Composition, benefits and possible harm for nursing mothers and babies
Flax seeds have been used by humans since ancient times. Due to their beneficial properties, they are used in medicine, cosmetology and cooking. Despite the fact that the seeds contain more than 500 calories, they are recommended for breastfeeding, since they are not consumed in large quantities in their pure form. In addition, a third of the composition is proteins, which are easily digestible. Flaxseed contains a lot of other beneficial substances, including:
- B vitamins;
- vitamin C;
- vitamin E;
- cellulose;
- calcium, magnesium, zinc;
- carotene;
- phosphorus;
- iron;
- ligans;
- amino acids;
- omega acids;
- phytoestrogens, etc.
White or dark flax seeds can be eaten during pregnancy starting from three months.
Due to its rich composition, flaxseeds have an anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial effect on the body of a nursing mother and infant. In addition, flax seeds have the following properties:
- improvement of lactation;
- fight against postpartum encephalopathy;
- prevention of cancer, especially breast cancer;
- normalization of hormonal levels after childbirth;
- fight against constipation;
- improving the condition of skin, hair and nails;
- treatment and prevention of worms;
- strengthening the immune system;
- normalization of the gastrointestinal tract;
- maintaining youthful skin;
- reduction of stretch marks after childbirth;
- prevention of rickets in infants;
- normalization of the nervous system, etc.
Before introducing flax seeds into the diet of a lactating woman, you need to familiarize yourself with possible adverse reactions to this product and consult your doctor. First of all, you need to be prepared for possible individual intolerance or allergic reactions of both mother and baby. There are also cases of problems with the baby’s tummy.
Regular consumption of seeds promotes excessive release of progesterone and oxytocin, which causes the menstrual cycle to recover faster during breastfeeding. This can lead to unplanned pregnancy in those women who do not protect themselves, relying on the effectiveness of frequent breastfeeding as a contraceptive method.
Using flaxseed oil for cosmetic purposes
To improve the condition of facial skin, the following flax-based products are suitable:
- Place a spoonful of whole seeds in any container and pour boiling water over it. You need half a glass of boiled water. Keep in a water bath for at least 15 minutes. Once it cools down, lubricate your face, and after 30 minutes, rinse with water.
- Add a tablespoon of cream and 20 grams of butter to the prepared broth. Stir thoroughly and apply to clean facial skin. After half an hour, rinse off, preferably with warm water.
Flaxseed oil will help restore shine and beauty to your hair. Rub it into the scalp and lubricate the entire length of the hair. After an hour, wash off with shampoo. The result will not keep you waiting long.
When and why should you not eat flax seeds?
Flaxseed, like sesame seeds during breastfeeding, has a number of restrictions on use. It is forbidden to eat the product if mother and baby are allergic. In addition, it can harm patients with pancreatitis, urolithiasis, hypertension, ulcers, inflammation and erosions of the gastrointestinal tract. The use of flax seeds is not recommended if there is a benign tumor of the reproductive system or polycystic ovary syndrome. Contraindications include problems in the functioning of the biliary system. If you suspect that you have such diseases, consult your doctor for diagnosis and advice. Ignoring contraindications can lead to exacerbation of diseases.
Harm
Consumption of flax seeds, oils and decoctions has an effect not only beneficial
The product should be consumed with caution, as flax brings both positive and negative results. If a woman has not consumed this product in her diet, then before introducing it, you should consult with your doctor (gynecologist) and pediatrician to find out about its significance for the child.
Negative effects of the product:
- For the mother - when suffering from diseases of the reproductive tract, you should not eat flax products, so as not to provoke the growth of tumors. For gastrointestinal diseases, flax seed and oil will provoke disorders and intestinal pain. Consumption can lead to inflammation of the gallbladder and kidneys.
- For infants, just like for women, there are contraindications for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and gall bladder. If there is an allergic reaction to the product (rash, upset), then you should discard it. If in excess, it causes intestinal upset.
Is it possible to eat or drink flax seeds while breastfeeding and in what form?
Doctors and lactation consultants do not have a consensus on the possibility of using flaxseeds for breastfeeding. Some believe that the harmful properties of the product are too great and such use is unsafe. The majority is inclined to think that the benefits significantly outweigh the harm, and side effects are quite rare, so the product can be eaten. It is better to consult with a specialist regarding the possibility of using flax in your case.
In the first month
It is recommended to introduce the product into the diet for the first time 3 months after birth, but it is also allowed when the baby is one month old. The child’s body will become strong enough to accept new products on the mother’s menu.
Doctor Komarovsky's opinion
Komarovsky speaks well of the benefits of flaxseed oil in the fight against constipation and helminths in children on breastfeeding. In addition, he talks about the benefits of flax for the prevention and control of rickets. Since flaxseeds have the same properties as oil, by analogy we can assume that they are no less useful for children during breastfeeding.
Oil
Flax seed oil is similar in composition to flax seeds. This is a concentrate of the useful substances of the product. Flaxseed oil is allowed for breastfeeding. It is much more effective than seeds in treating constipation. It is recommended to start using ½-¼ teaspoon per day. If there is no reaction, the dosage can be increased. The maximum dose is 2 tablespoons per day. Due to the unstable concentration of ligans in the oil, it is impossible to determine the exact dosage, and excessive use can lead to adverse reactions, so be sure to consult a doctor before taking it.
Read more in the article “Flaxseed oil for breastfeeding.”
Flaxseed flour
Flaxseed flour has recently been increasingly used in cooking. If you want to use it in baking, remember: flaxseed flour is used as an additive to wheat, oatmeal and other types of products. Its composition is too active for independent use, especially for nursing women.
You can buy it in a store or pharmacy, but the healthiest one is the one you prepare yourself. To do this, take flax seeds and mash them in a mortar. You can use a blender or coffee grinder, but the product reacts with the metal, which can give the flour a distinct flavor. It is best to use this flour immediately after production.
Flaxseed flour with kefir
Flaxseed flour is most often used by women for weight loss. A 3-week course to lose excess weight is recommended. It should be noted that for maximum effect you need to give up unhealthy foods, fried foods, flour products and drink a lot of clean water. The diet is based only on flour and kefir, so it is perfect for women who have gained extra pounds during pregnancy.
So, for 3 weeks you need to drink the following drink.
Compound:
- Flaxseed flour.
- Kefir.
Preparation:
Mix kefir with flour.
Proportions:
1 week - 1 teaspoon of flour per 100 ml of kefir.
Week 2 - 1 tablespoon of flour per 100 ml of kefir.
Week 3 - 3 tablespoons of flour per 200 ml of kefir.
Application : Drink the mixture cold in the morning on an empty stomach every day. You can't heat flax.
Urbech
It is recommended to use flaxseed urbech for breastfeeding from the age of 3 months. This product is rich in vitamins and minerals. If there is no allergy, it will help cope with many breastfeeding problems, including hypolactation. Flaxseed paste is believed to help increase the quantity and nutritional value of breast milk.
It is possible to prepare flax urbech at home yourself; read more about this in the article “How to prepare urbech from flax seeds at home?”
Decoction
It is recommended to drink a decoction of flax seeds for diseases of internal organs, especially the gastrointestinal tract. The second name of the drink is flaxseed jelly.
Compound:
- Flax seeds - 2 tsp.
- Boiling water - 1 glass.
Preparation:
- Pour boiling water over the seeds in a thermos.
- Let stand for 2 hours.
- Strain.
Application : Drink the liquid freshly prepared. Do not store the decoction for more than 2 days. During breastfeeding, it is forbidden to drink more than half a glass a day.
Porridge
Flaxseed porridge during breastfeeding is very beneficial for the body. Remember that multi-component dishes can be eaten by nursing women only after introducing the components separately into the diet.
For more information about the benefits of flax porridge for mothers and babies, read the article “Flax porridge during breastfeeding.”
You can prepare flaxseed porridge at home using the following recipes:
- Flax porridge with banana for nursing mothers.
- Flaxseed porridge with dates for breastfeeding mothers.
What is the danger
As you know, in many countries it is prohibited to sell flaxseed oil at all. Some are surprised to learn about this, because almost half of it consists of fatty acids, including omega-3. But you should know that if this product is not stored correctly, the above substances are transformed into peroxides. These latter are very harmful to health and are considered, among other things, to cause cancer.
The fact that the oil is not suitable for food is evidenced by its distinct bitterness and very characteristic odor. A spoiled product should not be consumed under any circumstances.
Oil requires very careful storage. It is stored in the dark and cool, and transported in opaque containers. At the same time, flax seed remains edible much longer than oil, since fatty acids are protected by the shell. However, before taking them orally, you should make sure that everything is in order with them. The test is carried out in the same way as oils, that is, by taste. The absence of bitterness confirms its usefulness.
You should not store seed flour. It is best to prepare it immediately before use. An electric coffee grinder is perfect for this.
Rules for using flaxseeds when breastfeeding
It is best to eat ½-1 teaspoon of seeds with plenty of water in the morning . Allergies or tummy problems in a baby most often appear within the first 24 hours after exposure to a new product. The allergic reaction may be delayed or have a cumulative effect. This should be remembered in order to know which product to exclude from the diet of a lactating mother.
The maximum dose of flax seeds per day during breastfeeding is approximately 30 g, which must be distributed over several doses. In this case, the number of seeds should be increased to the maximum gradually.
During breastfeeding, the product is not recommended to be consumed on an empty stomach. It can be used as a decoction or in cooking. You should not eat seeds more than a few days a week. The product is well absorbed by the body if taken with vitamin B6 or vitamin E.
For weight loss
If you want to lose weight, you can take whole or powdered seeds. Drink a teaspoon of seeds twice a day with meals. Don't forget to drink the product with a glass of clean water. Or you can add seeds to salad, kefir, yogurt and other dishes that do not require heat treatment. You can also drink a special decoction of flax for weight loss.
Flax seed decoction for weight loss
The recipe is safe for nursing women, since flaxseeds can be taken in the indicated quantities during breastfeeding.
Compound:
- Flax seeds - 2 tbsp. l.
- Boiling water - 1 thousand ml.
Preparation:
- Pour boiling water over the flax.
- Wrap it up and let it sit.
Application : Drink throughout the day.
For constipation
Flaxseed is often used to treat stool problems. The effectiveness of the product against constipation is explained by the fact that crushed seeds swell in the stomach. This helps strengthen motor skills. To treat constipation, take a tablespoon of seeds daily with plenty of water. In addition, drink plenty of liquid to speed up the passage of the product through the gastrointestinal tract. If you don't drink enough, you risk developing intestinal obstruction.
Selection and storage
During breastfeeding, it is especially important to eat good quality foods. Flaxseeds are sold whole and in powdered form. It is healthier to use whole seeds, but if you are comfortable using the powder, you can use it. Don't forget to pay attention to the expiration date and production date. Take only fresh product. If the packaging is damaged or contains traces of moisture, it should not be purchased.
An open package of seeds is stored many times longer than a crushed product. Store flax seeds in the refrigerator, tightly closed, for no longer than 1–2 years, and powder for up to 4 months.
Reviews
Olga, 27 years old
From time to time I take a course of flax with kefir according to a recipe that is recommended for weight loss. They help. Thanks to this breakfast, you don’t feel like eating at all before lunch, and there are no hunger attacks afterwards.
Valentina, 30 years old
I drank flax seeds during breastfeeding. I read that vitamin E in the composition will help you lose weight without sagging skin. Since there are no stretch marks left, I can say that it helps. There were no problems with the child.
Sonya, 25 years old
These seeds give me a stomach ache, so I don’t drink them, but the oil worked well)
