Prebiotic Fiber Highlights for Yours

Supporting the health of a mother during her vulnerable pregnancy days ensures that she remains strong and will be there for her child as they grow up. A mother who is healthy herself, can participate her child school activities, host sleepover parties with their child’s friends, and enjoy life as a family more.¹ It is said that a healthy body starts with a healthy gut, so supporting digestive health with prebiotic fibers will help the microbiome do its job and aid in digestion for efficient nutrient absorption.^{1, 5}

What is a Microbiome?

The microbiome is a system of trillions of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. They are responsible for regulating metabolism, weight gain control, control digestion, and immune function.² Unlike a set pack of genes a person is born with, the microbiome can be influenced by lifestyle and environment, including a person’s nutritional choices. When it is out of balance, lacking the necessary nutrients to power it, it will take it from other places. This puts the body and gut in constant inflammation, weakening the immune system.²

What are the Food Options for Prebiotics?

Prebiotic fiber (scFOS, fucosyllactose oligosaccharide) is a type of complex carbohydrate and naturally found in plant-based foods, so there are plenty of options to choose from. Already common in a lot of Asian favorite dishes, red onions, garlic, leeks, seaweed, soy beans, bananas, and apples are great sources of prebiotic fibers.^{1, 3} These food items are more nutritious, aside from fiber, when processed close to their most natural form. For example, fruit juice with pulp will contain more fiber than a filtered one. For grains, any whole grain would do, but keep in mind to drink plenty of water when you do eat fiber. This is because fiber absorbs water to bulk stool, as well as to keep things moving and regulate bowels.^{1, 3}

Other Nutrients to Keep in Mind

The benefits of eating high fiber foods are that, when eaten close to their natural state, they retain nutrients, unlike packaged foods. The other nutrients a mother should keep in mind that she gets enough of are vitamin D to increase calcium absorption for bone health, folic acid for red blood cell health and blood flow for the heart, zinc & vitamin C for antioxidant properties protect cells in the body in general and increase immune cell strength.^{1, 4}

How about for mothers who find it a little bit daunting to take care of their own nutrition, while she is trying best for her child? What if even when she still eats healthy, it is still lacking in something? Also, since fiber can take a little getting used to, mothers can take nutritional supplements for prebiotics and other missing essential nutrients. For example, Similac Mum is scientifically formulated to support the nutritional needs for pregnant and breastfeeding mums without causing excessive weight gain.⁷

A strong nutritional foundation is what will provide you and your child with the means to enjoy what life ahead of you has to offer.

Want to try Similac MUM? Visit Similac Myanmar today to sign up for samples.