X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

Breastfeeding found to lower the risk of multiple sclerosis

26 Jul, 2017
Breastfeeding found to lower the risk of multiple sclerosis

Aside from the numerous benefits that breastfeeding has for babies, researchers found that breastfeeding moms have a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis.

Good news for breastfeeding moms! A recent study suggests that mothers who breastfeed their kids for longer are less likely to develop multiple sclerosis compared to moms who breastfed for only a short time, or those who skipped breastfeeding entirely.

Breast is best!

It has long been known that breastfeeding has a lot of benefits for both the child, and the mother. And a recent study has found that lowering the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) for mothers is among those benefits.

Researchers conducted a study on 400 mothers who were diagnosed with MS, and found that mothers who breastfed for 15 months or longer were 53% less likely to acquire the dreaded condition. MS is a disease that causes damage to the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, sometimes resulting in permanent disability, such as losing the ability to walk.

However, the researchers still haven’t discovered why women who breastfeed have a lower risk of acquiring MS, they only proved that there is indeed a connection between longer breastfeeding and reduced risk of acquiring MS.

Nicholas LaRocca, vice president of health care delivery and policy research for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society shares, “I think what we’ve been learning in recent years is that the immune system, which we knew was complicated, is more complicated than we thought and has a number of other relationships with other parts and aspects of the body.”

“I think where you go from here is to see if these results can be replicated, but also to try to fit this in with everything else we know about the risk of MS.”

Over 2.5 million worldwide suffer from MS, and it’s an incurable disease. MS also affects more women of childbearing age compared to men or older women.

Breastfeeding has numerous benefits

In addition to lowering the risk of MS for moms, breastfeeding also can significantly lower the risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, as well as heart attack. The longer a mother breastfeeds can also help increase their resistance to those diseases.

Breastfeeding has also been known to boost a child’s immune system, and breast milk is a complete food that’s perfectly suited for a growing baby’s needs. Some studies have also shown that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of obesity in children, which can benefit their health as they grow older.

Doctors recommend that moms breastfeed their child starting from birth, and for as long as possible in order to reap the benefits.

Partner Stories
Next-Gen Ford Everest: 6 Reasons Why This Is Your Family's Next Dream Car!
Next-Gen Ford Everest: 6 Reasons Why This Is Your Family's Next Dream Car!
Gut Health and Probiotic Survival Rate
Gut Health and Probiotic Survival Rate
Evelyn Ng, P&G high ranking executive, shares her story as a career woman and a working mom
Evelyn Ng, P&G high ranking executive, shares her story as a career woman and a working mom
Creating an Absolute-ly Merry Christmas
Creating an Absolute-ly Merry Christmas

 

Source: webmd.com, mayoclinic.org

READ: Breastfeeding makes a mom’s heart healthier, says study

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Jan Alwyn Batara

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • News
  • /
  • Breastfeeding found to lower the risk of multiple sclerosis
Share:
  • 14 important things you need to know about computing your Meralco Bill

    14 important things you need to know about computing your Meralco Bill

  • What you need to know about Trust Contraceptive Pills, is it for you?

    What you need to know about Trust Contraceptive Pills, is it for you?

  • 8 prepaid health cards that you can avail for your family

    8 prepaid health cards that you can avail for your family

  • 14 important things you need to know about computing your Meralco Bill

    14 important things you need to know about computing your Meralco Bill

  • What you need to know about Trust Contraceptive Pills, is it for you?

    What you need to know about Trust Contraceptive Pills, is it for you?

  • 8 prepaid health cards that you can avail for your family

    8 prepaid health cards that you can avail for your family

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at lifestyle update.