Establishing Baby’s Healthy Balance
The intestinal tract is a marvelous balance of friendly and not-so-friendly bacteria or flora. It is necessary for proper digestion and adequate absorption of minerals, vitamins, enzymes, essential amino acids and protein. The flora or bacteria labeled not friendly is actually very necessary and good when in balance.
When intestinal fortitude is imbalanced bacteria labeled as bad becomes prolific and runs rampant, taking over the digestive tract. When that happens, the tiny microvilli that line the small intestine and which add to the greater absorption of food are compromised. That creates a malnourished condition in the body; and, if left unchecked the entire sytem will become toxic.
Some of the things that destroy the internal eco-balance for a baby are: antibiotics, antibacterial soaps, medications, improper or denatured food too early in a young life, introducing simple sugars to baby, and even dairy products given to a new infant can coat the intestinal tract, cause mucous conditions and destroy capabilities early on. Contrary to popular advertisements, cows milk is really only designed for baby cows, not human babies. Babies cannot digest the high protein and saturated fat content in cow's milk.
A few signs that a baby has an early out-of balance intestinal tract, and the ensuing digestive problems to match are: thrush, cradle cap, rashes that are raised and either crusty or red, recurring constipation followed by diarrhea, recurring sniffles or a rash of tiny pimple-like pustules. The list extends to a compromised immune system and the early need for the parathyroid gland to leech calcium from the bone to keep blood calcium levels high enough to aid digestion.
What to do? First of all do your homework with regards what to feed baby. Look for the companies, there are a host of them that supply pre-biotic and probiotic help for a new system. What mom eats does affect the baby if she is a breast feeding mom. It is good for mom to take digestive enzymes, a reliable and natural multi-vitamin supplement and a good probiotic while she eats lots of fresh vegetables and digestible protein.
Hormonal changes postnatal and the cessation of breast feeding can cause a candida outbreak in new mothers. If a mom is still breast feeding she and the baby can trade yeast back and forth in a very painful process which infects the nipple and areola. For the baby it is translates to thrush, a yeasty coating in the mouth. Mothers suffering from yeast overgrowth and sharing back and forth with baby, should get plenty of rest, take probiotics, eat simply and stay away from simple carbohydrates, sugars, wines, and find healthy ways to stay happy. Medications will only add more candida to the mixture after the round of medication has been taken.
There are natural candida remedies for mom on the market, you simply want to make sure with your nutritionist that it won't affect breast milk quantity or quality. A quick call to the source company, hopefully not just a private label company, should answer those questions.
Keep life simple postnatal, eat live foods rich in minerals and vitamins, watch food combining for both mom and baby. These are small changes that will set your health above the average. Babies were designed to breast feed for the first few months of life. Make sure rest and enjoyment of baby are included in the daily regime. Ask for help in other areas. Create a lifestyle that is healthy and relaxed. You will set healthy patterns that will be a guideline for the entire family for years to come.
Ultimate Health and Wellness, Ellen Valentne, CNC