Women’s Health: Prenatal & Pediatric Focus

As a parent, you want to give your child the best possible start in life. That can start in the womb when the gut microbiome starts to form for your baby!!

Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is crucial, especially in prenatal and pediatric populations. The gut microbiome plays a critical role in supporting various physiological processes such as digestion, immune function, mood regulation as well as reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. 

In contrast, an unhealthy gut microbiome has been linked to a range of health problems  including digestive issues, allergies, and even neurological disorders caused by a disruption in

the gut-brain axis.

1. The gut microbiome begins to form in the womb and is shaped by a variety

of factors including the mother's diet, lifestyle, and use of antibiotics prior to and during

pregnancy. 

1. In the first few years of life, the gut microbiome continues to develop and is heavily

influenced by diet, exposure to microbes, and other environmental factors. This early period in a

child’s life is immensely crucial for establishing a healthy gut microbiome as it sets the stage for

the lifelong health of the individual.

So, what can you do to support a healthy gut microbiome for your child? 

Here are some tips:

1. Focus on a varied diet. The human body always receives nutrients best through foods versus through supplements, so consuming a diverse range of foods helps to promote a diverse gut microbiome.
2. Aim to introduce probiotic and prebiotic foods daily: raw and naturally fermented foods like homemade kombucha, sourdough, kefir, yogurts
3. Avoid unnecessary antibiotics - Antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome so try to avoid unnecessary use of these drugs, especially if pregnant. Did you know that statistically by the age of 20, a child has had 17 courses of antibiotics?!
4. Play in the soil - Pregnant mothers and children should play outside as often as possible. Squeaky clean is NOT always a good thing, especially for children!
5. Breastfeed if possible - Breast milk is rich in prebiotics and other compounds that help to support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Did you know that certain breast milk sugars that are undigested by your baby are specifically MADE for feeding particular microbes in the gut and help establish a robust microbial flora in your baby’s gut?!! 
6. Strictly limit and/or totally abstain from processed sugar, foods, and toxins -  These types of foods and toxins can promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut, so it's best to limit them as much as possible.

Check out these sites for information regarding prenatal nutrition:

https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/diet-for-pregnant-and-nursing-mother

s/#gsc.tab=0

https://ash-eats.com/pregnancy-2/

How can RHM help your family?! We are eager to help. Our Lord created our guts to be a

healing powerhouse for the body. We have strategies to help your body flourish. 

Did you know our Real Health Medical Direct Pediatric Primary Care Membership is now open?