Keto Diet: Can You Breastfeed When You Are In Ketosis?
Breastmilk is always high in fat, which means that the newborns are naturally on ketosis and have adapted to the diet. But does it mean you should go on a keto diet while breastfeeding?
Former adult film star Jenna Jameson has opened a worm on cans (full of worries) for new moms and keto diet. Can keto diet be followed by breastfeeding mothers? Before we answer that it's important that we address the phenomenon that ketosis diet has become. After superhero films that have found immense prominence in India, keto diet is the next big thing. That's right. The diet which expects you to gorge on good fat and nothing but fat. No wonder it's so famous. But also, apart from the eating habits, its fame circles around the fact that the individual manages to lose a tremendous amount of weight in a short span of time.
While for many, those two primary reasons are enough to engage in the ketogenic diet, some do it out of FOMO (we're just guessing!). Irrespective, the diet has found quite a lot of fame and dieticians and nutritionists are constantly researching further options and ways to enhance the effects of keto. With such drastic changes in the body, keto has been raved about. However, could the same be followed by pregnant women? Well, considering how effective the diet is on a person's body, it only makes sense to use this diet as a means to get rid of the excess pregnancy weight and fat. Keto Diet For Beginners: 5 FAQs About Ketogenic Diet Answered By A Fitness Expert
Turns out the answer is a 'yes'. Ketosis diet can be followed by new moms who breastfeed. Jenna Jameson, who also follows the keto life, shed light on the perks of the diet and how it is safe to breastfeed while on keto. How to overcome the side effects of keto
On an Instagram post shared by her, she stated, “Obviously [breastfeeding is] so important, but is keto ok while breastfeeding? From my experience it ABSOLUTELY is!” she wrote. “My supply is healthy and strong, I haven’t seen any dips in supply, letdowns, or in Batelli’s reaction to taste.”
She further added in her post how we have been bred with the idea of the necessity of carb-load as she said, "We are indoctrinated to think we HAVE to carb-load to have lots of milk...it's simply untrue," she wrote, adding that breastfeeding moms should make sure they're getting enough veggies and leafy greens, along with grass-fed meats and fish. I also recommend slowly siding into the #ketolifestyle by slow subtraction of carbs to monitor your supply."
Is it scientifically safe to breastfeed on the ketosis diet?
Sadly, there's no definitive answer that has been cracked down. As per a report by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG), it has been recommended that women who have recently given birth should try to get around 2,500 calories a day to make breast milk for the baby. Eating fish and seafood twice or thrice a week is acceptable but women should steer clear off fish that are high in mercury (like swordfish or ahi tuna).
What about keto? “Unfortunately, the current research on the keto diet and breastfeeding is very limited,” says women’s health expert Jennifer Wider, M.D. “Depending on who you ask, the answer might be different.”
Interestingly though, the breastmilk is always high in fat (11 grams in one cup, to be precise, as per the USDA), which means that the newborns are naturally on ketosis and have adapted to the diet. "That's not to say that you should be on the keto diet while breastfeeding, but that it's likely not harmful," says Wider.
It may not be certain whether keto diet is recommended for breastfeeding mothers but it is mindful of ensuring to keep a good mix of nutrients and calories for the baby at least. And of course, get a heads up from a nutritionist with every diet step you take.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 17, 2018 10:46 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).