Table of Contents
- 1. Is it safe to detox while breastfeeding?
- 2. 5 natural ways on how to perform a liver cleanse while breastfeeding
- 3. The number of calories you need for breastfeeding
- 4. Foods to consider while breastfeeding
- 5. Foods to avoid while breastfeeding
- Do and don’ts while breastfeeding
- 6. Final thought
There are multiple testimonials on the post-pregnancy diet available on the internet today.
Some say it's best for weight loss and improving body immunity while others say that the diet has been detrimental for them.
Thus it’s very necessary to know the perfect diet for breastfeeding as some recipes can negatively affect your breast milk.
We understand that during the first month of pregnancy there is no possible diet that you can follow as you are in a survival mode.
You eat whatever is near you, sleep whenever you can, and shower if possible. However, when the transition happens from this survival mode to post-pregnancy mode after the newborn is delivered, this is where the real struggle begins.
You desperately now want to lose the baby fat that you have gained during pregnancy and want to fit into pre-pregnancy jeans again.
We feel you and that is what’s why we have developed this conclusive blog educating you on the gains involved in liver cleanse while breastfeeding.
1. Is it safe to detox while breastfeeding?
According to our research, it’s safe to detox while breastfeeding as you will have improved mental clarity, and energy levels and strengthen your immunity system. (1)
Source: WebMD
Always check multiple times before indulging yourself in a detox program, because some detox recipes are only liquid-based which can leave you're newborn malnourished and cranky.
2. 5 natural ways on how to perform a liver cleanse while breastfeeding
Source: News18
1. Stay hydrated 24/7: You are no longer a single individual. Remember that you are responsible for the human that you have given birth to. Making silly mistakes like not staying hydrated will not be excused since it’s not about you.
Staying hydrated all time would boost the milk supply and will supply adequate amounts of energy to your body.
This will help you in staying strong and not get weak post-pregnancy. By giving your body proper hydration you are telling your liver to get rid of unwanted toxins which will get released in the form of waste.
2. Sleep whenever you can: Getting maximum sleep would give you massive benefits. Whenever you feel tired after breastfeeding, go to sleep or at least get a quick shut-eye.
Don’t resist yourself during these times because this is a sign telling your body to go to sleep.
Image Credits: Unsplash
Whenever you sleep you don’t have to consume any food and hence your digestive system gets a break.
This promotes fat loss as you are not constantly having it when you are awake post-pregnancy.
Once active in the morning, excessive fat is released by the liver in the form of waste.
3. Veggies and Fruits are your lifesavers: Don’t go for any products that promote super quick detoxification. There are certain foods you must avoid during a liver detox.
Hence, make sure that you stick to nature and have a lot of veggies and fruits so that you allow your body natural detoxification by the liver in the form of faces.
4. The swish oil technique: Other than essential oils for liver detox, you can also opt for the swish oil technique.
The swish oil technique is 5000 year old Ayurveda technique that has been used for improving digestion, providing better gums, and better breath.
Image Credits: Unsplash
Swish oil has been a great source of detoxification. (2)
All you have done is keep the oil for a definite amount of time and then sort it out.
Recommended Reading: Ayurvedic Liver Cleanse For Your Liver
5. Getting the right detox plan: A good detox plan would let you lose weight slowly and gently after pregnancy. Any diet that promises quick weight loss after pregnancy is questionable.
A reliable detox plan would tell you to consume natural foods that will help your liver detoxify while others would do exactly the opposite.
Some of the famous liver detox plans are:
1. 3 6 9 Liver Cleanse Diet
2. 7 day Liver Cleanse Diet
3. 3 day Liver Cleanse
4. 24 hour liver detox
It will tell you to consume processed foods for fast weight loss but ultimately you will end up accumulating fat and not losing it.
3. The number of calories you need for breastfeeding
The baby fat that you would have during pregnancy would be used as breast milk for your baby as breastfeeding requires 5000-6000 calories per day. (3)
Source: Guardian
Now if you have lost all the baby fat post pregnancy then you have to take on this additional set of calories requirement to nourish your baby properly. Once your baby reaches six months, you can cut back on the calorie intake.
4. Foods to consider while breastfeeding
Source: MedicalNewsToday
While breastfeeding your goal should be a healthy diet that would include vitamins, proteins, and minerals. Make sure to include these foods while breastfeeding :
1. Fruits
A minimum of two cups of fruits is required while breastfeeding.
Aim not to stick to a single fruit but do a variety of them. According to a paper published by the Colorado State University, the following are the best foods while breastfeeding (4)
- Mangoes
- Apricot
- Cantaloupe
- Oranges
- Prunes
- Grapefruit
Image Credits: Unsplash
2. Vegetables
Consuming three cups of vegetables is necessary while breastfeeding. Vegetables are rich in antioxidants and give your body the necessary nutrients to make milk. According to USDA, the following are a list of the most essential veggies that you should consume while breastfeeding. (5)
- Sweet potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Pumpkin
- Red sweet peppers
- Cooked greens
- Carrots
Image Credits: Unsplash
3. Grains
While breastfeeding you should aim to eat eight ounces of whole grains per day. Besides getting vital nutrients, make sure you consume grains that are rich in proteins like Quinoa.
If you are into cereals make sure that you stick to fortified cereals that have no presence of added sugar
Image Credits: Unsplash
4. Proteins
Most doctors recommend 25 grams of protein each day while breastfeeding. (6)
Some of the great sources of proteins are as follows:
- Nuts and seeds
- Pork and lamb
- Crab and mussels
- Sardines and Pollock
Image Credits: Unsplash
Make sure that you don’t leave foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acid is responsible for brain development in newborns as they are low in mercury.
5. Dairy
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, your bone tends to get weak which can lead to osteoporosis.
Having necessary dairy would supply your body with good amounts of calcium. You should aim for 3 cups of dairy each day and should include yogurt, milk, and natural cheese
Image Credits: Unsplash
5. Foods to avoid while breastfeeding
There are certain types of food to avoid during liver detox. Realize the fact that breast milk gets generated from the nutrients in your bloodstream. So consume ingredients that won’t harm the baby. Some of the foods that you should avoid are :
- Any food that has high mercury content should be avoided
- Avoid drinking coffee since this can affect the sleep cycle of the newborn
- Don’t consume gassy foods like cruciferous vegetables and spicy foods
- Limit consumption of alcohol
Source: ParentingFirstCry
The CDC recommends one drink per day won’t harm the baby at all. Make sure that you limit to one drink only otherwise it could negatively affect the baby. Also, take note to wait for two hours after consuming alcohol and then start the breastfeeding process
Do and don’ts while breastfeeding
Do’s
- Never stick to a single liquid diet as this can be detrimental for both you and the baby.
Consume a variety of liver cleanse juices. - Always look for a diet that provides you with healthy nutrients for your body. Having a healthy diet would mean a better sleep cycle, no damage to the internal tissues, and improved energy levels.
- Opting for a liver cleanse for acnewould mean maintenance of the liver, skin, and digestive organs
Don’ts
- Avoid any diet that does not provide necessary details for executing a liver cleanse while breastfeeding
- Avoid Coffee at all cost
- Don’t go for foods that have high mercury content
6. Final thought
Producing healthy breast milk for your baby would require an intake of 5000-6000 calories per day. This can also be done by following a 7-day liver detox diet that would include enough protein, nutrients, fluids, and fat that would develop adequate quantities of breast milk for the newborn.
So make sure you decide your diet plan very carefully otherwise it could be detrimental for both you and the baby.
