Handing down good things

There  are many things we pass on to our children, intentionally or otherwise. Typically we think about genetically passing on our hair colour, eye colour, skin colour and blood type. These are things we can’t change. On the other hand, we intentionally hand down heirlooms, traditions and religions, or our best life lessons. These are things we do on purpose. 

But what if your actions now, including the way you eat and keep healthy, could help pass down long term health? Would you make an intentional change? 

New research suggests that the gut microbiome of our baby can be influenced by the bacteria that it is exposed to while still in the uterus. This research goes beyond what we know about method of delivery affecting the microbiome, and explores how maternal weight and nutrition can influence the baby’s microbiome. Some studies found that supplementing probiotics during  pregnancy, especially some varieties of Lactobacilius - found in dairy, and needed to help digest lactose - was beneficial for the immune system in the offspring. Practical outcomes showed this supplement leading to reduced risk of the baby suffering from allergies, and reduced risk of developing eczema. Other studies found that women of a ‘healthy’ BMI had a higher diversity of microbes in their breastmilk, compared to women who were obese. The bacteria passed from mother to baby in breastmilk helps to develop the baby’s gut microbiome, and more diversity is good. This emerging evidence is interesting, but more research is always needed in this area to give more specificity to the findings.  

But why is developing a good gut microbiome important?

It has been found that our gut microbiome starts developing in utero, and progresses through birth and early feeding. By the time an infant is 3 years old, their microbiome is quite stable, and similar to how it would naturally be into their adult life. 

The gut microbiome matters as it plays an important role in how we digest food, like whether we have intolerances or irritable bowels. The gut microbiome is also involved in our immune responses, so our development of allergies and illness. Additionally, a healthy gut microbiome has been associated with decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and becoming overweight later in life. Recent research also suggests that a healthy gut microbiome can help regulate mood and mental health, via the gut-brain axis. 

So what can you do? 

There are some simple steps to improve or maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Since microbes in our gut need fibre as fuel, it is important to get adequate fibre in our diet - this could come from fruit + veg, wholegrains, or beans + pulses. Additionally, reducing the amount of highly processed foods in the diet, and adding some fermented foods, like Sauerkraut or Kimchee or Kefir, can be helpful.  

Whether you have never considered your microbiome before, or you have IBS or other digestive problems, if you would like to find out more or talk privately about your nutrition, do not hesitate to contact me. 

References - 
DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.112.037382.
DOI: 10.1111/pai.12675
DOI: 10.1007/s40257-022-00723-x
DOI: 10.1038/srep23129