3 food habits that will improve children’s gut health, according to a gastroenterologist

Gut health plays a crucial role in a child’s immunity, digestion, and energy levels. Gastroenterologist Dr Shubham Vatsya shares three foods that help improve kids’ gut health and what parents should avoid. (Photo: Pexels)

• Gut health in children affects immunity, digestion, and energy.
• Fibre-rich and fermented foods boost gut bacteria and digestion.
• Limit processed foods and avoid antibiotics for better gut health.

Did our AI summary help?

Gut bacteria plays an important role in influencing overall health and well-being of children. Whether fruits or veggies, everything they consume gets broken down into energy and essential nutrients that they can absorb. A healthy gut, thus, plays a key role in a child’s life.

In his new post on Instagram, Dr Shubham Vatsya, a Fortis, Delhi gastroenterologist, emphasised the necessity of starting early. “A child’s gut microbiome develops largely in the first few years of life, and it plays a major role in immunity, digestion, and energy levels,” he wrote.

Kids with poor gut health often fall sick frequently or struggle with digestion. The good news is that there are foods that can help improve their digestive health. Incorporating them into daily meals can make a big difference, helping them feel energised and more active.

Also Read: Healthy diet for children: Poor concentration, mood swings in children could be because of sugar, ultra-processed foods

Here are the top three food habits recommended by the gastroenterologist

Fibre-Rich Foods

Feeding the good bacteria is essential to protect against infection, support digestive health, boost immunity, and more. Dr Shubham Vatsya recommended including fibre-rich foods like whole grains, bananas, and berries. These have prebiotic fibre, which nourish the gut bacteria and prevent constipation and obesity.

Fermented Foods

The gastroenterologist shared that fermented foods contain live, active bacterial cultures that promote good bacteria in the intestine. These are excellent for improving digestion and immunity. Some of its sources include yoghurt, kombucha, and kefir. Those who are lactose intolerant can enjoy calcium-rich yoghurt.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr. Shubham Vatsya (@dr.shubhamvatsya)

Limit packaged foods

Regular consumption of processed and artificially sweetened foods can damage gut bacteria, increase constipation problems, and may cause fatty liver in children. A diet big on chips, colas, and cookies prevents beneficial bacteria from thriving.

Also Read: Nutritionist shares 7 foods to boost kids’ immunity naturally and strengthen health

Avoid non-essential antibiotics 

Dr Shubham Vatsya also advised avoiding non-essential antibiotics, as they can disrupt healthy gut bacteria. These drugs should be taken only when advised by a doctor, not for viral infections like colds, flu, or ear and sinus infections.

FAQs on Best Foods to Boost Children’s Gut Health

1. What are the best fibre-rich foods for children?

Whole grains, bananas, and berries are excellent sources of fibre-rich foods that nourish gut bacteria and prevent constipation.

2. Why are fermented foods important for gut health?

Fermented foods like yoghurt, kombucha, and kefir contain live bacterial cultures that promote good bacteria in the intestine, enhancing digestion and immunity.

3. What foods should be limited for better gut health?

Limiting processed and artificially sweetened foods such as chips, colas, and cookies is essential as they can harm gut bacteria and lead to constipation.

4. What is the impact of antibiotics on gut health?

Non-essential antibiotics can disrupt healthy gut bacteria and should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor, particularly not for viral infections like colds and flu.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.