Give Solid to Babies Before 5 Months Can Avoid Asthma

During this time, is recommended for infants to eat solid when he was 6 months to 6 months in which the infant received only breast milk alone. But the latest findings from Finnish scientist quite surprising, that the baby is eating porridge before the age of five months will reduce the risk of asthma. The risk of asthma later in childhood is reduced by almost two-thirds in babies first fed oats before they reach five months of age, compared to those introduced to them later, the research shows.
Scientists who carried out the study believe early exposure to oats may be crucial in helping to ward off the disease.
Of course, the findings clash with Department of Health infant feeding guidelines, which recommend breastfeeding for six months before introducing solid foods.
A team of scientists from Finland studied almost 1,300 children whose parents took part in a diet and lifestyle study between 1996 and 2000. They wanted to see if certain foods either raised the risk of asthma and hay fever, or reduced them.
Each family recorded infant feeding patterns from an early age and the children were then followed up for at least five years.
The results, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, showed babies fed porridge in their first few months of life were 64 per cent less likely to have chest problems as a toddler than those who did not eat it or who started later.
The same team also found babies fed fish at an early age had much lower rates of hay fever by the time they were five years old.
In a report on their findings, the researchers said: 'Oats are a commonly used cereal in Finland, as porridge and bread.
'Animal and cell experiments suggest oats may affect the immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties.
'The same is true for fish.
'Our findings imply that delaying the introduction of oats in infancy may increase the risk of asthma by the age of five in some children.'
Indeed in recent years porridge considered a very healthy food. In fact, research says eating a bowl of porridge every morning can reduce the risk of excess cholesterol by 10 percent
So what do you think now moms? Will you give your little baby solid or not? The decision is in your hands but consult with your pediatrician is the wise way to take.

Source: www.dailymail.co.uk