Know the foods to avoid during breastfeeding to nurture your baby safely.

Breastfeeding is a critical period in the baby’s life, since it provides essential nutrients and antibodies for optimal growth and development. As an infant mother, it is essential to pay attention to what you eat, since some foods can affect the baby through breast milk. Although it is safe to consume most foods, there are some that you should avoid during this period to maintain the health and general wel l-being of your child.

First of all, it is important to remember that each baby is unique and that their reactions to certain foods can vary. However, among the most allergenic foods that should be avoided are the following

1. Eggs: It is known that eggs are a common allergen and can cause sensibilities in some babies. If you observe an unusual reaction in the skin or your baby’s digestive system after consuming eggs, it is advisable to avoid them during breastfeeding.
2. Cow’s milk: During breastfeeding, it is better to avoid the consumption of cow’s milk and dairy products, since sometimes they can trigger allergic reactions or cause cramps, gases or discomfort in babies. Be careful with hidden sources of cow’s milk, such as pastries or processed foods that contain dairy ingredients.

Important: Remember that it is essential that you look at your baby’s reactions to different foods. If you suspect any adverse effect on your infant baby, quickly consult with a healthcare professional or breastfeeding advisor to obtain personalized guidance and support.

Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding for the Wellbeing of Your Baby

1. Alcohol: consuming alcohol during breastfeeding can have harmful effects on your baby’s development. According to experts, alcohol passes through breast milk and can affect sleep patterns, motor skills and the general development of your baby. It is recommended to avoid alcohol completely or limit your intake to a minimum if you decide to consume it.

• Avoid consuming alcohol during breastfeeding to prevent possible damage to your BA.

2. Caffeine: Although a moderate amount of caffeine is usually safe during breastfeeding, excessive consumption can have undesirable effects on your baby. High levels of caffeine can cause irritability, sleep disturbances, and even affect your digestion. It is advisable to limit the consumption of coffee, tea, energy drinks and other caffeinated beverages while breastfeeding.

• Limit your caffeine consumption to avoid possible discomfort or alterations in your baby’s routine.

3. Fish high in mercury: Certain types of fish, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, are known to contain high levels of mercury. Mercury can be harmful to a baby’s developing nervous system. It is best to avoid these fish and opt for low-mercury alternatives, such as salmon, sardines and trout.

• Avoid fish high in mercury to protect your baby’s nervous system.

The Impact of Certain Foods on Breast Milk Composition

A mother’s diet plays a crucial role in determining the quality of her breast milk. Although a varied and balanced diet is generally recommended, there are certain foods that breastfeeding women should avoid or consume in moderation. It is important for nursing mothers to know these foods and their possible effects on the composition of breast milk, to ensure optimal nutrition and the well-being of their children.

Foods to Avoid or Limit during Breastfeeding:

1. Caffeine: Consumption of caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks, can increase caffeine levels in breast milk. This can affect the baby’s sleeping patterns and cause irritability.
2. Alcohol: Consumption of alcoholic beverages can pass alcohol metabolites into breast milk, potentially affecting the baby’s motor development and overall health. It is advisable for nursing mothers to avoid alcohol during breastfeeding.

Processed Foods: Why You Should Avoid Them

Processed foods have become a staple of the modern diet, often replacing whole, natural foods. These products undergo various mechanical and chemical processes to alter their texture, flavor and shelf life. However, the convenience they offer comes at a significant health cost. Here’s why you should consider cutting out processed foods completely.

1. Low nutritious value: One of the main inconveniences of processed foods is its low nutritional value. During the processing, many vital nutrients such as fiber, vitamins and minerals are eliminated. This means that the final product often lacks the essential components necessary for a balanced diet. Opting comprehensive and no n-processed foods guarantees the intake of all the nutrients that the body needs to function optimally.

“Processed foods often lack essential nutrients, which causes diet imbalances and possible deficiencies.”

2. High content of added sugars and unhealthy fats: processed foods are famous for their high added sugars and unhealthy fats. These additives not only contribute to weight gain and obesity, but also increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes of type 2. Consuming these foods regularly can cause imbalances in blood sugar levels and favorThe inflammation of the organism.

• Added sugars: processed foods, such as soft drinks, cereals and desserts, usually contain large amounts of added sugars. These sugars are rapidly absorbed in the bloodstream, causing an increase in blood glucose levels and the subsequent declines, leaving it fatigued and wanting more sugar.
• Little healthy fats: processed foods are usually loaded with trans fats and saturated fats. It is known that these types of fats increase “bad” cholesterol levels (LDL) while reducing “good” cholesterol (HDL) cholesterol, which further contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases.

3. Greater risk of food and preservative additives: processed foods often contain a multitude of food and preservative additives to improve flavor, texture and increase useful life. Although these additives can make food more appealing and prolong their longevity, they can have adverse health effects.

1. Artificial coloring: Many processed foods contain artificial dyes to make them visually more attractive. However, some of these dyes have been linked to child hyperactivity and may have other harmful effects on health in general.
2. Preservatives: processed meats, canned products and packaged snacks usually contain preservatives to prevent them from spoiling. However, certain preservatives, such as sodium nitrite, have been associated with a higher risk of cancer when consumed in excessive quantities.

If you avoid processed foods and focuses on healthy and unprocessed options, you can significantly improve your health and general welfare. Remember to read food labels carefully and choose food with a minimum of additives and preservatives to maintain a nutritious diet.

The Risks of Alcohol and Caffeine Consumption for Breastfeeding Mothers

Alcohol: Although moderate alcohol consumption may not raise significant risks during breastfeeding, excessive alcohol intake can have harmful effects for both the mother and the baby. Alcohol is rapidly absorbed in the bloodstream and can go to breast milk, exposing the infant to its effects. It can cause drowsiness, weakness and an abnormal increase in weight in the baby, hindering its growth and development. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption by the mother can reduce her ability to take care of her child and can cause a decrease in milk production.

IMPORTANT: It is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption during breastfeeding. If you decide to drink, limit your intake and let enough time before breastfeeding your baby to minimize potential risks.

Caffeine: since it is a common component of many drinks and food, infant mothers often consume caffeine without realizing their possible effects on their infant children. Caffeine can pass breast milk one hour after consumption and can cause irritability, restlessness and sleep disorders in the baby. In addition, infants have a limited capacity to metabolize caffeine, which makes them more susceptible to their stimulating effects and the possible negative consequences on their sleep patterns.

IMPORTANT: It is advisable that infant mothers limit their caffeine consumption. Instead, opt for decaffeinated drinks and be careful with hidden sources of caffeine in food and medicines.

Dietary Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers

Guarantee a healthy and balanced diet is crucial for infant mothers, since it directly influences the nutritional quality of breast milk. Although alcohol and caffeine should be avoided or consumed in moderation, there are many other foods that can favor breastfeeding and the general health of the mother. Include foods rich in healthy vitamins, minerals and fats, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and low fat products, can provide essential nutrients for both the mother and the baby.

Spicy and Gassy Foods: Potential Discomfort for Your Infant

Pican foods, such as those spiced with chiny or spicy sauces, can cause infant discomfort. The active component of spicy foods, capsaicin, can pass to breast milk and affect flavor. Some babies can develop spicy breast milk, which causes them concern and rejection of breastfeeding. In addition, spicy food consumption can cause the production of compounds that induce gases in breast milk, which can cause excessive gases and swelling in the baby.

Important note: It is important to understand that each baby reacts differently to spicy foods. Some babies can tolerate them without problems, while others may experience discomfort. Therefore, it is essential to monitor your baby’s reactions and adjust your diet accordingly.

To determine if spicy foods cause discomfort to your baby, look closely at their behavior after shots. The possible discomfort signs include excessive crying, restlessness, pulling the legs towards the abdomen and gase increase. If you observe any of these symptoms, it may be worth eliminating or reducing the consumption of spicy foods in your diet.

• Avoid spice dishes with mixtures of strong spices or spicy sauces.
• Reduce the consumption of foods containing chides, cayenne or other spicy spices.
• Opt for softer alternatives when you choose condiments or sauces for your meals.

Remember that each baby is unique and that what can cause discomfort to one may not affect another. If you are not sure what food you should avoid or are concerned about your baby’s reactions to certain foods, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional or a breastfeeding advisor to obtain personalized guidance.

Allergenic Foods: Could They Be Harming Your Baby?

Food you should avoid

In the early stages of the introduction of solid foods to your baby, it is recommended to avoid potentially allergenic foods. These foods include:

• Eggs
• Cow’s milk and dairy products
• Wheat
• Soy

Research suggests that introducing very allergenic foods in the early stages of baby’s life can reduce the risk of food allergies. However, it is essential to pay attention to any sign of allergy or intolerance when introducing these foods. If your baby presents symptoms such as rash, diarrhea, vomiting or difficulty breathing after consuming a specific food, it is essential that you consult a healthcare professional.

To take precautions

Apart from avoiding potentially allergenic foods, there are other precautions that you can take to minimize the risk of allergic reactions in your baby:

1. Enter the new food one by one, waiting at least two or three days before introducing another.
2. Whenever possible, opt for homemade foods, which will allow you to control the ingredients and minimize the risk of hidden allergens.
3. Comment your concerns and observations with the pediatrician, who can offer you a personalized orientation based on your baby’s individual history and needs.

Fish High in Mercury: A No-Go During Breastfeeding

Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the organism over time, causing various adverse effects. In particular, it is an important risk for the neurological development of fetuses and infants. Since mercury can pass from the mother’s body to breast milk, the consumption of fish with high mercury content during breastfeeding can expose the baby for these harmful effects.

Fish High in Mercury to Avoid:

1. Shark: It is known that the shark has high levels of mercury and should be avoided during breastfeeding. This great predatory fish has a long life, which allows you to accumulate high levels of mercury in its tissues.
2. Sword fish: Another fish that should be avoided during breastfeeding is the swordfish. The swordfish is known for its high mercury content and is usually the objective of recreational fishermen due to their large size and attractive flavor.
3. Real mackerel: The real mackerel also contains high levels of mercury and should be avoided. This popular fish among sports fishermen can accumulate Mercury due to their position as a predator in the aquatic food chain.

Caution: fish consumption with high mercury content during breastfeeding can cause development problems in babies, affecting their nervous system and their health in general. It is crucial that infant mothers are aware of potential risks and make informed decisions in regard to their diet.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont