I just read a very interesting article on Dr Mercola’s Blog Site and also adapted from here:

The mix of bacteria in a baby’s gut may predict whether that infant will become obese later in life. Babies with a high amount of bifidobacteria and a low amount of Staphylococcus aureus may be protected from excess weight gain.

This may help explain why breast-fed babies are at lower risk for later obesity; bifidobacteria are prevalent in the guts of breast-fed babies.

Many studies have found that breast feeding is associated with a reduced risk of childhood obesity.

As in so many cases, it seems that the natural things in life are the best. There have become so many ways in modern society to ’substitute’ the tried and true products of nature. An example would be artificial sweeteners.

It is so sad that natures most perfect food, breastmilk, would be substituted for any reason except a serious maternal health issue that meant breastfeeding could not go ahead. This article is interesting in that it shows that medical research is catching up with what some have always known. When looking at the long term health of your children, thereis nothing better than what you have readily available to give to them. The natural proven methods of caring for them and feeding them will always be most beneficial.