A robust and well-functioning gut serves as the cornerstone for a strong digestive and immune system, a fundamental aspect of overall gut health.
The intestinal wall barrier - think of it as the body's guardian, standing guard to prevent undigested food particles, toxins, and pesky microbes from sneaking into the bloodstream. But here's the thing: when this intestinal wall barrier weakens or gets damaged, it opens the door to what's known as a "leaky gut."
Here's where the magic comes in – integrating bone broth, liver and collagen into your baby/child's diet is shown to help strengthen the integrity of the intestinal barrier creating optimal gut health.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is loaded with gelatin, which is a source of collagen. Collagen is essential for building connective tissue, which, in turn, plays a pivotal role in repairing and sealing that all-important intestinal wall. This is especially crucial for children with food sensitivities or eczema, as a weakened gut barrier is often a primary cause. Studies have found, that bone broth can lower the risk of food sensitivities, allergies, and give a boost to both immunity and digestion[1].
While traditionally prepared broth is fantastic, there are some great convenient bone broths in the market today. My personal favourite is the NZ Beef Bone Broth by Norish (nutrient-dense baby food). What I love the most about this product is that it is low in salt (some of the others on the market are quite sodium rich) and also the ease of use of this products use.
You can easily incorporate the powder bone broth into most meals such as bolognese sauces, soups or stews or mixed with water and offered as a drink. If offering bone broth to a baby who has started solids, I would be recommend mixing it with water and used as a thinning liquid to help achieve a more smooth-soup-like consistency when offering purees, or offered as small sips (when mixed with water) throughout the day (i.e. in between meals) or added to purees as is.
Collagen
Collagen is crucial for maintaining the integrity and elasticity of the gut lining, ensuring that harmful substances don’t pass through to the bloodstream. Some studies have found that decreased collagen production is common in individuals with inflammatory digestive issues. Collagen makes up the connective tissues of the intestinal tract helping to strengthen and seal its protective lining. Bone broth is an excellent source of gelatin, which contains collagen. As above, you can find collagen in most of the Norish range but particularly in it it’s bone broth powder. Additionally, you can look to supplement your child's meals and drinks with collagen powder.
Liver
Liver is a source of glutamine. Glutamine specifically, is a supportive amino acid, that aids in both digestion (as it promotes the health of the digestive tract by regulating cell division of the intestinal lining) and immunity (acting as a source of fuel for immune cells, including white blood cells and certain intestinal cells). Glutamine specifically has been recognised as the key amino acid for successfully preventing inflammation in the intestinal wall and repairing leaky gut.
If offering liver to your child, I recommend starting by grating it (frozen) onto a hot meal or puree. The residual heat should be hot enough to cook this given how finely grated it is. Additionally, pan fried pieces of liver make the perfect BLW food.
Freeze-dried beef liver is another alternative and provides easy additions to enhance your child's meals. I like these liver capsules from Cell Squared, simply open a capsule and sprinkle on to meals and/or purees (use discount code FIONA10).
Nurturing your child's gut health is a fundamental aspect of their overall gut health and wellbeing. We've explored the benefits of liver, bone broth, and collagen to support a healthier gut. Remember, a strong gut lays the foundation for a resilient digestive system and a robust immune response in your child. By incorporating liver, bone broth, and collagen into your child’s diet, you're giving them the tools they need for a healthier, happier gut.
Remember, it’s not just about what foods to avoid but how to create a healthy, balanced gut environment for your baby.
Book a FREE discovery call to discuss your baby's eczema.
Fiona Agius
Holistic Nutrition Consultant
@mothernurtured_
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References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1770111/
[1] Oh Baby School of Holistic Nutrition 2023
