Developing a healthy gut microbiome

Did you know that your baby’s gut microbiome is established in the first 2.5 years of their life? After that, things don’t change much, so it is super important to help them develop a healthy gut bacterium early on! 

We have learned a lot about the gut microbiome in recent years and have found it plays a role in more than digestion. The benefits of a healthy gut microbiome include a strong metabolism, immune system education and regulation, and protection against pathogen invasion. Those are some pretty important functions!

Here are a few things that have been proven to help establish a healthy gut:

Mother’s diet: Like many things, your baby’s gut microbiome is influenced in utero by the mother’s digestive system. This means that it is important for you to eat healthy whole foods that are rich in fiber like whole fruits and vegetables. Fiber rich foods help maintain a gut barrier that will be passed along to your baby. Try to also eat processed foods and foods with additives sparingly during your pregnancy to set your baby up for success! 

Breastfeed: We know this isn’t a reality for all babies for a number of reasons, and that’s okay! Studies have shown that breastfeeding can help your baby’s microbiome and gut health.

Food choices: Not surprisingly, what your baby eats will help or hurt determine their gut microbiome. The best approach is to offer fresh, healthy, wholesome foods and avoid heavily processed foods.  

Avoid sugars and artificial sweeteners: Studies have shown that sugars and artificial sweeteners can alter the composition and function of the gut microbiome and can even cause the development of a glucose intolerance! Always check the labels and take care to avoid added sugars, fruit juice, and concentrates. 

Provide high fiber fruits and vegetables: Fiber plays an important role in helping your baby’s gut to develop healthy bacteria like Bifidobacteria that will help fight inflammation. Fruits and veggies can also help prevent the growth of bad bacteria in the gut, plus they provide lots of essential vitamins! Stewed apples are a wonderful option to help boost gut health!

Our Forage Feeders are a great way to introduce healthy foods as early as possible as they can be filled with frozen breast milk or fresh fruits and veggies.

Here are some of our favorite options for a gut friendly treat:

• Frozen greek yogurt with stewed apples
• Breast milk mixed with antioxidant rich blueberries
• Overnight oats with cinnamon  
• Raspberries
• Prunes

The most important thing is to offer a wide variety of healthy, whole foods early and often. So, choose your baby’s favorite and then mix it up once in a while and don’t forget to have fun! 

Kimberly Durr