As a breastfeeding mother, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy diet while ensuring your baby is getting all the nutrients they need. Often, new mothers may experience increased hunger and cravings due to the physical demands of nutrition.
However, certain appetite suppressants can help reduce these cravings and help you maintain a healthy weight. In this article, we will discuss the top five appetite suppressants for breastfeeding mothers.
Top 5 Appetite Suppressants for Breastfeeding Moms
1. Fiber supplements
Fiber is an important nutrient that can help you feel fuller for longer, making it an excellent appetite suppressant. You can get fiber from foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, but getting enough through diet alone can be difficult. This is where fiber supplements come in.
There are various fiber supplements, but the most common is psyllium husk, which is obtained from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant. Psyllium husk is a soluble fiber, which means it absorbs water and expands in the stomach, creating a feeling of fullness.
Fiber supplements are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, but it is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually to avoid digestive upset. You should also drink plenty of water while taking fiber supplements to prevent constipation.
It is recommended. 5 Best Diet Pills for Breastfeeding Moms
2. Green tea extract
Green tea extract is another popular appetite suppressant that has been shown to have many health benefits. Green tea contains compounds called catechins, which can help increase metabolism and reduce appetite.
One study found that participants who took green tea extract for 12 weeks lost more weight and had a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who did not take the supplement. Another study found that green tea extract reduced appetite and increased satiety.
Green tea extract is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, but it does contain caffeine, which can be passed to your baby through breast milk. It’s important to limit your caffeine intake to no more than 300 mg per day, which is roughly the equivalent of three cups of green tea.
It is recommended. About green tea and its amazing health benefits and side effects
3. Garcinia Cambogia
Garcinia Cambogia is a Southeast Asian fruit that has become popular as a weight loss supplement. The active ingredient in Garcinia Cambogia is hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which is believed to block an enzyme your body uses to make fats.
Some studies have shown that Garcinia Cambogia can help reduce appetite and promote weight loss. However, results are mixed, and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
The medical information presented in this article is provided as an informational resource only. This information does not create a patient-physician relationship and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Garcinia Cambogia is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, but you should talk to your doctor before taking any supplement, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.
Recommended. What can I drink to lose belly fat while breastfeeding?
4. Judea Gordonii
Hoodia Gordonii is a cactus-like plant native to Africa. It has been used for centuries by native tribes as an appetite suppressant during long hunts.
The active ingredient in Hoodia Gordonii is believed to be a molecule called P57, which has been shown to reduce appetite by tricking your brain into thinking you’re full.
There is limited research on the effectiveness of Hoodia Gordonii as an appetite suppressant, but some studies have shown promising results. However, more research is needed to determine its long-term safety and effectiveness.
Hoodia Gordonii is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, but you should talk to your doctor before taking any supplement, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.
It is recommended. 5 Best Weight Loss Teas for Breastfeeding Moms
5. Chromium Picolinate
Chromium Picolinate is a mineral required for carbohydrate and fat metabolism. It has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce cravings for carbohydrates.
One study found that participants who took Chromium Picolinate supplements had decreased appetite, reduced cravings for carbohydrates, and improved mood compared to those who did not take the supplement.
Chromium Picolinate is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, but you should talk to your doctor before taking any supplement, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.
Safety considerations for breastfeeding mothers
Although the appetite suppressants listed above are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, certain precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.
First, you should talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking any medications.
Second, it is very important to start with a low dose of any supplement and gradually increase it to avoid digestive upset.
Third, drink plenty of water when taking any supplements to avoid constipation and dehydration.
Finally, it’s important to limit your caffeine intake to no more than 300 mg per day, which is roughly the equivalent of three cups of coffee or green tea.
Can you suppress your appetite while breastfeeding?
It is generally not recommended to take appetite suppressants while breastfeeding, as these drugs can pass into breast milk and affect the health of the baby. Some appetite suppressants may contain ingredients that can be harmful to a nursing baby or reduce milk production, which can lead to a decrease in the amount of milk a baby gets.
Before taking any medication or supplement while breastfeeding, it is important to check with a healthcare provider to make sure it is safe for both mother and baby. In most cases, breastfeeding mothers can achieve healthy weight loss through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Recommended. Can you take any diet pills while breastfeeding?
How can you control your appetite and cravings?
Controlling appetite and cravings is a common challenge for many breastfeeding moms trying to maintain a healthy weight or adopt a healthier lifestyle. Here are some tips that can help.
- Eat a balanced diet. Make sure your meals are balanced with protein, healthy fats and fiber. This will make you feel fuller longer and help reduce cravings.
- Moisturize. Thirst is often confused with hunger. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated.
- Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can increase levels of the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates appetite. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep a night.
- Limit processed foods. Processed foods are often high in sugar and unhealthy fats that can trigger cravings. Choose whole foods instead.
- Practice mindful eating. Pay attention to your food and eat slowly. This can help you know when you’re full and prevent overeating.
- Manage stress. Stress can trigger emotional eating and cravings. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise or meditation.
- Do not skip meals. Skipping meals can lead to more eating and cravings later in the day. Aim for three balanced meals a day and consider adding healthy snacks as needed.
Remember, it’s important to listen to your body’s hunger cues and eat when you’re hungry. Following these tips can help you manage your appetite and cravings in a healthy way.
Conclusion
As a breastfeeding mother, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy diet while ensuring your baby is getting all the nutrients they need. However, some appetite suppressants can help reduce cravings and help you maintain a healthy weight.
The top five appetite suppressants for breastfeeding moms are fiber supplements, green tea extract, Garcinia Cambogia, Hoodia Gordonii, and Chromium Picolinate. Although these supplements are generally safe, certain precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.
Remember, breastfeeding moms should always consult their doctor before taking any supplements or making any significant changes to their diet or exercise routine. With the right guidance and support, you can maintain a healthy weight and provide your baby with all the nutrients they need.