Contents:
- Medical Video: Can You BREASTFEED & LOSE WEIGHT on KETO? FIRST EVER Q & A - Part 1
- Can nursing mothers go on the keto diet?
- What is the effect of the keto diet for nursing mothers?
- Is the keto diet dangerous for babies?
- Instead of doing a keto diet, choose the right type of carbohydrate
Medical Video: Can You BREASTFEED & LOSE WEIGHT on KETO? FIRST EVER Q & A - Part 1
After giving birth, you certainly want to get slim again in a short time. That is the reason why most breastfeeding mothers are willing to go on a diet so that their weight decreases quickly. Of the many types of diets that exist, most women choose the keto diet. So, is the keto diet for nursing mothers safe for mother and baby? Here's the explanation.
Can nursing mothers go on the keto diet?
The ketogenic diet or abbreviated as the keto diet is a type of diet that has a low carbohydrate, but high fat diet. For example by multiplying eating meat, dairy products such as butter orbutterand other protein sources.
This diet was originally created specifically for people who have a history of epilepsy. Actually, this diet is an extreme diet because it requires the activists to consume very low amounts of carbohydrates.
Even so, nowadays there are many who rely on the keto diet as the ultimate stance to lose weight. Obviously not a few nursing mothers are tempted to apply this keto diet.
Quoted from Parents, until now there is no strong evidence that shows that the keto diet can reduce the amount of breast milk or reduce its quality. Even so, Elizabeth Ward, an author of Expect The Best: Your Guide to Healthy Before, During, and After Pregnancy, does not recommend the keto diet for nursing mothers.
What is the effect of the keto diet for nursing mothers?
Elizabeth Ward revealed that the keto diet can make nutritional intake in nursing mothers decrease. The reason is, the keto diet prevents you from getting important nutrients from fruits and whole grains which actually includes healthy food.
Yes, you are also not recommended to eat grains, potatoes, and rice when on a keto diet. As a result, your body will lack fiber and result in indigestion.
In addition, the keto diet also makes you easier to dehydrate. This is because the liver will produce a compound called ketone which is used as energy, but this ketone will also be wasted along with urine. So it's no wonder that you become quickly dehydrated while on the keto diet.
What's more, you can't eat fruits that contain lots of water, such as watermelon, star fruit, tomatoes, or grapefruit to overcome dehydration. In fact, you need lots of fluids so that the milk production becomes abundant and enough for your little one's needs.
Is the keto diet dangerous for babies?
The good news, keto diet is not harmful to your baby's health. Because the milk contains high fat which is actually needed by the little one.
When you eat high-fat foods, your baby will automatically adapt naturally to the conditions of ketosis in your body. Even so, this does not mean you are encouraged to go on a keto diet while breastfeeding, huh.
Instead of doing a keto diet, choose the right type of carbohydrate
Keto diets include a diet that is quite extreme because it does not allow carbohydrate intake of more than 30 percent of total daily calorie needs. Though normal adults need at least 50-60 percent carbohydrates from total daily calories.
Figures on the keto diet are quite far from what they should be, especially for those of you who are in need of a lot of energy to breastfeed. Well, it really doesn't matter if you reduce your carbohydrate intake a little, but don't avoid it at all like the principle on the keto diet.
Instead of cutting carbohydrates, you can choose the right type, such as carbohydrates that are full of fiber such as whole wheat seeds, wheat bread, until brown rice.
That way, you can still maintain or even lose weight because of high fiber intake. You also don't need to worry about lack of energy and decreased milk production.
Also keep in mind, if you want to reduce carbohydrate intake you should do when the baby has entered the age of 6 months and is ready to be weaned. You better consult a nutritionist before determining the diet you will do when breastfeeding.
Remember, changing your diet will affect the quantity of breast milk. So don't choose the wrong diet, huh.
