Can I eat spicy food while breastfeeding?
Jan 22, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, it is acceptable to consume spicy foods during lactation, but moderation is important. If you wish to eat spicy foods, it is recommended to start with a small amount and observe your baby's reaction. It is also essential to maintain a diverse and nutritionally balanced diet, avoiding excessive intake of any single food item. It is advisable to consume more fresh vegetables and fruits, which are beneficial for overall health.
Generally speaking, spicy food can be consumed during lactation, but it should be eaten in moderation. The detailed explanation is as follows:
During the lactation period, women can consume moderate amounts of spicy foods, such as chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and garlic. Eating these foods may help improve appetite and promote digestion. In moderate amounts, they typically do not affect breast milk quality or the baby's health. However, the intake of spicy foods should be controlled within a certain range to avoid excessive consumption that may cause symptoms such as heatiness and constipation in either the mother or the baby.
In addition, excessive consumption of spicy foods may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort in lactating women, such as stomach pain and diarrhea, and may even affect milk production. This not only causes physical discomfort but can also negatively impact the infant's growth and development.
If you plan to eat spicy food, it is recommended to start with a small amount and observe the baby's reaction. It's also important to maintain a diverse diet and balance the intake of various nutrients to avoid excessive consumption of any single food. It is advisable to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, which are beneficial to overall health.
