Breastfeeding the baby comes with many health benefits, but most importantly, it is crucial as it conjoins the mother and the baby with love, tenderness, a unique feel, etc. The mother’s milk has all the antibodies that help in fighting infection and are suitable for the healthy growth and development of the baby. Turmeric is an antiseptic and is used in almost all Indian households to keep all sorts of illness and virus away. Turmeric is a powerful herb which is beneficial for all age groups. However, taking turmeric, the rest of the year vs. at the time of breastfeeding is a debate. As per several medical research conducted in this field, consumption of turmeric is an ideal and secure option while breastfeeding as it makes the immune system stronger and keeps one healthy.
Let us read the health benefits, side effects, the dosage of turmeric, its safety for the consumption at the time of breastfeeding, the ways to include it in the diet, etc
What Is Turmeric?
Turmeric also referred to as the ‘Queen of Spices,’ has a pungent smell, a sharp taste and yellowish golden in color. It is quite predominant on account of its antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic (interfere with the mutation) and anti-carcinogenic (fights cancer) features. This spice adds a taste of its own in almost all Indian dishes, and this spice is enriched with minerals, vitamins, proteins as well as other nutrients. This even has many medicinal advantages when taken in the right quantity during the lactation period.
Health Benefits of Turmeric While Breastfeeding:
Turmeric is a vital element for Indian cooking and has many healthy properties as well. Its consumption has added benefits for all, even if it is for the breastfeeding mother. Some of the common health benefits of its consumption during the lactation period are as below:
1. It Helps To Boost Immunity:
Turmeric contains antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that help to boost the immunity levels and offer protection against cold, cough, and even flu while feeding the new-born baby.
2. It Helps To Reduce Inflammation:
Inflammation in the breasts, swelling or blocked mammary glands make it uncomfortable for both the mother and the baby. Consuming turmeric during the lactation phase helps to reduce the inflammation and makes feeding a smooth experience.
3. Minimizes Cholesterol:
High cholesterol in the body can trigger many health issues but consuming turmeric during the nursing phase helps to control the cholesterol levels and helps in prevention of heart ailments.
4. Prevent Osteoarthritis:
Due to its antioxidant properties, it nullifies the free radicals. It is the free radicals that bring about the damage of the cells in the joints. Therefore, the consumption of turmeric prevents inflammation in joints and even reduces the pain of the osteoarthritis.
5. It Helps In Controlling Weight:
Turmeric helps to control the weight of the body, helps in preventing weight gain and reduces obesity, etc. It is thus advisable to have turmeric after the meals to be able to regulate the weight of the lactating mother.
6. Promotes Digestion:
Consumption of turmeric triggers the production of bile fosters digestion and reduces the gastric symptoms. Post-delivery most of the women face issues with digestion. Therefore, it is very important to include turmeric in post-pregnancy diet.
7. Prevents Liver Disease:
Turmeric is also a natural detoxifier. It is capable of preventing the accumulation of toxins in the body. It urges the liver to produce hormones that break down the toxins and eliminate them from the body. It even helps to increase the blood transmission during the lactation period, and that is good for their health as well.
8. Act As A Natural Painkiller:
After delivery, your body may be subjected to different types of aches and pains. Most of these discomforts hinder your lactating phase as you have to sit in the same position for a longer time while breastfeeding the baby. Intake of turmeric during the lactating phase is an excellent remedy to bring down the discomforts and “stiffness.”
Is Turmeric Safe While Breastfeeding Your Baby?
Consumption of turmeric is completely safe during the lactation period. But one should consume this herb in smaller and apt quantity by using it in the preparation of the dishes. It is best to avoid any supplements for turmeric, though.
Never have an excess of turmeric as it can end up drying the milk and even lead to reduced lactating properties. It is advisable always to consult a doctor to prevent from dry and flaky skin, dry mouth, reduced lactation, etc.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Turmeric, as stated earlier, is safe to be consumed during breastfeeding as it helps to boost the immunity levels and prevents all infections as well. Yet there are few side effects that one must be aware of as well and they are listed as under:
- Turmeric if taken plainly, can be a threat to pregnancy if taken in medicinal quantity.
- It can lead to stimulation of uterus as well.
- It can even lead to irritation in the stomach, diarrhea, gastric troubles, dehydration, etc.
How Much Is Turmeric Safe?
If a doctor is consulted concerning the required dosage of turmeric, he would advise as per the weight, age, and medical history, and in general 30-95 drops of extracts of turmeric is recommended for the adults.
- The breastfeeding mother can have turmeric as a spice but should refrain from any tinctures.
- As per some studies, turmeric is safe to be taken as a spice by breastfeeding mothers but should not be given to any mother who has bleeding issues or any allergies.
How To Incorporate Turmeric In The Diet While Breastfeeding?
Turmeric is, no doubt an ideal choice to be given to the nursing mother to accrue the benefits from its consumption. Let us now see how turmeric can be incorporated for boosting the immunity levels and maintaining healthy growth and development as well.
- One can incorporate turmeric tea, that is infused with the help of grated root of turmeric or even powder, and this is the ideal way for consuming it while breastfeeding.
- Use it liberally in the curries and stir-fries.
- Studies have shown that when used as a spice I dishes, it becomes completely safe for the nursing lady and has many additional benefits as well.
Thus, the natural herb, which is also a powerhouse of nutrients like minerals, vitamins, and proteins, can get benefitted from its consumption. This is an incredible choice to be made during lactation, but the herb should be ingested in moderation and consult a doctor in case one finds any exceptions.
Source: https://www.beingtheparent.com/incredible-health-benefits-of-turmeric-while-breastfeeding/
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