The close connection between the gut and the brain
There are nearly 100 trillion microorganisms inside and outside the human body, most of which reside in the gut. These microorganisms not only affect digestion and immunity but are also closely related to cognition and emotion in the brain. When the gut microbiota is altered, it may affect gene expression and neural activity in the brain, thereby affecting mood stability and stress response.
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Common situations involving antibiotic use in children
In early childhood, antibiotics such as penicillin and its derivatives are the most frequently prescribed medications. Statistics show that the average child receives three courses of antibiotic treatment before the age of two. However, antibiotics can alter the types, quantities, and ratios of gut microbiota with fungi, changes that can have long-term effects.
Potential impacts of altered microbiome
Alterations in the gut microbiota are linked to gene expression in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala of the brain, with the amygdala being closely associated with fear and stress responses. Therefore, early use of antibiotics may impair memory, mood, and stress regulation, increasing the likelihood of developing anxiety, depression, excessive stress responses, autism, and attention problems later in life. Furthermore, antibiotics affect the immune system, potentially increasing the risk of allergies, asthma, and a decreased metabolic rate.
What can be done?
First, ensure that antibiotics are used only when necessary. Antibiotics only fight bacteria, not viruses, yet many prescriptions are used for viral infections, which are completely ineffective.
Secondly, daily diets should include organic, grass-fed, and antibiotic-free foods to reduce antibiotic residues in the diet.
If a child must take antibiotics, probiotics can be started at the same time and continued after the medication is stopped to help restore the beneficial bacteria in the gut.
The development of a child's immunity requires a process
Immunity consists of both innate and acquired components. When a child gets sick, the body needs to cope, learn, and produce antibodies on its own. Over-reliance on methods that quickly suppress symptoms may hinder the development of the acquired immune system.
Meanwhile, moderate contact with soil, the natural environment, and everyday microorganisms helps the immune system adapt to the external environment and improves health and resistance. Nutritionally, zinc, vitamin D , and calcium are particularly important for children's immune development.
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Conclusion:
Use antibiotics with caution, and give children space for healthy learning and self-development.
Children's immune and emotional development is not achieved overnight, but is gradually built up through environmental exposure, microbial interaction, and the body's self-regulation. Antibiotics should not be abused; allowing the body to learn to face challenges appropriately helps children grow healthier both physically and mentally.
YouTube source: https://youtu.be/hJ4gcoyM-yY
YouTube Column: Dr. Berg's Chinese Health Knowledge
