Is There a Link Between Gut Health and Your Baby’s Immunity?

Your baby’s growth and development start from within, and one of the most important connections in their tiny bodies is between gut health and immunity.

Did you know that your baby’s gut health is linked to their developing immune system?¹ The good bacteria living in their tummy known as gut microbiota, play many roles in keeping them healthy, such as :^2–4

• Protection against bad germs
• Strengthens the immune system
• Production of vitamins & minerals
• Support brain development
• Helps in reducing the risk of infections & allergies

Did you know that the number of good bacteria exceeds the cells in our body and affects our health throughout our lifespan?¹

So, when does gut bacteria start developing?

Your baby’s gut bacteria start forming even before your baby is born. After birth, factors like genetics, feeding, antibiotic use, and environmental hygiene influence their gut health.¹

How gut bacteria support the immune system:

Research shows that good bacteria in the gut play a crucial role in developing a strong immune system.^1,5 The gut microbiota and immune system work together as a team. This relationship starts early in life and continues to grow as your baby grows.⁶ Any disruption in gut bacteria may increase the risk of developing infections allergies, atopic dermatitis, and asthma.^1,5,6

Since 70%–80% of the body’s immune cells are found in the gut; thus, maintaining gut health is key to overall immunity.⁷

Signs of a healthy gut in a baby include^1S–3,5,6

• Healthy growth
• Regular bowel movements
• No frequent tummy discomfort
• No allergies
• Lower risk of infections

If your baby experiences bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, it is a sign that their gut may need extra care.

Five tips to improve your baby’s gut health:

1. Breastfeed your baby for optimal gut health: Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for your baby and is also rich in nutrients which promote the growth of a healthy gut. Therefore, experts recommend breastfeeding your baby exclusively for the first 6 months and continue to breastfeed until your baby is 2 years of age, along with the introduction of age-appropriate complementary foods.^8–10
2. Introduce probiotics: Including probiotic-rich foods can help increase good bacteria in the gut.¹¹
3. Offer diverse foods: Offering a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides fiber that helps nourish good bacteria.¹²
4. Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics: Overuse of antibiotics can harm gut bacteria. Use them only when prescribed by a doctor.¹³
5. Encourage playing and exposure to the outdoor environment: Letting your baby explore their surroundings safely exposes them to good microbes that support gut health.¹⁴

To conclude, your baby’s gut health plays a key role in building a strong immune system. By following these simple steps, you can support their gut and overall well-being for a healthier future. Small steps today can lead to big differences in your baby’s health tomorrow!