Out of all those situations which are medically crucial for women, pregnancy and postpartum period has to be counted among them. In the postpartum period, a woman isn’t completely free from restrictions, particularly if she is breastfeeding. There are certain dietary rules to follow. Because babies are getting their complete nourishment from the mother’s milk, it is very important for the breastfeeding mother to keep a tab on what she is eating. In this article, we will discuss whether apple cider vinegar is safe while breastfeeding or not. We will discuss the pros and cons of consuming apple cider vinegar and then figure out how safe it is for you and your newborn. Read on to find out all about apple cider vinegar:
A Guide for Apple Cider Vinegar while Breastfeeding
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is vinegar made from a mixture of apples, sugar and some amount of yeast. It is made in a two-step fermentation process.
Firstly, the apples are cut or crushed and then combined with yeast to convert their sugar into alcohol.
Secondly, some bacteria are added to the mixture to ferment the alcohol into acetic acid. Traditional apple cider vinegar production occurs for about one month, though some manufacturers fasten the process, so that it takes only a day. Acetic acid is the main component of apple cider vinegar. It is also known as ethanoic acid, and is an organic compound with a sour taste and strong odor. The term acetic comes from acetum, the Latin word for vinegar. About 5–6% of apple cider vinegar consists of acetic acid. It also contains water and trace amounts of other acids, such as malic acid. One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar contains about three calories and virtually no carbs.
Read More: Alcohol While Breastfeeding: Side Effects Every New Mom Should Know
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Safe During Pregnancy?
It is usually safe to consume apple cider vinegar. However, there are some things you should remember. Be careful about consuming too much of it, as it could harm you and your baby. Excessive amounts can lead to low mineral density and low potassium levels. It is best to dilute the apple cider vinegar in water or use it in cooking. Many people love apple cider vinegar as part of their salad dressings or using it as a weight loss tonic. In such a case, it might be appealing to consume it for shedding that pregnancy weight. There are some great recipes, so you can get health benefits and have a delicious meal. However, be really careful of undiluted form of apple cider vinegar. Undiluted apple cider vinegar can burn your mouth or throat and can damage the enamel of your teeth since it is so acidic.
If you want to start consuming apple cider vinegar on a regular basis, you need to watch your baby for reactions closely the first few times. Because it can change the pH levels in your body, the taste of your milk might change, causing your baby to refuse the breast. It could also cause your baby to have stomach aches or gas. It is not entirely sure how much of it transfer through the breast milk. Most doctors and scientists agree that consuming some will pose little to no risk to you or your baby.
However, you need to avoid apple cider vinegar supplements and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar when you are breastfeeding. If you are feeling unsure, make sure you speak to a doctor about your concerns.
Pros and Cons of Apple Cider Vinegar
Pros
Diabetes
The effect of vinegar on blood sugar levels is perhaps the best-researched and the most promising of apple cider vinegar’s possible health benefits. Several studies have found that vinegar may help lower glucose levels. For instance, one 2007 study of 11 people with type 2 diabetes found that taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed lowered glucose levels in the morning by 4%-6%. This is one of the strongest benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar.
Cancer
A few laboratory studies have found that vinegar may be able to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Observational studies of people have been confusing. One found that eating vinegar was associated with a decreased risk of esophageal cancer. Another associated it with an increased risk of bladder cancer.
Read More: 7 Powerful Foods That Protect Women From Breast Cancer
Weight Loss
For thousands of years, vinegar has been used for weight loss. White vinegar (and perhaps other types) might help people feel full. A 2005 study of 12 people found that those who ate a piece of bread along with small amounts of white vinegar felt fuller and more satisfied than those who just ate the bread.
Skin health
When diluted with water 50/50 it is often used as a toner for the face. A bath of apple cider vinegar is said to reduce the effects of sunburn. The vinegar soaked on a cloth and applied to sunburn may also be used. A reported treatment for warts is to soak the affected area for 20 minutes per day in a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water.
Cons
- Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic. The main ingredient of apple cider vinegar is acetic acid. As the name suggests, it’s quite harsh. Apple cider vinegar should always be diluted with water or juice before swallowed. Pure apple cider vinegar could damage the tooth enamel and the tissues in your throat and mouth. One study found a woman who got an apple cider vinegar supplement stuck in her throat. She seemed to have suffered lasting damage to her esophagus. Vinegar has been known to cause contact burns to the skin.
- Long-term use of apple cider vinegar could cause low potassium levels and lower bone density. If you already have low potassium or osteoporosis, talk to your doctor before using apple cider vinegar.
- Apple cider vinegar could theoretically interact with diuretics, laxatives, and medicines for diabetes and heart disease.
- Caution should be used when applying as cider vinegar to the skin because it is very dangerous to the eyes.
To conclude, so as long as you have it in moderation and check the label before buying it, apple cider vinegar is not harmful while breastfeeding.
