Introduction
When you’re breastfeeding, it’s important to make sure that your diet is as healthy as possible. This will help keep you healthy and give your baby the nutrients he needs. But did you know that what you eat can also affect how well your baby sleeps? In this post, we’ll look at some common colic foods to avoid while breastfeeding and why they’re bad for your baby.
10 Colic Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding
1. Lactose
Lactose is a form of sugar found in milk, cheese, and yogurt. It’s also one of the main ingredients in infant formula.
People who are lactose intolerant can’t digest lactose properly. This means that it doesn’t get broken down into simpler compounds that your body can use for energy.
Instead, undigested lactose remains in the colon. Further causing bloating and diarrhea or other uncomfortable symptoms like gas pains or stomach cramps (5).
Lactose intolerance is relatively common among infants: about 70 percent develop some degree of sensitivity within their first year (6).
For most babies with this condition–which usually goes away after infancy–the symptoms are mild enough not to warrant medical treatment. However, when they persist past 6 months old, then they may require dietary changes. So as not to suffer from any discomfort while breastfeeding.
2. Proteins
Proteins are essential to your baby’s growth and development. But they also play a role in helping you maintain a healthy milk supply.
Your body needs protein to make new cells, including those that produce breastmilk. If you eat less protein, it can be difficult for your body to keep up with the demand of breastfeeding. Which could lead to lower milk production or even mastitis (an infection).
When selecting foods high in protein, opt for lean cuts of meat. Such as chicken breast or turkey instead of fattier options like hamburgers or pork chops.
These are better choices because they’re lower in saturated fat (which can cause clogged ducts). And contain less cholesterol than red meats like beef or lamb
3. Spicy foods
Spicy foods are considered one of the colic foods to avoid while breastfeeding. It can cause your baby to cry. Spicy foods can cause heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux, and colic in your baby.
Can breastfeeding moms eat spicy food?
It is best to avoid spicy food as much as possible.
4. Beans
Beans are a great source of protein and fiber. They’re also high in carbohydrates, which can cause gas in babies. Beans are also known for causing constipation in infants. So it’s important to be careful when including them in your diet while breastfeeding.
5. Onions
Onions are a good example of how food can cause colic in babies. It contains fructans, which are a type of carbohydrate that can be difficult for some people to digest.
For example, if you have an intolerance to onions or garlic (such as being unable to eat pizza because it has both), you may want to avoid eating these foods while breastfeeding your baby.
6. Garlic
Garlic is a great source of Vitamin B6 and selenium, both of which are nutrients that can help prevent colic. Studies show that when moms eat garlic regularly during pregnancy and breastfeeding, their babies have fewer digestive issues like colic and gas.
You can eat raw cloves or make garlic soup (or whatever else you like). Just be sure to avoid taking too much–more than one clove a day can lead to problems with bleeding and bruising for mommy.
7. Peanuts
Peanuts are not recommended for babies under 6 months. In fact, peanuts are a common allergen in babies and children and can cause an allergic reaction.
While you may want to give your child peanut butter, it’s safer to wait until he or she is at least 12 months old before introducing it as a food (and then only if other family members eat peanuts).
If you do decide to introduce peanut butter before 12 months of age, be sure that the brand has been tested for bacterial contamination by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
8. Soy products
Soy products are not recommended while breastfeeding. It contains trypsin inhibitors, which can hinder your baby’s ability to digest protein.
Soy is also a goitrogen, meaning that it can cause thyroid issues in infants who consume too much of it. Finally, soy has been linked to allergies and colic in babies–both of which can be very uncomfortable for both you and your little one!
9. Pizza
Pizza is a common cause of colic in babies, but it can also be a good source of protein and calcium.
You might want to avoid ordering pizza at restaurants or buying frozen pizzas that have been sitting around for ages. But if you make your own at home with fresh ingredients and bake it fresh every time, your baby might be less likely to suffer from gas pains.
Pizza can also provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber–vitamins A through E; minerals including iron (which helps maintain red blood cells), zinc (which strengthens cell membranes), copper (that supports healthy skin) –
-and fiber that promotes healthy digestion by moving food through the digestive tract more quickly, so it’s excreted rather than causing constipation or other problems down there in the bowels.
If all this wasn’t enough reason to love pizza as much as we do already.
10. Caffeine
You may be surprised to learn that caffeine is one of the most common triggers for colic. Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it can cause your baby to be restless and have trouble sleeping. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid all forms of caffeine including coffee (even decaf), tea, and energy drinks as well as chocolate.
References: MyHealth.Alberta.ca & WebMD
Takeaway: What you eat can affect your baby.
While breastfeeding, you should avoid foods that can cause gas. The gas causes bloating and discomfort for both you and your baby.
If you have a recipe that calls for ingredients that are known to cause gas, try using less of the offending ingredient or substituting it with something else.
You can also help prevent constipation by drinking plenty of water and eating fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables.
A common misconception is that chocolate causes colic in babies; however, there is no scientific evidence proving this claim true (or false).
Conclusion on foods to avoid while breastfeeding colic baby
We hope that this article was helpful to you. Remember, many more foods can cause colic than we could possibly list here. So if you’re concerned about something your baby might be eating or drinking, check with his or her doctor first before making any changes in their diet.
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