Image courtesy of @leahs_littleloves
Image courtesy of @leahs_littleloves

Kids Health: Nourishing Their Microbiome for Healthy, Happy Kids!

As kids grow, their gut health plays a bigger role than you might think. The microbiome — the community of good bacteria living in their digestive system — helps with everything from breaking down food and absorbing nutrients to building a resilient immune system.

But modern life can sometimes get in the way. Things like birth mode, feeding outcomes, processed foods, antibiotics, pollution, and even stress can all impact the balance of this delicate ecosystem. And when that balance tips, it can show up in your child’s health and wellbeing.

Did you know? 70–80% of your child’s immune cells actually live in their gut. Their microbiome is constantly “training” these immune cells to be stronger, smarter, and ready to defend against bugs.

Why Your Child’s Microbiome Matters

A healthy gut microbiome supports:

  • Everyday immune defence (less chance of coughs, colds, and infections)
  • Strong digestive health
  • Nutrient absorption for energy and growth
  • Emotional balance, sleep, and focus
  • Lower long-term risks of allergies and asthma

When the microbiome is disrupted (for example, during or after antibiotics), kids can be more prone to tummy upsets, lowered immunity, or feeling “off balance.”

Think of the microbiome as your child’s health foundation — the stronger it is now, the better their resilience for the future.

A healthy microbiome positively impacts the immune system lowering the risk and severity of respiratory tract infections and beneficial bacteria can boost the immune system to prevent infections including those causing coughs and colds. Prevention is key!

Image courtesy of @mowmyn
Image courtesy of @mowmyn

How to Nurture a Healthy Microbiome in Kids

The good news? There are plenty of simple, everyday ways to keep your child’s microbiome thriving:

Breastfeeding

Breastmilk is nature’s first microbiome booster, packed with prebiotics (HMOs) and probiotics to set the stage for lifelong gut and immune health from infancy into childhood.

Time in Nature

Studies show that kids who spend more time outdoors (and yes, get a little dirt under their nails) tend to have more diverse microbiomes, stronger immunity, and even better emotional regulation. Nature really is medicine!

Filtered Water & Wholefoods

Filtered water, fresh fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, eggs, meats, nuts, and seeds are building blocks for a healthy gut. Homemade meals help cut down on additives and processed foods.

Tip: If fussy eating makes things tricky, a children’s nutritionist or naturopath can give you personalised support.

Nutrient-Rich Foods for Gut & Immune Health

  • Vitamin C rich foods – citrus, oranges, lemons, mandarins, raw capsicum, raw fruit/vegetables
  • Vitamin A rich foods – beef liver, pumpkin, carrots, sweet potato, leafy greens
  • Prebiotic/fibre rich foods – chia seeds, oats, buckwheat, quinoa, black/brown/red rice
  • Probiotic foods – sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir
  • Iron/zinc rich foods – red meat, seafood, chicken, eggs
  • Antioxidant rich foods – dark chocolate (70% or more), pomegranates, red cabbage, beetroot
  • Vitamin D rich foods – eggs, grass fed butter

Low-Toxin Living

Choose gentle, toxin-free cleaning and household products to reduce disruption of your child’s microbiome. Choosing organic fruit and vegetables (or soaking product in water and bicarb for 15mins) helps minimise pesticide exposure.

Kids Probiotics

Evidence-based probiotics, like L. fermentum CECT5716 (originally found in breastmilk), help restore and maintain balance in your child’s gut — especially useful after antibiotics or during the winter bug season.

Image courtesy of @thechevertons
Image courtesy of @thechevertons

Qiara Kids: Natural Protection for Happy, Healthy Kids

Whether your child is starting school, recovering from antibiotics, or just facing the daily “germ army” of childhood, Qiara Kids is here to help protect their gut and immune health.

Qiara Kids

Formulated with Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 — a unique probiotic strain originally discovered in breastmilk — Qiara Kids:

  • Supports everyday health and wellbeing for all kids from pre-school through to 12 years of age for and is suitable for children who have been prescribed antibiotics or suffer from food intolerances, experiencing diarrhoea or constipation, respiratory cough or cold, or gastrointestinal health issues.
  • Maintains a healthy immune system and helps stimulate a healthy immune system response.
  • Increases good bacteria growth to maintain and support healthy digestive system function.

It’s a gentle, almost tasteless powder that mixes easily into food or drinks — making it simple for busy families.

For further information, seek the advice of your healthcare professional.

Qiara Kids Box 28 Sachets Learn More

Join the Qiara Life Club

Because looking after your child means looking after you too!

When you join our free community, you’ll get access to:

  • Expert webinars on kids’ health, gut health, and family wellbeing
  • Helpful resources and practical tips
  • Exclusive offers on Qiara products
JOIN NOW!

References

  1. Maldonado, J etal. 2012. "Human milk probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 reduces the incidence of gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tract infections in infants.". J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2012 Jan;54(1):55-61. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e3182333f18.
  2. Hempel, Newberry et al “Probiotics for the Prevention and Treatment of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea – A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis” Journal of American Medical Associataion May 9 2012 Vol 307 No. 19
  3. Belén Pastor-Villaescusa, Ruth Blanco-Rojo, Monica Olivares Evaluation of the Effect of Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 on Gastrointestinal Infections in Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Microorganisms 2021 9(7), 1412;
  4. Pastor-Villaescusa, B., Hurtado, J.A., Gil-Campos, M., Uberos, J., Maldonado-Lobón, J.A., Díaz-Ropero, M.P., Bañuelos, O., Fonollá, J., Olivares, M., & the PROLAC Group. (2020). Effects of Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 Lc40 on infant growth and health: a randomised clinical trial in nursing women. Beneficial Microbes, 11(3), 235-244. https://doi.org/10.3920/BM2019.0180
  5. Ozen, M., Piloquet, H., & Schaubeck, M. (2023). Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716: Clinical Potential of a Probiotic Strain Isolated from Human Milk. Nutrients, 15(9), 2207. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092207
  6. Rodríguez-Sojo, M. J., Ruiz-Malagón, A. J., Rodríguez-Cabezas, M. E., Gálvez, J., & Rodríguez-Nogales, A. (2021). Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Insights. Nutrients, 13(3), 1016. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13031016
  7. Sobko, T., Liang, S., Cheng, W. H. G., & Tun, H. M. (2020). Impact of outdoor nature-related activities on gut microbiota, fecal serotonin, and perceived stress in preschool children: the Play&Grow randomized controlled trial. Scientific reports, 10(1), 21993. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-78642-2