INFANT MICROBIOME AND BREASTFEEDING

August the 1st-7th is World Breastfeeding week….. So with this in mind, I would like to create some “food” for thought around building the immunity and suitable Microbiome in the mother and baby to ensure that the effectiveness of the breast milk is optimal. This will support the nutrition and building the immunity of the child, setting a base footprint for future health…..and their children’s health.

In the words of Maria Gloria Dominguez-Bello, Associate Professor, New York University.

"When a baby is born, the immune system of the baby is completely naive. It has to learn to tolerate the good bacteria and to attack the enemies. And to do that, the right bacteria have to arrive first because the message will be: ‘tolerate me’. This maternal bacteria that are related to milk and that milk promotes are the good guys which will be tolerated by the immune system. And later, other bacteria will arrive at the right time and the immune system starts getting trained, educated we say, in how to differentiate the friend from the enemy, the self from the non-self.
This is extremely important and if you upset this process, which is so crucial in the early-life, then we may have consequences later".

BREASTMILK provides perfect nutrition, plus immune components, antibodies, and additional microbes. Breast milk provides human milk oligosaccharides, special sugars that are indigestible to the baby but can be digested by the newly seeded microbes in the baby’s gut. These special sugars feed the bacteria received from the mother during the birthing process and enable the “right” kind of microbes to thrive and colonize thus crowding out the harmful pathogens and optimally helping to train the immune system.
Recent research suggests that breastfeeding might result in “Epigenetic” changes that confer with the benefits of lifelong health, including optimal brain development, and development of the infant’s immune and metabolic systems.

EPIGENETICS
It’s not just genes that make us. In its modern sense, epigenetics is the term used to describe inheritance by mechanisms other than through the DNA sequence of genes. … It works through chemical tags added to chromosomes that in effect switch genes on or off. Epigenetics is termed as meaning “above the genes” and differs from genetics in that is something that can switch the gene expression on or off…
So how do we ensure the right “biome” is seeded in the infant.
Whilst the infant is developing in the womb, it may receive some exposure to microbes via the placenta, amniotic fluid, and the mother’s womb. This “reservoir” of microbes will be passed on to the baby during vaginal birth and breastfeeding, so it is important that the mother pays special attention to eating a well-balanced diet during pregnancy. (plenty of fresh vegetable & fruits, high-fiber, and fermented foods & reduce process foods)

READ MORE@ https://zurl.co/M1PI

BALANCED HEALING will able to assess the pregnant mother’s nutritional needs through screening and consultation and then develop and implement dietary care plans and provide nutritional counseling & support.

TIPS TO CREATE MINDFULNESS & MANAGE STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE - FINAL

As July and Corporate Wellness month comes to an end, here are the last ways to "create mindfulness" and "manage stress in the workplace".

PUT YOURSELF IN ANOTHER'S SHOES?

You are probably familiar with the saying, “to stand in someone else’s shoes,” when a situation arises. Empathy plays a role in allowing us to understand the minds of others and to resonate emotionally with those states. Practicing mindfulness in the workplace enables us to feel empathy for others. We don’t all think or feel the same way, others may be going through some personal problems, serious health issues and just need support, thinking before we speak or react can make a big difference in others and your life. Be supportive of new ideas and encourage creativity.

MOODS ARE CONTAGIOUS

Keeping your moods in check – your good feelings can rub off on those around you. Spend a few minutes remembering and visualizing a time when you were really enjoying yourself. It could be because of something you were doing, someplace you were visiting or someone you were with. Savor the memory. Try to keep that feeling at the top of your mind as often as possible throughout your day.

FINDING MEANING & PURPOSE IN WHAT WE DO

Lastly, remind yourself and others why your jobs are important. The thing about their purpose and how they add value to your organization, and to your customer/clients/students/patients. Sometimes your “customer” is not the end-user of your organization’s services or products but could be an internal person who relies on what you do so that they can get their job done.

"Remember, it is not uncommon for mindfulness to take a turn when things are hectic. Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed remember these best practices to help clear your mind".

In terms of managing stress in the workplace:
+ Start a Hobby
+Do Something Different
+Slow Down
+Laugh - Use Humour
+Learn To Relax

Read more @ https://zurl.co/Lz6G

CONTACT BALANCED HEALING to advise patients and clients on nutritional principles, diet modifications, food selection and preparation, which lays the foundation for optimal health.

TIPS TO CREATE MINDFULNESS AND MANAGE STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE - PART 4

How else can you create mindfulness and manage stress in the workplace during Corporate Wellness Week and for the rest of the month?

ENCOURAGE FUN
Add some light fun by picking a day for a dress-up or desk-decorating theme – ex. hat day, wild sock day, or decorating with flowers, pictures of tropical places, etc.

SHARE YOUR GRATITUDE
Write down five things you are grateful for at work – then share at least one with a coworker.

ENGAGE IN RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS
Do something kind for someone else (especially someone who wouldn’t expect it). Offer to help them with something, give them a snack or treat, or simply ask them how their evening or weekend was or about something going on in their life.

Along with creating Mindfulness here are more tips on MANAGING STRESS in the Workplace:

LEARN TO SAY "NO"

Learn to pick and choose which things you will say “yes” to and which things you will not.

+Protect yourself by not allowing yourself to take on every request or opportunity that comes your way.
+It is okay to decline a request for a favor. Saying “no” does not mean you are bad, self-centered, or uncaring.
+Learn skills of assertiveness so that you can feel more confident and have effective ways of saying “no.”

GET REGULAR EXERCISE

Exercising regularly can help relieve some symptoms of depression and stress, and help us to maintain our health. Exercise can build confidence, self-esteem, and self-image. It is also a great way to take time for yourself, blow off steam, and release physical tension

Read More @: https://zurl.co/5Men

"BALANCED HEALING will assess your nutritional needs through screening and consultation and then able to develop and implement dietary care plans and provide nutritional counseling & support which will aid managing your stress".