Determined by Age 3!? The Gut Flora of Children Who Don't Gain Excess Weight

Babies form their gut environment through various surrounding environments and diets.

It is said that this continues to change, and an individual's gut bacteria are completed by around the age of 3.

In this article, we will talk about the changes in gut bacteria and their causes.

Breast milk is full of nutrients! It also contains a secret weapon for cultivating gut bacteria.

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for a baby.

It is not only excellent for digestion and absorption, but it also delivers immune substances and even live bacteria to the baby.

Of particular note is Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO).

This is a special oligosaccharide contained in breast milk, and it is a favorite food of bifidobacteria.

That is why bifidobacteria are the main players in the gut during the period when a baby drinks milk.

These bifidobacteria play a very important role in a baby's growth.

It is known that breastfed babies have more bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria in their gut compared to babies raised on formula.

It is worth remembering that the initial state of gut bacteria may affect future health.

However, I do not want to force exclusive breastfeeding based on this result alone.
Recent formula milk is cleverly supplemented with elements found in breast milk and has a well-thought-out nutritional balance.

I believe it is best to choose or combine them well based on lifestyle and the condition of the mother and child.

Does the gut environment in early childhood affect future constitution?

There is a research result that is a bit concerning.

When the obesity rate at age 7 was investigated, children who had high levels of bifidobacteria at age 1 had a higher rate of being at a standard weight.

Conversely, obese children tended to have more Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

This suggests that a predisposition to obesity may be determined by nutrition immediately after birth, in other words, the balance of gut bacteria.

Of course, this does not determine everything, but it is quite conceivable that diet and living environment in early childhood influence the balance of gut bacteria and affect subsequent health.

Gut care is important even as an adult! For the sake of future health

As we age, there is a tendency for good bacteria in the gut to decrease and bad bacteria to increase.

This can be attributed to various causes, such as changes in dietary habits, stress, and lack of exercise.

That is precisely why it is important to be mindful of and care for your gut environment as early as possible.

Try reviewing your daily diet, such as by actively eating yogurt and fermented foods, or consuming foods rich in dietary fiber.

In addition, moderate exercise and quality sleep are also important points for maintaining a healthy gut environment.

For the sake of your future health, why not start doing what you can today?