Probiotic Roundup & Dos & Dont's

1. RENEW LIFE—Kids Daily Boost Probiotic

This product is our personal go-to because it’s easy to mix with food or drinks, providing the benefits of probiotics without any fuss. renewlife.ca

2. ACTIVA—No Gelatin, Low Sugar, Probiotic Yogurt

A delicious yogurt option that contains live probiotics and very little added sugar—perfect for toddlers. activia.ca

ANTIBIOTIC DOS & DON'TS

If your child is sick, it’s always a good idea to check in with your family doctor or naturopathic doctor, but chances are your kiddo may not need an antibiotic for their illness. The vast majority of upper respiratory tract infections in children are due to viral infections. Since antibiotics only target bacteria, they may not affect cold and flu symptoms. 535 antibiotic prescriptions were dispensed for every 1,000 Ontarians.¹

Considering that, the inappropriate overprescribing of antibiotics can lead to an increase in drug-resistant infections. Antibiotics also significantly damage the microbiome, the bacteria living in our bodies that help regulate the immune system, energy production, skin health, and digestion. It’s great that we have these drugs if needed, but here are a few of our dos and don’ts when it comes to antibiotic use:

DO:

• Use antibiotics only when prescribed by a healthcare professional for a confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infection.
• If taking antibiotics, make sure to complete the full course of antibiotics as directed.
• Add probiotics when giving kids antibiotics to maintain optimal gut health.

DON’T:

• Don’t use antibiotics for viral infections like colds or flu, and avoid giving antibiotics to children without a proper diagnosis.
• If taking probiotics during a course of antibiotics, make sure you don’t give both to your kids at the exact same time; the antibiotics will kill the good bacteria as well (give it a three-hour window).
• Don’t forget to consult with a healthcare provider about gut health after antibiotic use.