Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : November 2, 2016 11:17 AM IST
I am a 30-year-old mother. I recently read a story on breastfeeding, which states that breastfeeding for long can lower the risk of cancer in kids? Is it true? For how long should you feed a newborn? Please answer.
The query is answered by Dr Ruchika Nagrath, Lamaze Child Birth Educator, Member of Medela Lactation Consultants Club.
Yes, it a true that breastfeeding as compared to bottle feeding or formula milk has added advantages. Many scientific research studies across the world reveal that breastfeeding not only makes the smarter and healthy but also boost the immunity and lower the risk of various health problems. And cancer is one of the many diseases and conditions. Read more about the health benefits of breastfeeding for kids. Not just the kids, breastfeeding is also healthy for the mothers. Here's how breastfeeding keeps the mother healthy.
As far as lowering the risk of cancer is concerned, children who consume breastmilk for at least six months have a lower risk of childhood leukaemia and lymphoma than those who do not. This is because, breast milk contains loads of immune promoting and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help in lowering the risk of cancer. The anti-inflammatory compounds not only fight against the free radicals, which can put you at risk of cancer but also lower your risk of infections. Moreover, scientific studies have also shown that breastfed babies have more natural killer cells, a type of immune cells that targets and destroys cancer cells. However, children fed with formula don't have this advantage as the formula milk is devoid of these natural immune cells. In addition to this, breastmilk also contains stem cells, which have the ability to transform into a healthy cell in the body thereby helping in the overall growth and development of the child.
Read this in HINDI
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