Microbiome
Learning about the microorganisms in our stomach may seem a bit complex for the age group, but there's no test involved here, so why not introduce it.
Hands on learning while making some fermented foods, like sauerkraut or garlic.
Eat some delicious good bacteria
THAT YOU MADE
Learning about the good and bad bacteria in our gut can start your children on a lifetime of digestive happiness. I myself have inflammation in the colon once in a while from a life of processed foods and other reasons.
From birth we can help our child form a good microbiome system by NOT feeding them any rice cereal or processed wheat cereals as infants. Breast feeding and Whole foods are the best option. Also, as young children, cutting down on any processed or sugary foods will help their systems run smooth.
The processed foods actually help out the BAD bacteria in our gut. It feeds them and then they take over and rid us of the good bacteria.
"Good bacteria—those that live in symbiosis with us—are nourished by fruit and veggies, grains, and beans, whereas dysbiosis—bad bacteria that may contribute to disease—are fed by meat, junk food and fast food, seafood, dairy, and eggs. Typical Western diets can “decimate” our good gut flora."
GOOD BACTERIA
PREBIOTICS
Foods that feed the good gut bacteria.
By feeding the good bacteria in our gut we will help them survive and multiply!
There are nondigestable parts of the food that make its way to the intestine and colon, and feed the good bacteria there.
Examples : Bananas, leeks, garlic, onion, Beans, Chicory root
Note: Canned sauerkraut may not have the good bacteria due to heating during canning. You can find some with probiotics at a health food store. Also, some yogurts have probiotics. Unfortunately, if you are eating yogurt with sugar added you are feeding the bad bacteria with the added sugar, so find a plain yogurt, with added bacteria.
You can ferment many foods.
Have fun and learn to love that sour taste! I did, and know I LOVE sauerkraut!!
Online Recipe
