If you are a breastfeeding mom, you may be wondering if it is safe to drink alkaline water.
We discuss the benefits of alkaline water for breastfeeding moms and answer the question of whether or not it is safe to drink while nursing.
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What Is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular drinking water which has a higher level of chlorine.
The alkaline content of water helps to neutralize acids, which is believed to help improve overall health and wellbeing.
What Is Alkaline Water Good For?
Alkaline water, sometimes referred to as ionized water, is water that has been ionized to a higher pH level than plain old tap water. A pH scale is used to determine the acidity or alkalinity of an object.
The idea behind this water is that it will neutralize the acid and, therefore, improve your health.
Some people also believe that this water can slow down the aging process, fight cancer, boost metabolism and help you lose weight.
Although there are many claims about the benefits, there is no scientific evidence to support them.
Is Alkaline Water Safe to Drink While Breastfeeding?
Alkaline water, while touted as healthy, is not necessarily recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.
The number of ionized minerals in alkaline water can be so high that it results in a drug-like effect on the body, which means the drink itself isn’t safe.
The process of ionization used to create alkaline water releases hydrogen ions from water molecules.
These ions are believed to help neutralize harmful substances in the body.
However, ionized alkaline water has been shown to have a laxative effect and could lead to dehydration if consumed in large quantities.
Pregnant and nursing women are already going through changes that put physical stress on their bodies.
Adding an excessive amount of ions to their diet can make them highly susceptible to strains, so it’s best to avoid this water while pregnant and drink little amounts when breastfeeding.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Alkaline Water While Breastfeeding?
Alkaline water is an excellent way to stay hydrated while breastfeeding, but there are additional benefits that can help you be healthier and improve the quality of your breast milk during feeding times.
Some benefits of include:
- Improved hydration
- Neutralizes acidic effects
- Helps to digest food better
- Supports healthy blood sugar levels
- Can help with weight loss efforts
Drinking alkaline water is a great way for breastfeeding moms to stay hydrated and get the added health benefits it provides.
However, be sure to talk with your doctor before adding it to your diet, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Any changes to your diet and what you drink can impact the health of your babies. A very safe drink when breastfeeding is coconut water and aloe vera juice is good for nursing.
How Does Alkaline Water Affect the Quality of A Mother’s Milk?
The most important benefit of alkaline water while breastfeeding is that it improves the quality of the milk you produce.
A recent study found that women who drink this water have higher concentrations of minerals (such as potassium, calcium and magnesium which helps remove heavy metals from the body) in their milk than those who drink regular water.
It also found that the pH levels in their milk were more neutral than those who drank regular water.
Can Alkaline Water Affect Breast Milk Supply?
Recent research shows that alkaline water doesn’t have the same effects on breast milk production as regular drinking water does.
This type of water does not contain enough calories to help with lactation. So, it may be a good idea to keep this type of beverage out of your diet if you want to increase your breastmilk supply.
If you want to boost your milk supply try a specialist lactation tea.
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Some mothers claim that this water boosted their energy levels and increased their breast milk supply, but there are no clinical studies that support these statements.
Will Alkaline Water Harm My Baby?
The body of a baby is more sensitive to the effects of changes in its environment than adults’ bodies are.
The effect of alkaline water on infants would depend on the pH level and how much alkaline water a baby drinks.
High pH levels can change the acidity in the body of the baby and potentially lead to health concerns.
However, there is no research that measures the effects of babies drinking alkaline water. Note that babies should not drink this water.
You should always look for signs of adverse reactions every time you add something to your daily routine especially if your family has a history of allergies.
What Are the Best Ways to Get Alkaline Water Into My Diet if I Don’t Want to Drink It Straight Up?
A lot of people don’t like the taste of alkaline water and would prefer to drink it in another way. If this is you, here are some options:
Add fresh lemon juice to a glass of high-quality water. Lemons are an alkalizing food despite being acidic, and lemon water is a great way to fill alkaline benefits without changing how your water tastes.
Use a squeeze bottle or spray bottle filled with alkaline water – use this as a natural salad dressing spray or for cooking.
Make smoothies and juices with alkaline H2O – add it to your blender along with veggies, fruits, seeds and nuts to up the nutrition.
This is a good idea because they are rich in carbohydrates, essential nutrients and vitamins.
Drink tomato juice. Tomatoes are one of the most highly alkalizing foods out there even though they’re acidic, so tomato juice is a great way to get more alkaline goodness into your diet!
Take Away on Alkaline Water, Breastfeeding and Nursing
Alkaline water can provide many health benefits for both the mother and baby. It can help with digestion, blood sugar levels, weight loss efforts, acid reflux and more.
As a nursing mother, your top priority is to provide your babies breast milk that is safe and packed with nutrition for their optimal growth.
Additionally, it helps to improve the quality of breast milk by increasing mineral concentrations and making the milk pH more neutral.
However, mothers should always consult their doctor or a medical professional before making any changes to their diet while breastfeeding.
It’s extremely important that you watch what you eat and drink and not risk your baby and your life.
This article was written by Sandra Baker – full time writer and the mother of four amazing kids (including twins!)
She’s also a breastfeeding counselor and has spent years helping new parents learn how to care for their children. When she’s not writing or caring for her children, Sandra likes to spend time reading and taking walks with her husband.
