Breastfeeding and Asthma

In the last ten years, significant research has come to light which highlights the important link between breastfeeding and reducing illness in infants, right through to adulthood. Interestingly, pivotal links have been found between child rates of asthma and breastfeeding. 

 

A Perth study, conducted at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, investigated over two and a half thousand infants from preterm to six years of age and examined their chances of developing asthma and other such allergen-based conditions if they stopped breast-feeding before the age of four months. 

 

The findings revealed that the risk of childhood asthma did in fact increase by 28 per cent if breast-feeding was stopped and replaced by a substitute before the child reached the four month mark. 

 

It is proposed that this is because breast-milk is loaded with millions of disease-fighting agents, minerals and vitamins (that regular milk does not have) and protects against infection through defence agents. Researchers at the Perth institute also suggested that the health benefits do not stop there. 

 

The levels of hormones, enzymes and growth factors found in breast-milk are excellent agents for reducing infections, respiratory illness and diarrhoea in babies. 

 

The decision to breast-feed is an entirely personal one and there may be reasons why women might choose not to. Research does however suggest that breastfeeding is the healthiest option for growing bodies and is something that future parents should keep in mind. 

 

For mothers who do choose to breastfeed, it is important to also remember that what you put in to your body is what comes out. For those that are considering having a child or more children, ensuring that your body’s defences and overall health is at an optimum level is critical. This can be done by maintaining a healthy diet, ensuring you get plenty of exercise and through regular chiropractic care. 

 

Adelaide chiropractors recommend that regular care before, during and after pregnancy, and for your child once they’re born, is an excellent way to given them the best start to life possible and to ensure that your in fit condition for care for the new addition.