Chicory on the menu of a nursing mother: benefit or harm

Is it possible to drink chicory while breastfeeding?

The answer to this question must be supported by research, and, unfortunately, no one has conducted it yet. And what kind of mother would dare to experiment on herself and her child? That is why I can give recommendations only after a detailed study of the composition of this product, and based on my reviews and reviews of other nursing mothers.

Indeed, every mother should adhere to a certain diet while breastfeeding. This diet excludes the possibility of drinking coffee drinks. However, some mothers cannot imagine their existence without it. A worthy alternative is chicory.

This product has a number of positive and negative properties, which we will discuss a little further. In the meantime, I will say that the manufacturer does not give an unequivocal ban on its use during breastfeeding. Accordingly, you have the right to initially try a few spoons of the finished drink and observe the possible reaction on your part and on the part of the baby.

If within 2 days from the date of consumption you have not noticed an allergic reaction in the form of a rash, indigestion, anxiety, insomnia, or the baby’s capriciousness, then you can include chicory in your diet. However, it is worth remembering that you should not abuse it; it will be enough if you use it about 3 times a week.

In addition, start any experiments with food after your baby reaches 3 months of age. His body will become stronger and will react less to new, unknown foods.

How to drink chicory for a nursing mother

As young mothers know, the breastfeeding period becomes especially important. At this time, it is advisable to pay special attention to the menu, even if significant benefits are expected.

So, how can you expand your drinking diet? Initially, you need to try a small amount and monitor the subsequent reaction of the body. It is important to understand that there is always a risk of individual intolerance or an overly active influence on the central nervous system, as a result of which there is a need to give up even your favorite treat.

You can continue to enjoy drinking coffee and chicory only if there are no undesirable manifestations. Moreover, you need to take into account not only your state of health, but also the well-being of the baby. The baby may exhibit undesirable signs from the immune system, which indicate that innovation in the diet is not allowed. If everything went well initially, it is advisable to remember to moderate consumption to ensure that unnecessary risks are avoided.

If you have already consumed similar chicory drinks before pregnancy and childbirth, the risk of a relatively undesirable reaction in your baby can be reduced to almost a minimum.

The first attempt to expand the drinking regime in the right direction can be made after the baby is one month old.

You can find out whether nursing mothers are allowed to drink juice in our article. Is it possible to drink wine during breastfeeding, read here.

Is it possible to use chicory while breastfeeding? Read the link

The following important aspects should be taken into account:

• It is advisable not to conduct the drinking experiment on an empty stomach;
• Tasting is best done in the morning;
• It is best to monitor your well-being for two days, temporarily abandoning any other innovations;
• The daily safe dosage is 200 milliliters.

Regular intake of small doses of a drink based on chicory root, which is the most important part of the medicinal herb, will help improve a woman’s health.

The effect of chicory on the body of the baby and mother

Chicory is a small plant with blue flowers. Many summer residents mistake it for a weed. However, the root of this plant contains a huge amount of vitamins and microelements.

Despite its beneficial properties, chicory can also cause harm. Let's find out what is more: the pros or cons of this drink, and what effect it can have on the body during breastfeeding.

Useful properties of the drink

• It does not contain caffeine, and therefore does not have an invigorating effect on the baby, and thus does not disrupt the functioning of its nervous system.
• Rich in B vitamins, which, in turn, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, namely, it improves mood and gives a boost of vigor. At the same time, it is worth noting that, unlike coffee, chicory calms the nervous system and does not excite it.
• The drink is approved for use by diabetics. Since inulin, which is contained in the composition, lowers blood sugar levels and reduces the harm caused by sweet desserts eaten the day before. In addition, this drink should be drunk by those who want to lose a few kilograms, but cannot give up sweets. Here's another way to lose weight after childbirth.

• Removes waste and toxins, cleanses the body, especially the liver and kidneys, since chicory has a diuretic effect and stimulates the excretion of bile, and also stabilizes intestinal function, preventing constipation and dysbacteriosis.
• The complex of vitamins it contains (PP, A, E, magnesium and calcium) has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and hair. In addition, potassium and magnesium have a beneficial effect on heart function.
• Iron is an excellent tool for the treatment and prevention of anemia, which is very important not only during gestation, but also during breastfeeding.
• Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system and resist viral attacks.
• Dilates blood vessels.

Possible harm if consumed during breastfeeding

• Pressure surges and arrhythmia are observed in cases where people add milk to the drink. Please note: although a little milk is most often added to coffee to give it a milder taste, chicory does not like this. These two products generally don’t mix well with each other. If you are only used to this type of preparation, try replacing cow’s milk with plant-based milk. The results won't keep you waiting long.

• It is not recommended to use chicory for varicose veins. In case of other problems with the vascular system, it is worth consulting with your doctor about the possibility of using it.
• It is also worth remembering that everything should be in moderation. Excessive consumption of this drink can lead to liver problems.
• Some components can cause appetite. This is great when you want to gain weight, but if you are trying to stay in shape or even lose weight, then its use should be limited.
• It is believed that chicory, unlike coffee, does not have stimulating properties, but in exceptional cases it can cause insomnia and lead to overexcitation.
• The product is contraindicated for use by people who have kidney problems, as well as those who are prone to the formation of oxalate stones.

What do we know about chicory?

It looks like a weed that blooms with small purple flowers. The most favorable environment for its existence is meadows and fields. However, the value of this plant lies not in the flowers, but in the root. Because it has many beneficial properties.

Drinking this drink without consulting a doctor for hemorrhoids, varicose veins, gastritis, and vascular diseases is prohibited!

Beneficial features

A seemingly ordinary weed contains many:

• organic acids;
• ascorbic acid;
• pectin;
• vitamins: A, C, B (B1, B2, B3), E, ​​PP;
• inulin;
• carotene;
• mineral salts;
• resins;
• gland;
• calcium;
• potassium;
• magnesium;
• zinc;
• tannins;
• proteins;
• natural sugar (fructose).

In ancient Rome, this plant was widely used in cooking, especially often used for making salads.

This drink has many beneficial properties:

• due to the lack of caffeine in it, it can help a nursing or pregnant woman eliminate coffee from her diet;
• B vitamins contribute to its beneficial effects on the nervous system. This group of vitamins improves mood and gives energy;
• inulin is especially useful for patients with diabetes, as it helps lower blood sugar levels and neutralizes the harm from sweets;
• stimulates appetite and improves digestion;
• has a mild diuretic, choleretic and antiparasitic effect;
• normalizes metabolism and has an astringent effect;
• has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect;
• promotes better growth of hair and nails, and also improves skin condition (due to vitamins A, E, PP);
• has a slight antipyretic and tonic effect;
• helps improve immunity and restore strength;
• prevents iron deficiency anemia and is used for its prevention.

This drink is allowed during breastfeeding, in the absence of contraindications, primarily due to the lack of caffeine in it and the content of many useful substances.

Restrictions on use

Like all drinks, chicory has side properties, the development of which is extremely rare, but which every pregnant woman and nursing mother should be informed about.

It is recommended to use this drink no earlier than three months after birth, although the instructions do not indicate that it is contraindicated during breastfeeding and pregnancy. It is advisable to adhere to this rule so that the baby’s immunity by this time becomes a little stronger and adapts.

Most often, this plant does not cause any harm to the body of the baby and his mother. And the percentage of adverse reactions is about 1 - 3%.

This drink is contraindicated for:

• the presence of urolithiasis in the mother (due to its diuretic effect, it can promote the movement of stones and blockage of blood vessels);
• a tendency to have an allergic reaction and the presence of an allergy to chicory in the mother or baby;
• vascular diseases, varicose veins, hemorrhoids (since it has the ability to thin the blood, which can lead to bleeding);
• the presence of colic in a child or stomach upset in a mother or baby.

During breastfeeding, chicory should be introduced gradually, starting with a couple of sips.

If a nursing woman takes a couple of sips of this drink for the first time after giving birth, then it is necessary to monitor the reaction and general condition of the baby during the day.

Tips for choosing a product

Today on store shelves we can find chicory root in four forms:

1. Ground or powdered. It is obtained by grinding chicory root without heat treatment.

2. Freeze-dried is obtained by dehydrating the plant extract. This base for the drink is instant.

3. Soluble chicory. The most popular option, which is easy to find in any store. It is obtained in several stages: first, the root is dried and then crushed. The resulting powder is poured with water and boiled until a dry powder is formed.

4. The liquid extract is obtained by evaporating the liquid from the root.

The latter option is more useful, since it does not undergo heat treatment, it retains the maximum amount of useful substances. Its only drawback is the inconvenience at the time of preparing the drink, since brewing the powder is much easier. The remaining options are also suitable for regular use, although they contain slightly less useful components.

When buying the basis for preparing this drink in a store, pay attention to several points:

• Check the integrity of the package and feel the contents. The powder should be crumbly, without lumps. If they are present, this indicates that the seal has been broken and the product has become unusable.
• The color should be dark, but in moderation. If it is too rich, this indicates that it was overcooked, so there were a minimum of useful microelements preserved there.

• The aroma of chicory should be rich, and the taste of the drink should have a slight bitterness.
• The mass should be a uniform dark color. If you see any inclusions, this indicates that cereal crops have got into the powder.
• When brewed, chicory does not clump, dissolves quickly, and no foam is visible on its surface. You can observe the opposite picture if cereals were added to the mixture.
• Like coffee, the 3-in-1 mixture is not very healthy. It contains cream substitutes, sugar, and preservatives, which makes the drink less healthy.
• Pay attention to the behavior of the powder when pouring: it should not gather dust.

Effect on the child’s body

The root of the plant enters the growing body along with mother's milk. Chicory does not contain caffeine, so you should not worry about overstimulating your baby. His condition will remain the same. On the contrary, even a slight improvement in sleep is noted.

Chicory contains a large number of components that have a positive effect on the baby’s body:

• there is an improvement in the functioning of the digestive system;
• normalization of microflora;
• strengthening the body's protective functions;
• prevention of colic and spasms;
• no gas formation;
• The child’s body receives calcium, vitamins and microelements necessary for proper development.

When the plant interacts with breast milk, a mixture of an individual character is formed. A fragile small organism may react unexpectedly to some components. Allergies are most often caused by ascorbic acid. That is why certain rules should be followed during consumption.

If the baby’s body reacts poorly to chicory, then the woman is recommended to completely exclude it from her diet for a certain period.

Features of use during breastfeeding

Despite the fact that there are no strict restrictions for the use of this drink either from the manufacturer or from doctors, it should be consumed in limited quantities, no more than 2-3 servings per week. Although opinions regarding the dosage on the part of doctors are divided. Some don't see the need to limit consumption.

In addition, start not with a whole cup, but with a few spoons, and observe your baby for 2 days to see if he has a reaction. If the answer is negative, the dose can be increased.

It is not recommended to pour boiling water over chicory, as hot water kills the beneficial substances that remain after grinding it.

When is it better to stop drinking?

Of course, if you notice a disruption in the functioning of your internal systems and organs or in the functioning of your baby’s gastrointestinal tract, as well as the appearance of an allergic rash on the skin, then you should immediately stop drinking this drink. Also, if you see that your allergies are severe, contact your doctor. He will be able to select the necessary medications that will alleviate the symptoms.

It is worth excluding the drink if you have hemorrhoids, varicose veins, or vascular disease. If exclusion is completely impossible, then you should consult a doctor to find a compromise on this issue. Based on the characteristics of your disease, he will be able to determine the dosage possible for use.

Avoid using it if you are unsure of its quality and expiration date.

Contraindications to chicory during breastfeeding

Breastfeeding a baby is a very important period. In this case, any innovations in the diet are allowed only in the absence of the slightest contraindications and with extreme caution.

Contraindications to the use of chicory drinking desserts with added milk:

• Stomach ulcer;
• Gastritis;
• Haemorrhoids;
• Varicose veins;
• Asthma;
• Potential allergy to the main ingredient or additional ingredients.

Experts advise to be even more careful when purchasing products with any additives, despite their prevalence in almost all stores. Additional components such as vitamin C, ginseng, stevia, various berries and fruits, and herbs often pose a danger. In addition, additional ingredients will not allow you to understand how beneficial a chicory drink with milk is for a nursing woman and her baby. Choosing classic drinking delicacies will help increase the chance of introducing a new product into your diet.

Doctors' opinion

Doctors definitely have nothing against drinking this drink during breastfeeding. But as for its quantity, there is no consensus. Some believe that you should limit yourself to a few cups a day, and some that restrictions are not necessary at all. I am more inclined to believe that everything needs a golden mean.

If you have no health problems, you and your child do not experience allergic manifestations or disturbances in the functioning of the body, you can drink a small cup of chicory a day with full right and special pleasure. Of course, before use, especially if you have any doubts about this, you should consult your doctor or pediatrician.

Chicory tea during breastfeeding

Is it possible to drink chicory while breastfeeding? The answer to this question includes several conflicting opinions from experts. First of all, it should be noted that we are talking about one cup of drink per day. Some, on the contrary, argue that you should not infringe on yourself in any way and drink chicory in any quantity. Women confirm that after drinking liquid they observe a sharp flow of milk.

Chicory has a number of medicinal properties, so you should not abuse drinks based on it.

The drink can be introduced into the diet in small portions. Then carefully analyze the general condition of the child and the color of his skin. If you notice signs of a rash on your tummy, you should stop using it for a while.

An allergic reaction in the body can be caused by a high content of vitamin C. Its level is reduced if you drink decoctions and infusions from the crushed root of the plant.

Today, chicory is sold in large quantities in stores and pharmacies. When choosing it, special attention should be paid to the composition. If you find coffee in it, then under no circumstances should you drink the drink while feeding your baby milk.

Video about the benefits and harms of chicory

Watch a short video that describes all the beneficial properties, as well as possible harm, from a drink such as chicory.

Scientists have long proven: if a mother is happy, then she has a calm and happy baby. But how can you be happy if the question is the consumption of a huge amount of foods while breastfeeding, for example, seeds or coffee. As for the latter, we found out that it can be replaced with a chicory drink, but it is worth remembering the rule of the golden mean and not consuming it too much.

And now it’s your turn to share with me your impressions of this drink. Have you tried it? What do you think is a worthy replacement for coffee? Tell us about it in the comments on the site!

How does chicory affect lactation?

As you know, nutrition and drinking regimen play an important role in the production of mother's milk and the establishment of the lactation process. Young mothers are interested in giving preference to naturalness in their diet.

For example, it is allowed to use natural decoctions that will still taste like coffee. In this case, amazing benefits will also be noted for the liver, heart, and the process of removing toxins and waste from the body. The beneficial effect on the female body will definitely be noted. Of course, infusions and decoctions are primarily medicinal products, so the best option would be to carefully familiarize yourself with other uses of the plant. For example, you can prepare a coffee drink with the addition of milk, which will also delight you with benefits and become a worthy replacement for coffee.

It is advisable to take into account the lactogenic properties of natural powder. Regular use will contribute to the successful establishment of lactation processes. In order for a positive effect on milk to be noted, care should be taken to ensure naturalness. Moreover, even if you have to sacrifice the taste characteristics of the drink, the effect on the body becomes a much more important aspect when breastfeeding a toddler.