You probably don't need me to tell you that the food you provide your infant is crucial. You're doing everything you can to ensure your baby's health, from nursing to introducing solids to encouraging the consumption of veggies.

The necessity for more action, however, cannot be ruled out. One of the finest things you can do for your baby's health is to provide probiotics, either in the form of food or a supplement.

What Makes Probiotics So Valuable?

Let's rewind for a second and discuss the benefits of using probiotics.

Bacteria abound inside our bodies. Even while it may sound awful, only about 1% of germs are actually pathogenic. Other bacteria in our systems are deemed "good bacteria" since they are important to human health and are necessary for bodily function.

The proper functioning of our bodies relies on a healthy balance of microorganisms, and probiotics make sure that happens.

What About Probiotics for Babies?

Babies are exposed to microorganisms for the first time in the amniotic fluid; thus, it is not sterile. Furthermore, the mom's oral and gastrointestinal flora affect the types of bacteria present in the amniotic fluid.

In a perfect world, mothers would have beautiful bacteria to give to their offspring. Unfortunately, the gut flora passed on to newborns has been degraded by GMOs, antibiotics,  sugary and starchy foods, and an abundance of processed foods throughout the previous century.

A baby's probiotics are their first line of defense since they increase the number of "good bacteria" in the infant's digestive system.

Probiotics and Infant Health

Because they boost the immune system and intestinal flora, probiotics for infants provide several health benefits.

Problems digesting food

Infants who lack a healthy microbiome are at increased risk for gastrointestinal problems such colic, acid reflux, stomach issues and even IBS and Crohn's disease.

Disorders of the Immune System

Given that 80 percent of our immune system is located in the digestive tract, it stands to reason that poor gut flora would lead to a dysfunctional immune system. When a newborn's gut flora isn't healthy, the infant's immune system suffers. That makes the infant more susceptible to catching viruses and bacteria. The use of probiotics in infants can help prevent some of these problems.

Issues with Weight

Your baby's weight might be affected by the use of probiotics. Mice that lacked the protein TLR5 (which maintains a healthy microbiome) gained significantly more weight than their counterparts, developed insulin resistance, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. Most notably, researchers transferred bacteria from fat mice to lean mice, causing the lean animals to increase their food intake, acquire weight, and finally develop the metabolic abnormalities seen in TLR5-deficient mice. To sum up, the mice's weight and metabolic problems could be traced back to an imbalance of bacteria in their digestive systems.

Dermatological Problems

Babies have especially delicate skin, and a number of health problems—including eczema, cradle cap, and acne—may originate in the digestive tract. Prenatal supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus paracasei, and Bifidobacterium longum has been shown to dramatically lower the incidence of baby eczema.