World Digestive Health Day: Diarrhoea kills 3 lakh kids in India every year

Trillions of bacteria live inside our gut. If you think bacteria is only a harmful pathogen, think again! In our gut, there thrives an ecosystem of bacteria that is very important for health, especially for developing children.

On the occasion of World Digestive Health Day on May 29, medical experts remind and urge parents to prioritize their children’s gut health to prevent common digestive problems.

Common gut issues in children that can have serious effects

According to doctors, the commonly observed problems of the gut in children include constipation, hyperacidity, and diarrhea. Constipation affects up to 30% of children. This is the most common cause of stomach pain in children and is often overlooked. Hyperacidity affects 22 to 25% of infants in India. Diarrhoea kills an estimated three lakh children under the age of five years in India each year.

Symptoms of a poorly functioning gut

Uncomfortable digestion, stomach aches, poor nutrient absorption, poor immunity and sleep, mood fluctuations, general fatigue, and tiredness are commonly observed symptoms of a poorly functioning gut. All these can have a detrimental impact on the overall well-being of any individual, especially children, point out doctors.

Avoid misuse and overuse of drugs

Elaborating on the significance of gut health in ensuring holistic well-being, Dr. K Pavan Kumar, consultant pediatrician, Omega Clinics, Hyderabad, suggests, “Gut microbes are keys to many aspects of human health including immune, metabolic and neurobehavioral traits. Therefore, it is important to take care of gut health. Besides taking a balanced diet, we need to be careful about the medicines we take for our digestive disorders. We should avoid unnecessary or excessive use of antibiotics as these kill the good bacteria in the gut and to replenish the same, it will take around 60 years. It is also important that children are properly vaccinated with rotavirus and measles vaccines. This greatly helps in preventing diarrhea. On observing any symptoms of digestive problems or for information related to vaccination, consult a pediatrician without delay.”

How to boost gut health in children

“The significant role of our gut health in ensuring holistic health is well-known. With 70 to 80 % of immune cells being present in the gut, this is very important for everyone. Especially parents need to invest in their children’s gut health to improve their overall well-being and help them grow into healthy adults,” says Dr. Pavan Kumar.

“There are many ways to boost gut health in children such as breastfeeding them, including more fiber in their diet, cutting down on fatty foods, and opting for probiotics. Giving children small and frequent meals, ensuring adequate water intake and encouraging them to go out and play in the open, and providing safe outdoor exposure are very useful for their gut health. Avoiding unnecessary use of antibiotics is very important as these cause serious problems to their gut,” adds the pediatrician.