How to deal with excessive internal heat during lactation
I am currently breastfeeding, but I've developed excessive internal heat (a traditional Chinese medicine concept referring to inflammation or heat symptoms), and I'm very worried it might affect my baby. What should I do about excessive internal heat during breastfeeding?
Doctor's answer (1)
If "heatiness" occurs during lactation, it often causes various discomforts such as oral ulcers, mouth sores, constipation, yellow urine, irritability, and anger. Methods and recommendations for managing heatiness during lactation include:
1. Dietary adjustments: consume more light and easily digestible foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Avoid spicy, fried, and high-sugar foods. Cooling foods with heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, such as watermelon, bitter melon, olives, lily bulbs, mung beans, and napa cabbage, are good choices. Ensure adequate water intake, drinking at least 2700–3200cc of water daily to help eliminate internal heat and toxins.
2. Lifestyle regulation: ensure sufficient sleep, relieve stress, and enhance resistance. Maintain a regular lifestyle with early bedtime and early rising; avoid staying up late to prevent circadian rhythm disturbances that may lead to endocrine disorders and worsen symptoms of heatiness.
3. Appropriate physical activity: avoid prolonged sitting and engage in activities such as walking or yoga.
4. Environmental adjustments: maintain suitable indoor humidity and avoid excessively dry environments. A humidifier may be used to increase air moisture.
If symptoms of heatiness severely affect daily life, timely medical consultation and treatment are advised to prevent adverse effects on the baby.
