Can I eat perilla during the postpartum confinement period?

Jun 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

The postpartum period usually refers to the puerperium. In general, perilla can be consumed during this period, but it should be taken in moderation. Women should be cautious about consuming excessive amounts of perilla during the puerperium, as it contains certain dietary fibers that may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause symptoms such as acid reflux and diarrhea. Additionally, when consuming perilla, fresh ingredients should be selected and mild, healthy cooking methods are recommended.

　　The term "sitting the month" usually refers to the postpartum period. Under normal circumstances, perilla can be consumed during the postpartum period, as long as it is done in moderation. Detailed analysis is as follows:

　　Perilla is a vegetable used both as food and medicine. It is nutritionally rich, containing protein, vitamins, dietary fiber, iron, calcium, and other nutrients, which can meet the nutritional needs of women during the postpartum period for bodily recovery and breast milk production. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, perilla is warm in nature and enters the lung and spleen meridians, offering functions such as dispersing cold, relieving exterior syndromes, and regulating qi. Women in the postpartum period tend to have reduced physical activity and slower gastrointestinal motility, making them prone to symptoms such as constipation, bloating, and gastrointestinal discomfort. The dietary fiber, vitamins, and soluble sugars contained in perilla can help strengthen the spleen, warm the stomach, and regulate qi, thereby alleviating these uncomfortable symptoms. In addition, perilla also helps promote lactation; its warming and dispersing properties can improve blood circulation, thereby stimulating the mammary glands to secrete milk, helping to meet the needs of newborns for breast milk.

　　However, women during the postpartum period should consume perilla in moderation, as excessive consumption may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and lead to symptoms such as acid reflux and diarrhea due to its fiber content. When consuming perilla, fresh ingredients should be chosen, and cooking methods should be light and healthy, such as stir-frying or making soup. It should not be consumed together with crabs, carp, vinegar, or other foods that may cause indigestion. In addition, women during the postpartum period should rest in bed appropriately, develop regular sleeping habits, and engage in moderate physical activity after their condition stabilizes, to promote physical recovery.

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Can I eat pears during the postpartum confinement period?

Under normal circumstances, women can eat pears during the postpartum recovery period (sitting month), but it is not recommended to consume them in large quantities. When consuming pears, it is important to choose warm preparations such as steaming or stewing, and avoid eating raw or cold pears directly, to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort or worsening internal coldness. Each serving should be moderate, as excessive consumption may increase digestive burden. Gastrointestinal function is relatively weak in the early postpartum period.

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What Fruits Can Be Eaten During Postpartum Confinement?

The postpartum period usually refers to the puerperium. During this time, women can choose mild, nutritious fruits that aid in physical recovery, such as apples, bananas, papayas, cherries, and grapes. In addition to selecting appropriate fruits, postpartum dietary considerations should include portion control to avoid excessive intake at one time, as well as maintaining a balanced diet with adequate protein.

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Can I eat durian during the postpartum confinement period?

Postpartum confinement usually refers to the puerperium. In general, whether a woman can eat durian during the puerperium should be determined based on her physical condition. Those without significant discomfort and with tolerance to durian may consume it in small amounts, while those experiencing heatiness, abnormal blood sugar levels, or poor digestion are advised against eating it. Postpartum diet should focus on being light and balanced, prioritizing easily digestible and nutritionally complete foods such as lean meat and fish.

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Can I eat fruit during the postpartum confinement period?

The postpartum period usually refers to the puerperium. Under normal circumstances, fruits can be consumed during the puerperium; moderate fruit intake can supply nutrients and aid physical recovery. However, attention should be paid to selecting appropriate types and methods of consumption to avoid discomfort caused by improper eating. In daily life, women during the puerperium should maintain a balanced diet, incorporating fruits as part of their nutritional intake alongside high-quality proteins, grains, and vegetables.