Becoming a parent during an era of scientific research that has determined so much about how the choices that a mother makes can affect her unborn child has resulted in the overturning of some old beliefs. For instance, the womb, once considered a sterile place for baby to develop, is now known as the environment which sets the stage for a child’s long-term health. According to research conducted by the University of Pennsylvania, a fetal diet, as well as the level of stress experienced by mothers during pregnancy, directly impacts the nutrition absorption by the fetus, as well as its microbiome, in addition to influencing the brain and later sugar cravings.

Toxins

According to a National Institutes of Health report, numerous environmental contaminants can cross the placental barrier, causing baby to be born pre-polluted. In 2004, researchers examining the umbilical cord blood of 10 U.S. newborns found a total of 287 industrial chemicals—180 of which were carcinogens and 217 toxic to the brain. Many of these chemicals are endocrine disruptors that can set the body on a path for insulin resistance and diabetes. During our entire lifespan, the body is exposed to toxic chemicals. The level of toxic burden, quality of diet and exercise are all determinants for developing diabetes, thyroid dysfunction and obesity. Using organic soaps, shampoos and cleaning supplies at home can lessen the impact on the endocrine system and decrease susceptibility to disease.  

Vaginal Flora and the Microbiome

Vaginal flora ingested by baby while descending through the birth canal provides the gut with its first introduction to microbiome, so the one in three babies delivered via Caesarean section in the U.S. miss out on ingesting their mother’s microbe-laden fluid. Scientists have theorized that these children may be missing key bacteria known to play a large role in shaping the immune system from the moment of birth onward. To replace these microbes, particularly lactobacillus, essential for digesting human milk, some parents have turned to a procedure called vaginal microbial transfer.

Breastfeeding

Including eight to 11 daily servings of organic vegetables in her diet, along with healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, coconut and olive oil, can help moms maximize the nutritional value of breast milk. Additionally, eliminating soda and processed foods and keeping non-fruit sugars to a minimum are key.

Infant Formulas

Several ingredients in infant formulas, particularly high-fructose corn syrup, can set kids on a path of sugar cravings. Consider using formulas from companies such as Holle Organic Baby Formula and Baby’s Only that offer only organic products with simple ingredients.

Solid Foods

Vegetables come before fruits, meats and carbohydrates. Children should not dictate their own food intake. Rather, they should eat what parents eat. left to themselves, kids usually prefer chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese, as well as pizza. This nutritionally poor menu is a destructive path to a life of chronic illness.

Eating low-mercury fish such as salmon and healthy oils provides lots of omega-3 to the diet. One component of omega-3 fats is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which has been shown to provide lifelong protection against cardiovascular disease, obesity and neurological disorders, and is a known treatment for ADD and ADHD. Supplementation is helpful to children that do not get enough in their diet.

Probiotic and prebiotic foods and a good supplement of probiotics from birth forward can also help keep the microbiome balanced and prevent diabetes.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency, common in children, is a proven causation for Type I and Type 2 diabetes. It is also implicated in autoimmune disease and mood disturbances. Children need regular sunlight, but supplementation is recommended for a deficiency.

Exercise

Children that get an hour outside five or six days per week for running and playing with friends or family not only get needed exercise, but also develop a sense of belonging and community.

Sleep

It is helpful to check with the National Sleep Foundation (SleepFoundation.org) for age-specific recommendations from birth through adolescence to make sure that children get adequate sleep consistently, because this improves daytime concentration and prevents obesity, diabetes and many other conditions.  

Fun, Laughter and Love

Stress, directly linked to obesity and multiple endocrine disorders, including diabetes, can be counterbalanced by plenty of fun, laughter and love, which are grounding components for the entire family.

Making healthy choices for children from a young age goes a long way to prevent diabetes, as well as many other disabling conditions.  

Pamela Hughes, DO, is board certified in family medicine and the owner of Hughes Center for Functional Medicine, located at 800 Goodlette Rd., in Naples. For more information or to make an appointment, call 239-649-7400 or visit HughesCenterNaples.com.