Breastfeeding is essential for enhancing a child's overall health and well-being. The initial months of an infant's life are crucial for developing a strong digestive system, and breastfeeding provides a vital foundation that can yield enduring benefits.

Furthermore, the lack of breastfeeding may lead to various gastrointestinal health issues in children, underscoring its significance in promoting the child's health.

Breastfeeding and Gut Health  

In a discussion with, Dr. Amar Bhise, Consultant in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit and Neonatology at Motherhood Hospitals in Pune's Kharadi and Lullanagar, stated, “Breast milk is specifically formulated to fulfil the nutritional requirements of infants. In addition to delivering essential nutrients, breast milk is rich in bioactive elements such as antibodies, prebiotics, probiotics, and enzymes that support the development of beneficial gut bacteria. This contributes to optimal gut function for digestion, enhances immunity, and promotes the overall health of both the mother and the infant.”

Dr. Amar Bhise emphasized the importance of breastfeeding, stating, “Are you aware that human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), a key component of breast milk, function as prebiotics? It is crucial to breastfeed infants to help them mitigate the risk of allergies and infections. The absence of breastfeeding can lead to an increased likelihood of gastrointestinal issues. Infants who are given formula milk often exhibit a different gut microbiome profile, characterized by a lower presence of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria, which may result in gastrointestinal complications. This microbial imbalance can heighten the risk of infections and conditions like diarrhoea and colic. Consequently, the child may experience persistent issues such as bloating, frequent burping, recurrent illnesses, or dehydration.”

Research indicates that children who are not breastfed face a greater risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), allergies, and obesity, all of which are linked to compromised gut health. Additionally, these children may encounter severe complications, including food intolerances, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic syndrome.

Dr. Amar Bhise emphasized the importance of breastfeeding, stating, “Are you aware that human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), a key component of breast milk, function as prebiotics? It is crucial to breastfeed infants to help them mitigate the risk of allergies and infections. The absence of breastfeeding can lead to an increased likelihood of gastrointestinal issues. Infants who are given formula milk often exhibit a different gut microbiome profile, characterized by a lower presence of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria, which may result in gastrointestinal complications. This microbial imbalance can heighten the risk of infections and conditions like diarrhoea and colic. Consequently, the child may experience persistent issues such as bloating, frequent burping, recurrent illnesses, or dehydration.”

Research indicates that children who are not breastfed face a greater risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), allergies, and obesity, all of which are linked to compromised gut health. Additionally, these children may encounter severe complications, including food intolerances, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic syndrome.

Read Also: Winter-Proof Your Skin: 6 Essential Steps for Hydration and Glow

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!