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Why avoid licorice root while breastfeeding?

The Risks of Licorice Root During Breastfeeding
Licorice root, often celebrated for its flavor and potential health benefits, poses significant risks for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. While it may be safe in small culinary amounts, its consumption in larger quantities—such as in herbal teas or supplements—can lead to adverse effects that warrant caution.
Impact on Milk Production
One of the primary concerns regarding licorice root is its potential to decrease prolactin levels, the hormone crucial for milk production. Studies indicate that the chemicals found in licorice root can inhibit prolactin, which may lead to reduced milk supply for nursing mothers. This is particularly concerning for new mothers who are already navigating the challenges of breastfeeding, as a decrease in milk production can affect both the infant’s nutrition and the mother’s breastfeeding experience.
Health Risks for Mothers and Infants
Beyond its effects on lactation, licorice root can also pose health risks due to its pharmacological properties. It has been associated with hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypokalemia (low potassium levels), conditions that can be particularly dangerous for mothers, especially those on diuretic medications. The consumption of licorice root in excessive amounts can lead to serious health complications, which may indirectly affect the breastfeeding relationship by necessitating medical interventions or leading to health issues that distract from the nursing process.
Potential Effects on Infants
The implications of licorice root consumption extend to infants as well. When mothers consume large quantities of licorice, there is a risk that the compounds can pass into breast milk, potentially affecting the baby’s health. Reports have indicated that infants may show signs of distress or health issues when their mothers consume licorice-heavy herbal teas. This underscores the importance of careful dietary choices during breastfeeding, as what a mother consumes can directly impact her child’s well-being.
Conclusion
In summary, while licorice root may have its place in culinary traditions and herbal remedies, breastfeeding mothers are advised to avoid its consumption due to its potential to decrease milk supply and pose health risks to both themselves and their infants. As always, consulting with healthcare providers about dietary choices during breastfeeding is essential to ensure the health and safety of both mother and child.

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 does licorice root do to hormones?

Licorice root extracts are frequently used in dietary supplements and are believed to contain estrogenic components that might, in principle, provide a spectrum of beneficial effects with reduced stimulation of the breast and uterus compared with that of the endogenous hormone estradiol (E2) or the pharmaceutical …

What herbs should be avoided during pregnancy?

Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

Scientific Name Common Name(s) Form of Use
Peumus boldus Boldo Tea
Piper methysticum Kava kava Liquid extracts, capsules
Rhamnus purshiana Espino cerval, Buckthorn Tea, capsules
Rheum spp Ruibarbo, Rhubarb Tea, capsules

Who should not use licorice root?

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Care (NCCIC) notes that chronic use of licorice root may pose a risk for people with hypertension, heart disease, or kidney disease, as well as people who are pregnant or nursing.

Who Cannot take licorice root?

The effects of licorice on potassium and blood pressure are a particular concern for people with hypertension (high blood pressure) or heart or kidney disease. Some side effects of licorice are believed to be caused by a component called glycyrrhizic acid.

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.

Why is licorice root bad 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.”

Is licorice root safe for breastfeeding?

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take licorice. Some studies suggest that taking licorice during pregnancy can increase the risk of stillbirth. DO NOT use any licorice product for longer than 4 to 6 weeks.

Are there any herbs to avoid while breastfeeding?

But some herbs may affect how much milk your body makes. For instance, eating a lot of parsley could curb lactation. And too much sage and peppermint may cut your milk supply. For some nursing moms, even peppermint-flavored toothpaste and candies are a problem.

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.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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