Do probiotics aid in the treatment of colic in babies?
Numerous studies have discovered that supplementing your baby's diet with probiotics can help lessen crying in colicky infants.
While all babies cry, if your baby is crying more often than not – and for no apparent reason – they may be suffering from colic.
In a healthy infant, colic is defined as frequent, protracted, and severe crying or fussiness. Colic episodes often peak at about 6 weeks of life and drop dramatically after three to four months of age. While the frequent crying will eventually stop, dealing with colic adds a substantial amount of stress to caring for your newborn child. Colic can be especially difficult for parents because these incidents frequently occur in the evening when parents are often exhausted.
How rare is colic?
Colic is quite common, affecting around one in every five babies under the age of three months.
What are colic symptoms?
Parents typically report that babies with colic have unpredictable episodes of crying and are difficult to settle. These episodes frequently occur in the late afternoons and evenings. Sobbing newborns may appear to be in agony because they frequently draw up their legs, arch their back, and pass wind, which is typically caused by swallowing air while crying.
What causes colic in babies?
Despite years of research, no one knows why babies experience colic. Some individuals believe it is the apex of typical newborn crying. Some believe it is due to pain originating in the intestines. Others believe it is due to the baby’s temperament, which is influenced by the mother’s emotions. None of these theories have been scientifically verified to be correct.
What colic treatments are currently recommended?
There are currently no effective treatments for colic. Breastfeeding or switching to a dairy-free formula might sometimes help a small fraction of babies with colic, who usually have other symptoms in addition to their crying, but this does not work for all babies with colic. Because there is no cure for colic, parents are frequently offered contradictory and perplexing advice. This is inconvenient for parents who are already exhausted and anxious.
Colic and probiotics
What are probiotics, and how can they help colic babies? Probiotics are living bacteria that have been shown to provide health benefits. They are supposed to modify the gut flora, lower gut inflammation, and hence perhaps alleviate stomach pain.
By giving your infant a daily probiotic, you can assist in rebalancing their sensitive digestive system. Probiotics have also been found in research to enhance vitamin absorption, digestion, and the formation of a healthy immune system.
When to see a doctor
Excessive, inconsolable crying may be colic or an indication of an illness or condition that causes pain or discomfort. Schedule an appointment with your child’s health care provider for a thorough exam if your infant experiences excessive crying or other signs or symptoms of colic.
