Many mothers refrain from eating spicy foods while breastfeeding because they believe that it can affect the baby. In fact, there are those who argue that this brings discomfort and irritability to the little one. Right?
There are even those who argue that eating spicy food while breastfeeding causes colic and stomach problems in the baby. It is added that this occurs more frequently if the mother also has some gastric discomfort after ingesting the products.
It must be said most of these claims are nothing more than myths. There is currently no evidence. Let’s see in more detail.
Is It Safe To Eat Spicy Foods While Breastfeeding?
All the experts agree it is safe to eat spicy foods while breastfeeding. This shouldn’t cause any discomfort to the baby. If your little one is more irritable, has more gas or seems restless, it is most likely due to another cause.
The essential composition of breast milk is always the same, regardless of what the mother consumes in her diet. In other words, it is not true that a mother’s food passes directly to her baby when she nurses him.
What can happen when you eat spicy foods while breastfeeding is this the milk changes the taste a bit. It’s not that the acids from spicy food are in the breast milk, just part of its flavor, but in a very subtle way.
It should not be forgotten that there are many cultures in the world where spiciness is an essential element of food. In those geographic regions, there are no restrictions for nursing mothers.
Does eating spicy foods have any benefits?
To the surprise of many, not only is it safe to eat spicy food while breastfeeding, it could also have valuable benefits. The first of these is the taste change in breast milk.
When the baby perceives that soft and subtle spicy trace in the mother’s milk, he begins to broaden the range of his gustatory perceptions. One way or another, this enriches your palate and prepares you to open yourself up more to new flavors.
There’s a study in which it was highlighted that children more exposed to different flavors, through the amniotic fluid during pregnancy, therefore they are more receptive to incorporating more flavors into their diet when they start eating solid foods.
Some strongly flavored foods change the taste of breast milk. Among them are garlic, vanilla, mint and spicy. A investigation found a very interesting fact about it. The change in behavior in the infant was observed when a new element was introduced into the mother’s diet. The children’s response was that they drank more breast milk than usual..
Are There Risks of Eating Spicy While Breastfeeding?
No evidence was found that eating spicy foods while breastfeeding affects the baby in any way. Although these types of meals they fall hard for the mother, there was no impact on the pups.
The spices also do not make the milk unpleasant or have a very strong or unpleasant taste. The traces of flavor are very subtle and the child will not get the acids found in spicy foods. You will only experience a slightly different taste than usual.
Some parents also worry that eating spicy foods while breastfeeding will lead to allergy symptoms in the baby. It must be said that there is no evidence that this is true either.
Conversely, everything indicates that babies whose mothers are exposed to a wide variety of foods while breastfeeding, then they tend to develop fewer food allergies and intolerances. There aren’t enough studies about it, but it’s an interesting hypothesis in science.
The correct diet while breastfeeding
A nursing mother should increase her daily calorie intake by 400-500. Ideally, you should have a very varied and balanced diet. You should avoid only those foods that cause her discomfort.
Caution is advised with some foods, even if not for their taste:
- Alcohol: for its harmful effect on the child.
- Fish: due to its high mercury content.
- Caffeine: it should be limited to no more than 300 milligrams per day.
- Herbal supplements: consume only those that have been approved by a doctor.
If the baby shows any kind of reaction during breastfeeding, such as hives, vomiting, constipation, excessive gas, eczema, diarrhea, bloody stools or similar manifestations, it is indicated to consult the pediatrician.
Consult if you have any doubts
Although there is no basis for believing that eating spicy foods while breastfeeding is harmful to the baby, if the mother notices a reaction in the baby, it is best to clarify her concerns with the health professional.
every child is different, but they all generally develop a taste for the foods their mothers like best. In any case, if after eating you notice an inadequate response in your child, evacuate the concern to a doctor’s office.
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