Ways To Build A Healthy Gut For Your Baby!

It has been long known that most of the immune system is located in the gut, and that the development of the intestinal microflora in infants is closely tied to immune system growth and development. In other words, bacteria in the gut play an influential role on a baby’s immunity and his ability to resist many diseases and infections.   

And according to all these known facts, we thought of giving you a series of proven advices in strengthening a baby’s immune system and stimulating his gut. 

During the predelivery phase

• Avoid gaining too much weight during pregnancy, for putting more weight than expected may affect your placenta and cause your baby several digestive disorders after birth. 
• Avoid consuming food sources of gluten so you will improve your baby’s gut function in a way or another.
• Consume fermented foods that are chock-full in probiotics and good bacteria and can directly impact your unborn baby’s intestinal flora.
• Avoid all the environmental and psychological factors that can negatively affect your digestive system, and thus your baby’s.

During the delivery phase

• Make sure you deliver your baby naturally, as the bacteria found in your birth canal can strengthen his immunity and diversify his intestinal flora.

During the post-delivery phase

• Try as much as possible to limit the number of people getting close to your baby and touching him during his first weeks.
• Make sure to breastfeed your baby for the longest period possible, as your milk contains probiotics that colonise your baby’s gut and provide it with all the necessary means to resist infections and diseases, in addition to other beneficial nutrients.
• If breastfeeding is impossible for one reason or another, ask your doctor about the possibility of replacing your milk with an infant formula that is full of minerals, vitamins, essential nutrients for growth and immunity, as well as probiotics. Given that the major role of probiotic bacteria is to improve the immune system’s function by reducing the number of IgA plasma cells, increasing the phagocytosis rate, raising levels of T white cells and natural killer cells, in addition to treating diarrhea and boosting gut’s immunity and ability to fight illnesses.
• Make sure not to introduce your baby to solid foods before the sixth month or at least the fourth month.

At the end, these tips may not guarantee your baby an excellent digestive system and a totally healthy childhood, yet it’s the least you can do for his best interest on the near and long term.

For more information and instructions on the matter, do not hesitate to consult your doctor, your first and last reference!

Read More: Gut Discomforts In Babies