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Clinical Pearls: Pre and Post Pregnancy Care
The Case for Probiotics Probiotics are one of those supplements getting more attention lately, especially when it comes to infants and children. Well here’s more evidence of their importance to good health. According to a study at the College of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, probiotics, taken by pregnant women with a family history of allergies, showed a preventive effect for the development of eczema in infants. With the number of children developing allergies it makes sense to add this simple supplement to the diet. Please note, there are varying formulas of probiotics available, ensure the supplement you get has a mixture of live cultures for both upper and lower intestinal health. For dosage and professional quality products, contact your naturopathic doctor.
Prenatal Protection Against Pollutant Exposure
For maximizing health the most important consideration is to ensure the highest quality diet. However, as we live in a toxic world, food alone may not be enough to provide adequate protection against exposure to pollutants like exhaust, chemicals or second hand smoke. In a large study conducted in Poland at the Departments of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Jagiellonion University, researchers found that a dietary intake of vitamin A before conception and during pregnancy actually helped protect the infant from the harmful effects of pollutants. As many airborne contaminants are small particulates that penetrate to the deepest parts of the lungs, vitamin A, which promotes healthy surface lining of lungs and intestines, creating a healthier barrier to prevent these toxic particles from causing damage. Not only did this study showed positive effects for the baby, but the mother’s health was also improved.
Note: You can take too much vitamin A, so please contact your naturopathic doctor for a prescription with proper dose that is appropriate for your body and exposure levels. Nutrition and Your Baby’s Brain
The past ten years has seen dramatic changes in how we view maturation and development of the infant neural system. We now know that our brain is endowed with a plasticity that allows it to change, adjust and rewire to new experiences and events. We also have a better understanding of fetal and neonatal care in the proper development of a child’s brain. In Neuroscience and Behavioral Reviews, Peter Morgane discusses nutrition as the “single most important influence on the fetus and neonate.” His focus is on prenatal protein malnutrition and its permanent deleterious effects on brain development. He sites studies that have found nutrition to be the “prime, non-genetic factor that can influence the development of central nervous system and ultimately intellectual performance.” As the fetal brain develops in-utero, it sees dramatic and rapid changes. Disruption at any level of development can decrease one’s ability to reach full genetic potential. Though the infant’s and child’s neural system is highly adaptable and plastic, proper nutrition is always key at any age or stage of development. We have an excellent resource e-guide on infant nutrition available to our subscribers at no cost. Click here for your free pdf, Infant Nutrition. |