Do Probiotics help with colic?
The arrival of a newborn is a joyous occasion, but it often comes with challenges, one of the most common being colic, which accounts for up to 20% of paediatric visits. Colic is usually characterised by excessive crying, pain, and fussiness in an otherwise healthy infant, and can be a source of distress for both the baby and the parents. As there isn’t a cure for colic, understanding the causes and finding effective remedies are crucial for providing relief. In recent years, certain probiotic strains have emerged as a promising solution in the battle against infantile colic.
Understanding colic
Colic is a term used to describe prolonged periods of intense crying in healthy infants. During a colic episode, a baby cries intensely for no obvious reason, and unfortunately, there is nothing that the parent can do to console their child. Episodes of colic usually start when a baby is around 6 weeks old and can continue until the baby is about 4 months old.
While the exact cause of colic still remains a mystery, some of the evidence points to pain in the stomach being among the top potential causes of the episodes of colic. Possible contributing factors uncovered include, an underdeveloped digestive system, an imbalance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract and food allergies or intolerances.
Symptoms of colic
Generally, colic is characterised by persistent crying lasting three or more hours a day, occurring for three or more days a week, and persisting over a period of three or more weeks. This cry is usually more intense than your average cry and it can seem like your little one is screaming in agony, while you stand by watching helplessly. Other symptoms of colic include:
- Predictable timing of crying episodes
- Irritability after the crying stops
- Displaying a bright red (flushed) face
- Having a tight belly, curling legs up towards the belly or clenching fists when crying
Implications of colic
While, in most cases colic subsides after the baby turns 4-months-old, colic has a very significant impact on parent’s lives. It can cause extreme stress and anxiety in parents who are constantly trying to comfort their child. Parents often also suffer from severe exhaustion, feelings of helplessness or even anger.
What are the best probiotics for colic?
Although there is no proven cure for colic, research has found that there are certain treatments that can help soothe a colicky baby. Giving your baby specific live probiotics can help to ease your baby’s colic. Several studies have investigated the health benefits of certain probiotic strains for colicky infants, and the results are promising. The probiotic strain Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 is the only probiotic mentioned in international guidelines for the prevention and treatment of colic.
Choosing the right probiotic for your baby
When it comes to selecting a probiotic for a colicky baby, it is crucial to understand that not all probiotic strains are created equal. Reuterina Drops, which contain the Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 strain of probiotics, support a healthy balance of gut flora in little ones. These drops have been proven to cause a 50% reduction in colic crying time. Reuterina Drops are backed by the best evidence meaning they are trusted to perform and proven to work in the prevention and treatment of colic.
Colic can be an overwhelming and exhausting experience for both parents and infants. While the exact cause of colic might still be a mystery, using probiotics can offer relief and a glimmer of hope. Use Reuterina Drops for a happy baby and spend time enjoying those precious moments together.