Antibiotics and ultra-processed foods affect the balance of the microbiota

Incorporate prebiotics and probiotics in the feeding can make a significant difference in the children’s healthby favoring the development of a balanced microbiotareduce inflammatory processes and support the prevention of infections and digestive disorders.

Rosa Acevedo Saladinpediatrician, clinical nutritionist and past president of the Dominican Society of Pediatrics explained during an update meeting held by the entity that, proper use of the symbiotic (prebiotics and probiotics) in children and adolescents, constitutes a safe tool with important implications in the prevention and management of various health conditions in the pediatric stage.

“The child health depends not only on visible organs, but also on the balance of millions of microorganisms that inhabit the intestine and other surfaces of the body in contact with the outside, known as microbiota“, said.

Likewise, he explained that “together with their genes, these microorganisms form the microbiomean essential system that influences growth, digestionthe development of immune systemthe inflammatory response of the body and the mental health“.

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According to the scientific evidence current, the baby colonization in healthy pregnancies begins from birth and human milk plays a fundamental role through its bioactive components.

His early alteration can have short- and long-term consequences, including increased susceptibility to infections, allergies, digestive diseases, obesity, diabetes and chronic inflammatory disorders.

Dr. Acevedo emphasized that factors such as frequent use of antibiotics, high diets in ultra-processed foods and the reduction in the consumption of natural foods, negatively affect the balance of the microbiota.

What are the symbiotic and why are they important?

The specialist pointed out that the symbiotic They are a combination of probiotics (microorganisms living beneficial to health) and prebiotics (the food that these microorganisms need), which, together, act in a complementary or synergistic manner to restore and maintain a microbiome beneficial.

“He scientific support for the use of symbiotic increases more and more. These are designed to improve the survival of beneficial bacteria and enhance their effects in the body, as long as they are used appropriately and under medical indication“he added.

Foods rich in prebiotics and probiotics

In addition to the clinical use of symbioticthe specialist highlighted the importance to promote from the childhood a feeding that favors the balance of the microbiota.

The prebiotics are indigestible fibers that serve as food for beneficial bacteria of the intestine.

Among the foods with the highest content of prebiotics are found the garliconion, leek, asparagus, banana (especially when less ripe), oats, barley, legumes and some tubers.

Including these products regularly in the diet contributes to the maintenance of a microbiota healthy and strengthens immune system.

For their part, the probiotics are microorganisms live foods that, when consumed in adequate quantities, provide health benefits.

They are found naturally in fermented foods like him yogurt with active crops, the kefir and foods with fermented cabbage such as sauerkraut or kimchi, and other traditional fermented products.

These foods can help maintain intestinal balanceimprove the digestion and support the immune response.

Responsible use evidence based

The pediatrician stressed that not all symbiotic are equal and that their indication must be based on scientific evidencetype of strain, combination used and target population, avoiding self-medication.

The correct selection and use of these products is key to obtain real benefits in the pediatric health.