Before birth, the newborn’s digestive tract is sterile. Immediately after the birth, he is settled in microorganisms that are found in the gastrointestinal tract and in the mother’s vagina. This is what happens in the case of a natural birth. And what about the cesarean section?
It turns out that infants born via caesarean section experience delayed colonization by beneficial intestinal microorganisms. These children have primarily bacteria that come from the skin. And for this reason, they are more likely to develop immune disorders. Many factors affect the colonization of the intestinal microflora in infants: conditions surrounding the prenatal period, time and manner of birth, diet, mother’s age, smoking, the home environment, socio-economic status, breastfeeding, antibiotics. The lack of beneficial bacteria in the gut is associated with the development of childhood diseases that can persist in adulthood – asthma, allergic disorders (atopic dermatitis, itchy skin, runny nose), immunological inflammatory diseases, diabetes, obesity and eczema.
Factors affecting the colonization of the intestinal microflora in infants and children
- Stress during pregnancy is one of the causes of a low number of beneficial bacteria (eg Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus) in a child. The result may be the development of allergies.
- The mother’s use of probiotics during pregnancy increases the chances of proper colonization of the intestines of the child by beneficial bacteria. This increases the diversity of intestinal bacteria and reduces the risk of allergic reactions.
- The use of antibiotics by the mother during pregnancy delays and limits the colonization of the baby’s digestive system by beneficial microorganisms. The effects are, among others, increased allergic reactions (asthma, allergic sensitization, allergic rhinitis), intestinal disorders.
- Caesarean section decreases the chances of correct colonization of the intestines in the child and increases the risk of colonization of pathogens in the gut. This increases the risk of asthma, allergic reactions, problems with the early appearance of sugar in the blood, obesity, improper functioning of the immune system.
- Birth according to nature increases the diversity of micro-organisms delivered to the child and is the most beneficial for the health of the child.
How can we improve the quality of microorganisms that colonize the intestines?
Not so long ago, the best way to enrich the intestinal bacterial flora was to eat the right food. Fermented vegetables (marinades, kimchi, sauerkraut), fermented milk and soy products (cheese, yogurt, tofu, miso) – before industrialization and the widespread introduction of pasteurization, these were the healthiest sources of beneficial bacteria necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system.
No matter how we appeared in this world, we can effectively take care of the health of the digestive tract. We can eat naturally fermented foods, maintain a healthy lifestyle and enjoy valuable dietary supplements.
DIGESTIVE+++ contains probiotics that the World Health Organization has found beneficial to health. In addition, this dietary supplement contains prebiotics, as well as a full range of enzymes that break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats in order to optimally absorb and absorb nutrients.