The importance of cultivating a healthy infant microbiome

By Dr. Carla Cashin, ND

Many of us grew up afraid of bacteria and were encouraged to use all measures possible to sterilize our bodies and living spaces. The overuse of antimicrobial soaps and antibiotics has diminished their efficacy, and in many cases this war on microbes has not only been futile, but actually harmed our natural healthy bacteria. Interestingly, scientists are discovering that reduced exposure to microbes early in life may be contributing to the development of several chronic diseases including eczema, allergies, and asthma. Depleted populations of healthy bacteria within the gut may also contribute to frequent infections and digestive disturbances such as colic, constipation and diarrhea. It turns out that the trillions of bacteria in our bodies, collectively known as the microbiome, have a very important role in proper development of the digestive and immune systems. In my naturopathic family practice, I encourage parents to shift the focus away from preventing exposure to germs and to instead cultivate their children’s’ healthy microbiomes.

Consequences of Cesarean Delivery and Antibiotics at Birth on The Microbiome:

Development of a healthy microbiome begins at birth, when the sterile gut is rapidly colonized with bacteria. Infants born by Cesarean delivery or exposed to antibiotics at birth have a delayed and altered development of gut flora. Extra care may be needed in these infants to establish a healthy population of gut bacteria.

Breastfeeding Promotes Favorable Gut Bacteria:

Perhaps one of the best ways to cultivate a healthy intestinal flora in infants is by breastfeeding. Human milk contains substantial quantities of prebiotics: substances not directly digested by our own guts that instead fuel the growth of healthy bacteria.

Reducing our Reliance on Antibiotics:

The standards of care in medicine are evolving to minimize antibiotic use. For example, bronchitis used to be routinely treated with antibiotics and evidence no longer supports this recommendation. With herbal medicine, rest, proper nutrition, close monitoring, and nurturing rather than suppressing the fever response, most children in my practice overcome infection without requiring an antibiotic.

Probiotic Supplementation:

Probiotics are cultures of beneficial bacteria and are found in supplements or fermented foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut. In my practice, I often prescribe probiotic supplements for infants, especially in those who were born by Cesarean delivery or exposed to antibiotics.  I typically recommend supplementation with 3-10 billion CFUs per day of mixed strains of Lactobaccillus and Bifidobacteria for 3 months to repopulate heathy gut flora. Quality brands of probiotics on the market include Klaire Infant Formula and Baby’s Jarro-Dophilus. Please note probiotics should not be supplemented in children under 1 year of age or who are immunocompromised without first speaking with a qualified health practitioner.

For more information:

Contact Dr. Carla Cashin at Juniper Family Health, Victoria BC