For a long time, it was believed that babies first encounter microbes at birth. Traditionally, both a healthy womb and the placenta were thought to be sterile, and completely free from germs. However, recent studies challenge this notion. While the placenta and womb are not teeming with bacteria, microbes can indeed be found there.
What is the Microbiome?
The microbiome is the foundation of human life. If the first contact with microbes begins in utero, this represents both a significant responsibility and an incredible opportunity to create a healthy foundation for our entire life course.
Why is the microbiome important? This microbe-human dialogue might begin in infancy but continues across the life course. Our lifelong health relies on a constant discourse with trillions of microbes that live on or inside our bodies. This microbial interconnectedness extends to the microbes in our surrounding environment. Microbiome transfer occurs between and within abiotic environments (e.g., air, soil, and water) and biotic environments, mediated through different vectors (e.g., insects or food) or direct interactions.
A healthy gut is crucial for proper digestion and nutrient absorption, essential for growth and development. The gut plays a significant role in training and educating a child’s growing immune system. Approximately 70% of our immune cells are housed along the digestive tract, where they play vital roles in protecting against pathogens and illnesses, fortifying the gut barrier and producing anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating mediators that can guard against allergies and inflammatory diseases. Emerging research suggests that a balanced gut microbiome can influence mood and cognitive functions, highlighting its importance in children’s mental and emotional well-being. However, for these beneficial microbes to thrive, they must first make appropriate contact with the baby and colonise to create a healthy ecosystem. This requires the correct order of events: initial exposure in utero, followed by seeding through the birth canal via contact with the mother’s vaginal and faecal microbiota. This should be followed by proper fertilisation to further shape and establish the baby’s microbiome with human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in breast milk. By ensuring these steps, we can nurture a robust gut microbiome, laying the foundation for a lifetime of health and happiness for our children.
What can effect your babies health?
Poor maternal gut health, C-sections, and lack of breastfeeding disrupt this natural order of life. The increasingly poor childhood diet and overuse of antibiotics in those critical early years nuke the developing resilience of the microbial ecosystem. These interfere with the establishment of a healthy microbiome, impacting the child’s immune system, digestion, and overall well-being. Layer on top of that our reduced exposure to healthy environmental microbes and poorer diets.
The earlier and more intense the disruptions, the worse it is. The chronic illness outcomes take time to manifest, making early intervention crucial. However, hope is not lost. Certain microbial losses can still be recouped through a combination of diet, outdoor play, and socialisation with healthy individuals. These restorative interventions should ideally happen as early as possible. The sooner we intervene and try to rewild some of what is lost, the better.
ION* Gut support for kids?
ION* (Intelligence of Nature) is a revolutionary product designed to support gut health right from the early years. It is derived from ancient soil, ION* harnesses the power of carbon-based redox molecules, which are essential for cellular communication and overall health. Unlike probiotics, which introduce foreign bacteria into the gut, ION* works by strengthening the gut lining and enhancing the body’s natural microbiome. This helps to create an environment where beneficial bacteria can thrive and pathogens are kept at bay.
ION* is made from natural ingredients and is free from harmful chemicals. It helps replace what has been lost from our soil. By fortifying the gut lining, ION* helps to prevent the leakage of toxins and undigested food particles into the bloodstream, reducing the risk of inflammation and allergies. Nurturing a child’s gut health is a vital aspect of their overall well-being, both now and across their life course. ION* is particularly suitable for both adults and children due to its gentle yet effective approach to gut health. By understanding the importance of a healthy microbiome and utilising innovative solutions like ION*, we can help restore and maintain gut health, ensuring our children grow up healthier and happier. From the early stages of microbiome development in the womb to the ongoing support provided by innovative products like ION*, we can significantly impact their health outcomes. By prioritising gut health, we lay the foundation for a healthier, happier future for our children.
Dr Jenna Macciochi is an immunologist specialising in the intersection of nutrition, movement, mind-body practices and lifestyle with the immune system in health and disease. With a holistic approach to health optimisation, she unravels the science behind staying well, offering accessible, evidence-based strategies to enhance your health and well-being.
FAQ
Can Children take ION Gut + Microbiome?
ION* Gut + Microbiome is suitable for children aged 3+
Can I take ION* if I am pregnant?
While many pregnant women use ION* with great results, we must always advise consulting your healthcare practitioner prior to starting a new supplement while pregnant.
What can start poor gut health?
Overprescribed antibiotics, glyphosate damage, poor nutrition, and a lost connection with our environment. If our microbiome is not thriving as it should, neither are we.