Help Children with Probiotics

It has long been known that Probiotics are helpful for adult digestive challenges. Probiotics are used to add new bacteria to the intestines to help maintain a healthy balance of intestinal microflora. Maintaining digestive health is as important as maintaining the health of the rest of your body. Good colon health is necessary since many nutrients are absorbed in the colon. But now research is showing that probiotics are helpful for children.

Probiotics support general good health but can also be used as a Complementary and Alternative Medicine treatment for a variety of illnesses. The immune system is connected to the digestive tract and the thinking is that probiotics keep the immune system healthy and strong.

There are several varieties of Probiotic bacteria with each strain having a different effect. Natural probiotics are found in foods such as miso, yogurt, and some juices.

From a National Institute of Health: An 2009 study in the Journal of Pediatrics found that of 326 children, age 3 to 5, those who took twice daily probiotic supplements had 72 percent fewer fevers, 62 percent fewer coughs and 59 percent fewer runny noses. Another review of 18 different studies, in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that treatment with daily probiotics significantly shortened intestinal illnesses in children. And a 2008 study by Finnish researchers found newborns given probiotics for six month were 30 percent less likely to develop eczema, an early sign of allergies.

Summer is Definitely Here!

Summer is here and all that goes with warm to HOT weather. During the summer we tend to travel more, spend more time in the sun(which can be good) and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits.

Summer is a fun time if we are prepared for the heat. Staying hydrated is a major challenge during any summer activity. Our bodies are about 60% water, our brains are about 75% water while our blood is about 82% water according to WebMD.

Our pro
blem with staying hydrated is that we often confuse thirst with hunger. We head to the cookie jar or candy stash when we need to head to the filtered water pitcher.

Turns out our bodies need water to regulate our temperature. When we are dehydrated, even in winter our bodies cannot regulate our temperature with proper hydration. According to an article in WebMD, by Gina Shaw, even being a little dehydrated can decrease your ability to perform athletically. "Just losing 2% of your body weight in fluid can decrease your performance by up to 25%."


Water acts as a lubricant for our joints, our muscles recover faster since nutrients are able to flow freely, and your heart doesn't have to work as hard. Drinking water before, during and after exercise is very important.

Shaklee's Performance: Rehydrates Faster Than Water. Working or playing hard depletes precious nutrients and takes its toll on your body. Shaklee Performance is the ideal “during” drink because it rehydrates faster than water and provides energy to keep you going. It's just what you need to compete by keeping your fuel (blood glucose) levels up and replenishing your electrolytes for quick rehydration.
• With exclusive OptiCarb® for energy and endurance
• Essential fluid and electrolytes to help prevent dehydration
• Clinically proven to maintain athletes’ blood glucose levels for muscle energy — and fluid levels for proper hydration

I use Performance when I travel, shop for any length of time, work in the yard, go for long walks and any other time I will exert myself! It comes in 2 flavors, both of which are good.
Stay hydrated all through the year! Elise