There is still ongoing debate about what is healthier – sugar or its substitutes. The first one is unusually high in calories. It negatively affects weight, the condition of teeth and skin, can increase allergic reactions, provoke diabetes and other diseases.
And numerous sweeteners, although they contain a minimal amount of calories, are suspected of carcinogenicity. In addition, recently the theory has become widespread that sweeteners also contribute to the deposition of fat by the body.
Many people are trying to switch to sweeteners. However, not everyone knows which of the many types is the safest. And even more so, is it possible for a nursing mother and small children to use a sweetener? We will try to figure this out.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a sugar substitute for breastfeeding?
It is difficult to argue with the fact that ordinary white crystalline sugar is not very beneficial for human health, and this is to put it mildly. The fact is that this product carries a lot of obvious and hidden threats, and also does not contain any useful or nutrients.
In addition, if after giving birth a young nursing mother is overweight, then reducing the consumption of white granulated sugar is not only desirable, but even recommended by doctors. And in general, in order to stay healthy and have a beautiful figure even after the birth of a child, it is better not to eat more than three teaspoons of sugar per day. But is this possible when you have to constantly drink teas and warm drinks while breastfeeding?
White sugar is found virtually everywhere - in store-bought dairy products, even in diet or low-calorie cookies. And sometimes it’s even included in vitamins or tablets to make them taste less bitter.
It seems that the only healthy option is to switch to sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners after you have your baby to reduce the risk of side effects from eating white sugar. And, as you know, sweet drinks, even if it is healthy herbal tea, can greatly bloat the intestines, so during lactation doctors advise not to exceed the daily intake of this product.
Harm of sugar for mother and baby
It is difficult to call sugar a healthy product. The most important effect it has on the body is to improve mood by affecting serotonin receptors and quickly replenishing energy deficit.
This characteristic allows it to be used for the treatment of patients with depressive disorders, as well as in sports practice, for the rapid recovery of athletes. Also, by consuming sugar, you can quickly remove the patient
Breastfeeding is an important stage in the development of human immunity and health. During this period, the mother “passes on” to the child all the most useful things that only nature can give. It is during this period that the child’s health completely depends on the mother’s nutrition. Excessive consumption of sugary foods by the mother can affect the newborn in the form of various disorders.
According to statistics, children whose mothers consume sugar excessively are more likely than the rest of the population to develop:
- Allergy.
- Diathesis.
- Functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Obesity.
- Atopic dermatitis.
It is worth remembering that sugar is a polysaccharide; when broken down, it gives the body a molecule of glucose, fructose and lactose. Excessive lactose loading is not recommended for children's bodies.
In addition, this product does not contain any other beneficial nutrients or minerals. It is only a source of energy and “raw material” for the formation of fat deposits.
In addition, sugar:
- promotes changes in the pH of the oral cavity and milk;
- removes calcium;
- promotes the development of atherosclerosis;
- provokes the development of diabetes mellitus.
During breastfeeding, everything that penetrates the vascular barrier of the breast enters the child’s body. In this connection, the mother should carefully monitor her diet, caloric content of food, water regime and vitamin-mineral content of food.
Of course, you shouldn’t completely give up sweet foods, but be extremely careful with the amount you consume.
Harm of substitutes when breastfeeding a child
However, many nursing mothers do not realize that artificial sugar is no healthier than regular sugar, and sometimes even much more harmful. Yes, it contains fewer calories and is not so harmful to the female figure, but this does not make it safer for the body.
The fact is that many artificial sweeteners have a number of significant and dangerous side effects. Some increase the risk of developing malignant tumors tens or even hundreds of times, others increase appetite, and still others can cause an allergic reaction.
Some types of sugar substitutes are recognized as hazardous to health and are strictly prohibited for consumption by pregnant and nursing mothers, but they still actively appear on sale and appear on supermarket shelves, and not every woman considers it necessary to find out more about the product when buying it in the supermarket.
Before using a sweetener while breastfeeding, you need to make sure that it is approved for use by pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding.
If you do not follow this rule, you can greatly harm not only your own health, but also the well-being of your newborn baby, because most of the dangerous substances easily penetrate into mother’s breast milk.
Artificial sweeteners are especially harmful - for the most part, not a single type is without significant side effects. Therefore, it is better to abandon them immediately, so as not to undermine your health or acquire serious illnesses. Below we will look at this nuance in more detail, and at the same time find out which sugar substitute can be used by a nursing woman and in what dosages.
Can a nursing mother use a sweetener?
Lactation is an important stage in the formation of the infant’s immune system.
During this period, the nursing mother transmits to her baby all the useful and nutritious substances that only nature can provide. At this time, the health of the newborn depends on the mother's nutrition.
If she abuses sweets, this can negatively affect the baby’s body in the form of various disorders. At the moment, the issue of introducing an analogue of refined sugar into the diet of a nursing mother is very acute.
In case of serious metabolic pathology, it is difficult to avoid this measure. Sugar substitutes during breastfeeding may cause unpredictable and undesirable reactions in both mother and baby.
All possible side effects are related solely to the biochemical composition and safety of the product.
There are two types of sweeteners: natural and synthetic. Many nursing mothers do not realize how much more harmful artificial analogues are than refined sugar.
At the moment, some types of substitutes are recognized as hazardous to health and are strictly prohibited for use by pregnant and nursing mothers.
Before using a refined analogue while breastfeeding, you should make sure that it is approved for use.
Synthetic sweeteners when breastfeeding a newborn
As noted above, this type of sweetener is fraught with danger even for an ordinary person, and for a nursing woman this is a completely prohibited product. Almost all types of sweeteners based on artificial substances have carcinogenic properties - they can cause cancer and the appearance of low-quality tumors. But the most unpleasant thing is that such harmful chemical components penetrate into the mother’s breast milk, and therefore can reach her baby’s body.
Aspartame is considered the most harmful, although this unnatural sugar substitute is perhaps the most famous and popular.
It has been scientifically proven that aspartame contains carcinogenic substances that can lead to various types of cancer. In addition, this sweetener is toxic - it causes a sharp deterioration in physical condition after consumption, after which you may feel dizzy, and nausea and lightheadedness often develop.
But it’s not only aspartame that is harmful and prohibited for a nursing mother. Saccharin and suclamate are products that are artificial sugar substitutes that are toxic to the human body and interfere with its functions. In addition, scientists warn that this category of unnatural sugars is not able to be absorbed by the human digestive tract, and therefore the product remains in the body for a long time and poisons it.
Also, despite the widespread belief that sugar substitutes help you lose excess weight, doctors warn that this is a big misconception and lie. Very often, store-bought sweeteners not only fail to help in the fight against extra pounds, but also accelerate their formation. Thus, the artificial sweetener aspartame also has increased appetite among its side effects.
Natural sweeteners during lactation
Sweeteners in the production of which, for the most part, do not use toxic chemicals, but natural ones, are called natural sugar substitutes. But this does not mean that they are not harmful to the body. It’s just that, unlike artificial ones, they can be consumed by a nursing mother, but only occasionally and in very small quantities.
But it is important to remember that such substances also have side effects. For example, fructose, considered perhaps the most healthy and safe type of sugar, can disrupt the environment inside the body, shaking the acid level.
Natural sweeteners sorbitol and xylitol are substances that can cause severe diarrhea in a nursing mother. Moreover, if this product is abused, the risk of urinary tract cancer greatly increases.
Stevioside, or simply stevia, is the safest sweetener for the health of a young mother, and therefore it can sometimes be used when breastfeeding a newborn.
But even if you use natural sweeteners in small quantities, remember that they are all very high in calories. This means that using them for weight loss will be useless - they contain about the same calories as ordinary white refined sugar.
The safety of all products that a young mother consumes is the most important criterion that should be adhered to during breastfeeding. Many of us know how unhealthy white sugar is, but is it possible to use a sugar substitute for breastfeeding that is very different in composition? This is a very complex issue that requires detailed consideration; moreover, not all new mothers know that an analogue sweetener can be dangerous.
Directions for use and precautions
Even when using natural sugar substitutes, one should not forget about the high calorie content of some of them.
They are best consumed in small quantities.
Preference should be given to seasonal fruits and berries that are sources of fructose..
Honey is also rich in this substance. So, if the child does not have allergies, you can use this product.
Of course, in moderation, since it contains pollen, a strong allergen.
It is better not to use tropical fruits and citrus fruits in the first months of breastfeeding. This is explained by the fact that there is a risk of allergies in the baby.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a sugar substitute during breastfeeding?
It is difficult to argue with the fact that ordinary white crystalline sugar is not very beneficial for human health, and this is to put it mildly. The fact is that this product carries a lot of obvious and hidden threats, and also does not contain any useful or nutrients.
In addition, if after giving birth a young nursing mother is overweight, then reducing the consumption of white granulated sugar is not only desirable, but even recommended by doctors. And in general, in order to stay healthy and have a beautiful figure even after the birth of a child, it is better not to eat more than three teaspoons of sugar per day. But is this possible when you have to constantly drink teas and warm drinks while breastfeeding?
White sugar is found virtually everywhere - in store-bought dairy products, even in diet or low-calorie cookies. And sometimes it’s even included in vitamins or tablets to make them taste less bitter.
It seems that the only healthy option is to switch to sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners after you have your baby to reduce the risk of side effects from eating white sugar. And, as you know, sweet drinks, even if it is healthy herbal tea, can greatly bloat the intestines, so during lactation doctors advise not to exceed the daily intake of this product.
Natural sweeteners
Sugar cane
Much has been written about the dangers of refined sugar. It has long been proven that unlimited consumption of this product provokes the occurrence and development of a number of diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Cane sugar is considered the most common substitute for white sugar.
The energy value of this product is comparable to classic sugar. But cane sugar also contains glucose and fructose, which are easier for the body to digest and therefore slightly better than white sugar. But be careful with the high glycemic index of the product.
This is one of the most natural, best and healthiest products. And at the same time, honey is used as a natural sweetener. Honey is added to tea, baked goods, and used in cooking. It has an excellent taste and is good for human health.
Honey contains a number of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances. Just one teaspoon of unpasteurized honey contains over 21 calories, increased amounts of vitamin C, magnesium and other trace elements. However, honey contains a lot of fructose, and a low-quality product can cause severe allergies and botulism, which occurs in young children.
Honey should not be eaten if you have problems digesting fructose, have an allergic reaction, or have an individual intolerance. It is not recommended for women in the first six months of breastfeeding, or for children under three years of age.
Coconut sugar
Coconut sugar is not uncommon today. It appeared after coconut oil appeared on the market. The product is made from coconut palm sap and has virtually no taste. But one teaspoon of such sugar contains a huge amount of minerals, such as phosphorus, magnesium, calcium.
Coconut sugar contains less fructose than white sugar, making it easier for the liver to digest. But experts do not recommend overdoing it with such a sweetener. Still, nutritionists consider coconut sugar to be the best option for replacing beet sugar. At the same time, it maintains a slim figure and has a low glycemic index.
Fructose
It is a natural sugar that is obtained from honey and fruits. This product is characterized by low calorie content, due to which it does not contribute to the appearance of excess weight and deterioration of the condition of teeth. At the same time, fructose is much sweeter than classic sugar. Therefore, the consumption of such a product will be less.
Fructose tones and saturates the body in a short time. It improves immunity and reduces the risk of allergies. Plus, this product does not affect blood sugar levels in any way.
We talked about common types of natural sweeteners. But others are also produced, including stevia, maple syrup and barley malt, and canola molasses.
Harm of artificial sugar during breastfeeding
However, many nursing mothers do not realize that artificial sugar is no healthier than regular sugar, and sometimes even much more harmful. Yes, it contains fewer calories and is not so harmful to the female figure, but this does not make it safer for the body.
The fact is that many artificial sweeteners have a number of significant and dangerous side effects. Some increase the risk of developing malignant tumors tens or even hundreds of times, others increase appetite, and still others can cause an allergic reaction.
Some types of sugar substitutes are recognized as hazardous to health and are strictly prohibited for consumption by pregnant and nursing mothers, but they still actively appear on sale and appear on supermarket shelves, and not every woman considers it necessary to find out more about the product when buying it in the supermarket.
Before using a sweetener while breastfeeding, you need to make sure that it is approved for use by pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding. If you do not follow this rule, you can greatly harm not only your own health, but also the well-being of your newborn baby, because most of the dangerous substances easily penetrate into mother’s breast milk.
Artificial sweeteners are especially harmful - for the most part, not a single type is without significant side effects. Therefore, it is better to abandon them immediately, so as not to undermine your health or acquire serious illnesses. Below we will look at this nuance in more detail, and at the same time find out which sugar substitute can be used by a nursing woman and in what dosages.
Possible negative consequences
During lactation, artificial analogues of refined sugar should not be consumed. They negatively affect the well-being of the baby and mother.
Side effects from use may include:
- indigestion;
- allergic reaction;
- severe poisoning.
When breastfeeding, it is prohibited to consume aspartame, sorbitol, saccharin, xylitol and other synthetic sugar substitutes.
Synthetic sweeteners when breastfeeding a newborn
As noted above, this type of sweetener is fraught with danger even for an ordinary person, and for a nursing woman this is a completely prohibited product.
Almost all types of sweeteners based on artificial substances have carcinogenic properties - they can cause cancer and the appearance of low-quality tumors. But the most unpleasant thing is that such harmful chemical components penetrate into the mother’s breast milk, and therefore can reach her baby’s body.
Aspartame is considered the most harmful, although this unnatural sugar substitute is perhaps the most famous and popular.
It has been scientifically proven that aspartame contains carcinogenic substances that can lead to various types of cancer. In addition, this sweetener is toxic - it causes a sharp deterioration in physical condition after consumption, after which you may feel dizzy, and nausea and lightheadedness often develop.
But it’s not only aspartame that is harmful and prohibited for a nursing mother. Saccharin and suclamate are products that are artificial sugar substitutes that are toxic to the human body and interfere with its functions. In addition, scientists warn that this category of unnatural sugars is not able to be absorbed by the human digestive tract, and therefore the product remains in the body for a long time and poisons it.
Also, despite the widespread belief that sugar substitutes help you lose excess weight, doctors warn that this is a big misconception and lie. Very often, store-bought sweeteners not only fail to help in the fight against extra pounds, but also accelerate their formation. Thus, the artificial sweetener aspartame also has increased appetite among its side effects.
