  
• If your child has ongoing tummy issues, especially after antibiotics, talk to their doctor

The gut microbiome is a key part of your child’s overall health. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s gut health, reach out to their provider or ask for a referral to the Children’s Wisconsin Gastroenterology, Liver and Nutritional Care Program.