Can I have licorice while breastfeeding?

Can I Have Licorice While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether licorice is safe for breastfeeding mothers is a nuanced one, with various factors to consider. While some sources suggest that small amounts may be acceptable, there are significant health concerns associated with its consumption.
Health Risks of Licorice During Breastfeeding
Licorice, particularly the root from the plant *Glycyrrhiza glabra*, contains a compound called glycyrrhizin. This substance can lead to several health issues if consumed in excessive amounts. Notably, high intake of licorice can cause hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can be detrimental to both the mother and the nursing infant.
Moreover, there are concerns regarding licorice’s impact on milk production. Some studies indicate that licorice root may decrease levels of prolactin, the hormone crucial for milk production. This raises the possibility that consuming licorice could inadvertently affect a mother’s ability to produce sufficient milk for her baby.
Recommendations for Consumption
While some experts suggest that moderate consumption of licorice might be safe, they caution against excessive or prolonged use. For instance, one source notes that while small amounts of licorice can be consumed, mothers should be mindful of the quantity and duration of intake. Another source emphasizes the importance of consulting a healthcare provider before introducing any herbal products, including licorice, into a breastfeeding regimen.
Conclusion
In summary, while occasional small amounts of licorice may not pose a significant risk, breastfeeding mothers should exercise caution. The potential for increased blood pressure, low potassium levels, and decreased milk production are serious considerations. Therefore, it is advisable for nursing mothers to consult with healthcare professionals before consuming licorice, ensuring that both their health and that of their infant are safeguarded.

What foods should be avoided while breastfeeding?

What not to eat and drink when breastfeeding

• 1 mug of filter coffee = 140mg.
• 1 mug of instant coffee = 100mg.
• 1 mug of tea = 75mg.
• 1 (250ml) can of energy drink = 80mg (larger cans may contain up to 160mg caffeine)
• 1 (354mls) cola drink = 40mg.
• 1 (50g) plain chocolate bar = up to 50mg.

Why avoid cinnamon while breastfeeding?

Coumarin, an ingredient in some cinnamon products, can cause liver problems, but the amount you’d get is so small that it probably won’t be a problem. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, children, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding should avoid cinnamon as a treatment.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

Is licorice safe for pregnancy?

Studies have also linked glycyrrhizin with blood pressure spikes and shorter pregnancies, and the US Food & Drug Administration warned that consuming black licorice could cause potassium levels in the body to drop, which could result in “abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.”

What supplements should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Dietary Supplements and Herbs to Avoid When Breastfeeding

• Answer: Certain herbals, high dose vitamins, and other dietary supplements can be dangerous to breastfed babies through breast milk.
• Aloe latex.
• Ashwagandha.
• Berberine/goldenseal.
• Bilberry.
• Black cohosh.
• Butterbur.
• Dong quai.

What not to drink while breastfeeding?

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?

• Alcohol. There’s no level of alcohol in breast milk that’s considered safe for a baby.
• Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day.
• Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

What foods spoil breast milk?

Here are 5 foods to limit or avoid while breastfeeding, as well as tips for how to tell if your diet is affecting your baby.

• Fish high in mercury.
• Some herbal supplements.
• Alcohol.
• Caffeine.
• Highly processed foods.

Are Twizzlers real licorice?

Despite only the black Twizzlers containing extracts of the licorice plant, Twizzlers products are collectively referred to as licorice-type candy. Seventy percent of the annual production of Twizzlers are strawberry, the most popular Twizzlers flavor. A chewy licorice type candy with a fruity and sour flavor.

Is licorice ok when breastfeeding?

Long-term, excessive use of licorice can cause hypertension, hypokalemia, and disturbances of adrenal hormones, and therefore should probably be avoided during nursing.

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include: An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.