Those of you who have recently visited the local kids’ playground know what are the main topics of conversation of new moms – how often does the toddler eat, sleep and poop. Even though these topics might sound boring at first, maybe there’s something more to them. What seem to be unnecessary details, actually uncover useful information regarding the overall health of the little ones (and their mothers). Eating habits and preferences, going to the loo, as well as the play – rest rhythm uncover what the state of the digestive and immune systems of kids are even when they cannot speak. 

Does the child have a probiotic deficiency?

Irregular sleeping and pooping patterns, along with hunger for sweets and pastries are viable indicators of low probiotic levels in the gut. This is true for both children and adults. Even though it might seem that healthy bacteria deficiency in the stomach is not such a big deal, they play a key role in the overall health, especially for children. 

The presence of enough probiotics in the digestive tract in the first 20 days of the life of a newborn have a significant impact on the development of its immune system. Healthy bacteria are the basis of good immunity, because they teach the organism to differentiate real threat from the environment and react only to it. This is more than necessary for babies. If a baby’s body starts reacting to non – harmful microorganisms, this might result in the development of allergies and autoimmune diseases. 

In addition, newborns with poor probiotic balance have difficulty accepting vaccines. This is ought to the fact that vaccines are created for children with perfectly healthy gastrointestinal tract and a well – functioning immune system. 

What does baby happiness depend on?

There is nothing as soothing to the souls as the sight of a laughing baby. But what does the little one’s happiness depend on? According to a 2011 research, the source of psychological happiness is hidden in no other place than the stomach. Optimal probiotic levels since birth predispose the proper development of the nervous and endocrine systems of babies. This is ought to the fact that healthy bacteria regulate the activity of the so called hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis). These three key elements of the endocrine system are in constant state of information transfer and are responsible for stress reactions. Proper connection between them, and the ability to provide an adequate response to external stimuli are determined from birth. 

The baby and its genes

Epigenetics is a branch of science that is concentrated on the way our life affects expression of our genes. Since a major part of day – to – day life it centered around the eating habits and preferences, scientists have researched the link between the condition of the gut and the development of the brain in children. The conclusions are that good gut microflora since birth affects gene expression in the long run. The presence of probiotics activates hundreds of genes and helps them activate in a positive way, so that the organism can cope with different diseases. 

Through the method of gene profiling, experts have proven that the lack of healthy bacteria in newborn babies changes the neuron pathways that take part in the process of memorizing for both intellectual development and motor skills. Balanced gut microflora in newborns predisposes brain development and the resulting behavioral models. It is important that babies are born with enough probiotics in their gut, since the initial formation of the immune, nervous and endocrine systems cannot be compensated later on in life. 

Where do babies get probiotics from?

Since we are talking about infants of 30 days or less, it is logical that we ask ourselves the question of how we can control the health of their gut. The answer is very simple – healthy mother, healthy baby. All through the womb period babies live in a perfectly sterile environment. During birth they pass through the birth canal and assimilate bacteria (both good and bad) that are present in it, taking it for their own. The vaginal microflora of the mother is also determined by the health of her digestive system. In other words, pregnant women should be very aware of the probiotic levels in their organisms – not only for their own good, but also because of the health of the babe. 

Regardless of how healthy the mom is, though, in order to make sure her baby gets the best start in life, it should pass through the birth canal. This is to say, babies should be born naturally whenever possible. There are cases in which C – section cannot be avoided and it is the only way to save the lives of both mother and baby. However, when there are no indications for it, it is always best to choose vaginal birth. C – section by choice denies the newborn of the natural contact with the vaginal microflora of the mother and places it directly in a new environment, unknown to its organism. Newborn babies have no other choice but to assimilate the bacteria they need from the surrounding environment and the medical personnel. This can cause a series of complications later on. 

Breastfeeding is also an integral part of the health of babies. every mother loves kissing her baby – this is one of the best ways to express love and closeness. The mother’s kisses also play a role in the development of the immune system of the baby. As the mother touches the baby, she assimilates the bacteria it has been in contact with and develops antibodies for them. Then, when she breastfeeds the baby, the antibodies get transferred to the baby through breastmilk. The moment a baby stops being breastfed it relies entirely to its own immune system. This is the reason why some allergies and other conditions develop right after the breastfeeding period ends. 

The conclusion is that the best a mom – to – be can do for her child is to take good care of herself. Keep track of the levels of healthy bacteria in your own organism. Avoid antibiotic treatment and the usage of antibacterial soaps. Eat foods that are rich in probiotics, such as kefir, yoghurt, kombucha, fermented vegetables. If you find it hard to include such products in your menu, then you can always opt for probiotic supplements with as many probiotic strains as possible. 

There are plenty of benefits of taking such supplements for ladies. Apart from healthy and strong immune system, probiotics will protect you from leaky gut syndrome (LGS), as well as vaginal fungal infections. Optimal probiotic levels guarantee that the cause of the problem (Candida albicans) maintains healthy levels and does not pose threat to your overall health. 

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Hike Up Your Happy Hormones With Probiotic Supplements