Can you eat honey while breastfeeding?
It is well known that honey has the function of promoting bowel movements, and it has a fragrant and sweet taste that can be consumed by people of all ages. However, breastfeeding mothers should not consume too much honey. If consumed improperly, it might lead to health problems.
Mothers can drink a cup of honey water with cool boiled water every morning. This not only relieves constipation but also helps weak mothers replenish their energy.
1. Do not use high-temperature water to brew honey
In addition to containing 65% to 80% glucose and fructose, honey is also rich in enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. When consuming honey, it is best to brew it with warm water, and the water temperature should not exceed 60°C. If hot water is used to brew honey, it will not only destroy its rich nutrients but also cause its natural color, aroma, and taste to change.
2. Excessive consumption can lead to diabetes and cavities
For a normal adult, it is advisable to consume about 20-25 grams of honey per day. The glucose and fructose in honey are monosaccharides, which can be directly absorbed into the bloodstream. Consuming a large amount of honey at once can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. Long-term excessive consumption of honey can lead to insufficient insulin secretion, easily causing diabetes.
Secondly, honey has a high sugar content, and it is finely processed and viscous, so it has a high cariogenic potential. Therefore, sticky honey is not good for your teeth.
3. Drinking honey water on an empty stomach can easily lead to gastric ulcers
Honey is a sweet food, and sweet foods can increase gastric acid secretion. Excessive gastric acid can damage the gastric mucosa. Drinking honey water on an empty stomach for a long time can easily increase the acidity in the body, which can lead to excessive gastric acid and cause gastric or duodenal ulcers over time. Therefore, it is best not to drink honey water on an empty stomach; it is recommended to drink it after meals.
4. Drinking honey water immediately after a meal
Drinking honey water immediately after a meal will dilute gastric juice, making the food you just ate difficult to digest.
You can eat honey while breastfeeding. Honey is rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients like glucose and fructose, which are beneficial for the healthy development of the baby and the postpartum recovery of the mother, so it is edible.
However, you should not eat too much. After all, honey is a cooling food and may not be suitable for your constitution. Additionally, when buying honey, be sure to buy 100% pure honey. In daily life, you should increase your nutrition and drink more soups like pork rib soup, chicken soup, and fish soup, as these soups are beneficial for milk secretion.