Can I take adaptogens while breastfeeding?

Understanding Adaptogens and Breastfeeding
As the journey of motherhood unfolds, many new mothers seek ways to manage stress and maintain their well-being, leading to questions about the safety of adaptogens during breastfeeding. Adaptogens are natural herbs and plants that are believed to help the body adapt to stress and promote balance in various bodily functions. While they have gained popularity for their potential health benefits, the question remains: are they safe for nursing mothers?
The Cultural Context of Adaptogens
Historically, certain adaptogens have been used by pregnant and breastfeeding women in various cultures. For instance, maca root is a staple in the diets of Peruvian women during pregnancy and lactation, where it is thought to support both maternal health and the well-being of infants. This traditional use suggests that some adaptogens may have a place in the diets of nursing mothers, but caution is warranted.
Safety Concerns and Recommendations
Despite the historical context, not all adaptogens are universally safe for breastfeeding mothers. Some products containing adaptogens come with warnings against use during pregnancy and lactation. This is primarily due to the lack of comprehensive research on the effects of these herbs on nursing infants. Therefore, it is crucial for mothers to consult healthcare providers before incorporating adaptogens into their routines.
Experts emphasize that while some adaptogens may be beneficial, others could pose risks. For example, ashwagandha, known for its calming properties, is often recommended for various conditions, but its effects on breastfeeding infants are not fully understood. The variability in individual responses to these herbs further complicates the issue, making professional guidance essential.
The Role of Hormones
After childbirth, a mother’s hormone levels begin to stabilize, which can influence the safety and efficacy of adaptogens. Some studies suggest that many adaptogens may be safe and even beneficial for breastfeeding mothers as their bodies return to pre-pregnancy hormonal levels. However, this is an area that requires more research to draw definitive conclusions.
Conclusion
In summary, while adaptogens may offer potential benefits for stress management and overall health, their use during breastfeeding should be approached with caution. The historical use of certain adaptogens in traditional cultures provides some reassurance, but the lack of extensive research necessitates a careful and informed approach. Consulting with a healthcare provider is the best course of action for nursing mothers considering the incorporation of adaptogens into their wellness routines. This ensures that both mother and baby remain safe and healthy during this critical period.

Can ashwagandha be taken while breastfeeding?

In some individuals, ashwagandha preparations may cause drowsiness, stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Although it is rare, there have been a number of cases that link liver injury to ashwagandha supplements. Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding.

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.

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.

Why do I feel weird after taking ashwagandha?

Yes, feeling bad after ashwaganda may indicate that you are taking too large a daily dose, the supplementation has been going on for too long (more than 12 weeks) or it is not the right plant for you. Reduce ashwagandha dosage and if there is no improvement after 2-3 days, discontinue ashwagandha.

What can I take for anxiety while breastfeeding?

Safe medication in breastfeeding
They include, in no particular order: SSRI antidepressants e.g. sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine all have anti- anxiety activity. They take 4 to 6 weeks to exert full benefit. Tri-cyclic antidepressants e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine.

Do adaptogens give you a buzz?

Yes, some adaptogens can give you a buzz. These include green tea, holy basil, ginseng, cordyceps mushrooms, Schisandra berries and maca root. Medicinal mushrooms and maca root are well known for giving you an energy buzz without the anxiety or accelerated heart rate that caffeine often entails.

Are adaptogens OK during pregnancy?

If you are not pregnant, you are welcome to take them daily, depending on your health and needs. But if you are pregnant, adaptogens are strongly not recommended. In very simple terms, here’s why: Adaptogens work to balance your hormones. In pregnancy, however, hormones are unpredictable.

Who should avoid adaptogens?

Certain populations that should avoid adaptogen use include:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Diabetics.
• People with high or low blood pressure.
• People with stomach ulcers or history of them.
• People with autoimmune disorders — especially thyroid disorders.
• Surgery candidates.

Are there any herbs you shouldn’t take while breastfeeding?

Herbs to avoid while breastfeeding

• Periwinkle Herb (Vinca minor)
• Sage (Salvia officinalis)
• Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)
• Spearmint
• Thyme
• Yarrow

Are adaptogens safe while breastfeeding?

Adaptogens typically state on the packaging that they are not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding as they haven’t been sufficiently tested.