Does onion reduce milk supply? Can you eat onions during breastfeeding?
Mar 02, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Onions generally do not reduce milk supply and can be consumed during breastfeeding, although they should be eaten in small amounts due to their slightly irritating nature. Onions are a common food, and there is no research indicating that they have any lactation-suppressing effects. On the contrary, onions are highly nutritious and contain plant-derived antimicrobial compounds; consuming them in moderation can help eliminate viruses in the body.
Onions generally do not reduce milk supply and can be consumed during breastfeeding, but due to their slightly irritating nature, they should be eaten in moderation.
Onions are a common food, and no studies have shown that onions decrease milk production. On the contrary, they are highly nutritious. Onions contain phytoncides, which, when consumed in appropriate amounts, can help kill viruses in the body. They also contain allicin, which gives them a strong aroma. Eating moderate amounts of onions during lactation can stimulate gastric acid secretion and improve appetite, thus providing significant health benefits.
However, as onions are pungent, excessive consumption during breastfeeding may lead to internal heat (a traditional concept referring to "heatiness"), which could cause similar symptoms in the baby, such as diarrhea or constipation. During lactation, it's best to avoid foods like leeks, roasted malt, Sichuan pepper, and hawthorn, as these may reduce milk supply.
In addition, nursing mothers should consume more nutritious foods such as crucian carp soup or pork rib soup, which help replenish nutrients and promote breast milk production.
