We have already dealt with the topic of building up intestinal flora in adults on several occasions. But what do you do with children? Or even with babies? Three-month colic, cradle cap, neurodermatitis and so on. The range of problems in infants is diverse, but the causes are often very similar. And, as always, my favorite topic is the gut :-) But let's start from the beginning

The role of folic acid levels

Actually, we should start from the beginning. Even before bees and flowers meet. Because we are already laying the first foundations for the unborn child. It is now well known that we women need to pay attention to our folic acid levels during pregnancy, but did you know that men in particular should also pay attention to this? All "deficiencies" that have not been corrected by time x have their effects. But taking a closer look at this would go beyond the scope of this article.

Supplements for ideal preparation

Let's assume that the production date has already passed and a new life is growing up. Especially if you as a mom and/or dad suffer from an allergy, asthma, neurodermatitis, psoriasis or similar, it is particularly important to take preventive action in the womb.

As a mom, you should take Arktibiotic Start in the third trimester at the latest. Ideally in combination with our GROW acacia fiber powder. On the one hand, this will bring your own intestinal flora into line. Secondly, it will strengthen your immune system and that of your unborn child. And thirdly, and this is actually the most relevant aspect, it prepares the vaginal flora. These are the first bacteria that the baby will come into contact with and swallow. One of the most important foundations for his life is laid here - both for his intestinal flora and for his immune system.

Normal birth vs. caesarean section

This is why it is so important that the baby is born in the "normal" way. The worst thing we can do to our little ones is to have a planned caesarean section. Preferably for reasons of time, because this birthday is so much nicer than another.

So: If a caesarean section is necessary (which can happen) then at least try to wait until you go into labor. This is because contractions transfer good bacteria from the mother's intestines through the bloodstream into the colostrum (first milk). Only then will the baby at least receive an important portion of good bacteria. Otherwise, the first thing it comes into contact with are hospital germs and perhaps the skin germs of a doctor or nurse. Ideal conditions for getting sick! So you shouldn't be surprised if the poor little fellow has all kinds of complaints in the course of his life.

Try to intervene as little as possible during the birth. All processes in the body are absolutely important and have been set up by evolution for a reason. Painkillers or Peridural anesthesia inhibits the formation of contractions. The result is that you are given drugs to stimulate labor. However, these in turn mean that the contractions may not come as the baby needs them. It needs breaks to recover. And it needs stimuli to keep moving forward.

Embryos need lots of building materials

What else is important to know: Of course, it is not only the intestinal and vaginal flora that is relevant during pregnancy. During the growth of the embryo, the body needs an incredible amount of building materials, so as an expectant mother you should make sure you provide it with these.

For example, omega 3 fatty acids, especially DHA, are needed for brain development. But the nervous system and immune system also need good fats. Vitamin D is necessary for the coordinative development of the fetus. It also reduces the risk of children later developing diabetes, increased blood lipids and vascular damage, obesity or AD(H)S and should continue to be administered to the baby after birth. The administration of vitamin D also supports fertility, a problem-free pregnancy and a complication-free birth. In addition to the well-known folic acid, you should also take sufficient amounts of other B-group vitamins, our VITA C with vitamin C, zinc and many other orthomolecular components.

Selenium deficiency can, for example, lead to postpartum depression or thyroid problems. Our Arktis BioPharma D-GALACTOSE powder can also help your baby to develop well in your belly.

Build up good bacteria

Once the baby has arrived, you should continue to take Arktibiotic Start if you are breastfeeding. Depending on your family history, you may need to give it to your baby for six months or, if you stop breastfeeding at some point, until the baby is one year old.

If you are unable or unwilling to breastfeed, it is even more important that you provide your baby with good bacteria. After all, it won't get all the antibodies you have in your milk and will have to take care of its own defenses from day one. It has been proven that caesarean section and non-breastfed babieshave a significantly lower diversity (variety of species) of bacteria in their gut, which can actually have an impact on the rest of their lives.

Pay attention to the baby's diet

If you are not (or no longer) breastfeeding, please pay attention to what you feed your baby. Not all baby food on offer is really good! If your baby already has pre-existing conditions, I would recommend using so-called hydronutrition. This is a special formula for babies with Food allergies developed food in which the ingredients are already broken down in such a way that the body cannot develop any allergies to them and only has to absorb the nutrients.

You can then gradually start giving goat's or mare's milk. Start with a spoonful of milk mixed with 2 spoonfuls of water, add 2 spoonfuls of milk to 2 spoonfuls of water the next day and then slowly increase. I advise against baby food containing cow's milk, especially for atopic babies. This usually has a very high sugar content which leads to the still developing intestinal flora being composed of the "wrong" bacteria and yeasts and makes the situation even worse.

Please also pay close attention to the diet of healthy babies and do not feed gluten, cow's milk or similar foods too early. The little one's immune system needs at least six months, if not a whole year, before it is sufficiently developed to cope with "dangerous" enemies. It even takes three years before it is really halfway ready.

Building up the baby's immune system

Babies build up their immune system over time. Which doesn't mean it should be wrapped in absorbent cotton. The other extreme side with disinfectants and the like is also terrible. Because the baby MUST come into contact with all kinds of "normal" pathogens. It needs to be trained and that only happens if it learns something new every day. You don't start school straight away, you go to nursery and elementary school first ;-). It's the same with the immune system.

If your child is a bit older, it can be treated (almost) like an adult. Not with the full dose, of course, but still with the same pro- and prebiotics. For example, several studies have already shown that children with neurodermatitis can be "cured" by using probiotics (lactic acid bacteria). Studies have also shown that they significantly improve the condition of colic and immune system weaknesses. When administering antibiotics to children, the intestines should of course also be stabilized at the same time. Even AD(H)S and autism can be significantly improved by optimizing the intestinal flora.

So it actually never hurts to build up and care for the gut. And you can't start early enough... ... and then always stay on the ball...