There is a lot of debate surrounding whether or not body armor drink increases breast milk. Some people swear by it, while others say that there is no scientific evidence to support the claim.
So, what’s the truth? In this blog post, we will take a look at the science behind body armor drink and its effects on breast milk production. Stay tuned!
Does Body Armor Drink Increase Milk Supply?
Suprisingly, yes! Whilst no scientific studies have been done on this specifically, there is evidence to suggest that body armor drink can help increase milk production. It’s thought that this is because one of the main ingredients in it, coconut water, is a galactagogue.
We’ve done a detailed article on the benefits of drinking coconut water here.
What is Body Armor Drink?
Body armor drink is designed to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes. It’s often used by athletes or people who are doing intense physical activity, as it helps to prevent dehydration.
Body Armor drink is a sports drink that is said to be packed with electrolytes and minerals. It is also said to contain vitamins and nutrients that are essential for the body.
There are four main types of bodyarmor drink including
- Sports drink (potassium-packed electrolytes, antioxidants, no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or dyes)
- Lyte (no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or dyes, no sugar added, low calorie)
- Edge (100mg caffeine, 1,000mg electrolytes)
- Sport Water (alkaline, ph 9+, electrolytes)
Note, that not all of these are good for breastfeeding women and in particular you should not take the EDGE drink, as its full of caffeine. Read our guide to drinking caffeine whilst breastfeeding.
Why Does Body Armor Increase Milk Supply?
It’s thought that body armor drink increases milk supply because it contains coconut water. Coconut water is a galactagogue, which means that it helps to increase milk production.
Coconut water is high in electrolytes and minerals, which are essential for the body. It also contains vitamins and nutrients that are important for the body.
Looking at the ingredient list for bodyarmor it also contains magnesium and calcium along with zinc oxide and vitamins B5, B3, B9, B12 and Vitamin E. All of these are important for the body and play a role in milk production.
Vitamins & Calcium
Calcium helps to build strong bones and teeth, prevents osteoporosis, and may reduce the risk of some types of cancer. Breastfeeding mothers who consume adequate amounts of calcium are also less likely to experience postpartum depression.
Vitamins B are important for both the mother and baby during breastfeeding. They help with the development of the baby’s nervous system, red blood cells, and metabolism. Vitamin B12 is especially important for brain development so all of these will be a milk supply booster.
There are many benefits of vitamin E for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Vitamin E helps to improve the quality of breast milk and increases the amount of vitamin A and essential fatty acids in breast milk. It also helps to protect the baby’s skin from damage and keeps the mother’s nipples healthy.
Coconut water and breastfeeding
Coconut water is rich in electrolytes and minerals, making it an ideal drink for breastfeeding mothers. It can help to increase milk production, and also helps to prevent dehydration. Coconut water is also a good source of energy, and can help to boost the immune system.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are important for many reasons, but they are especially important for breastfeeding moms. Electrolytes help to regulate the body’s fluid levels, which can become imbalanced when breastfeeding. They also help to keep the body hydrated, which is crucial for both mother and baby.
There are many electrolyte-rich foods that are perfect for breastfeeding mothers. Some great examples include coconut water, bananas, and leafy green veggies. You can also find electrolyte supplements at most health food stores.
If you are breastfeeding and notice that you are feeling fatigued or dehydrated, make sure to reach for an electrolyte-rich snack or drink like body armor drinks. Your body will thank you!
Magnesium
Magnesium is an important mineral for both mother and baby during breastfeeding. It helps the mother’s body to produce milk, and it also helps the baby’s nervous system to develop properly.
Magnesium levels can become depleted during breastfeeding, so it is important for mothers to take a supplement or eat foods that are rich in magnesium. Some good sources of magnesium include dark leafy greens, nuts, and seeds and of course body armor drink which is why it helps in increasing milk supply.
Nursing Moms Need to Stay Hydrated
It’s also very important as a nursing mom to stay hydrated so whether you are drinking coconut water, coconut milk or a lactation tea, one of the first things nursing moms can do to improve low milk supply is to just drink more and remain hydrated.
There are many reasons why nursing moms need to stay hydrated. For one, breastfeeding can be dehydrating. Nursing moms can also get dehydrated from not drinking enough water or from losing too much water through sweating or urination.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that nursing moms drink at least eight to 12 cups of fluids per day. This is in addition to the water that you get from food. ACOG also recommends that nursing moms avoid caffeine, which can further dehydrate you.
Also whilst drinking body armor might help, it should be part of a healthy well balanced diet. Most breastfeeding moms will find that their milk supply increases naturally by staying hydrated and eating very healthily! We’ve done a full guide to the best foods for new moms, along with foods nursing moms should avoid and the best lactating foods to eat.
How Much Body Armor Should I Drink a Day to Increase My Breast Milk Supply?
Don’t go overboard on drinking body armor drinks, one drink should be fine per day.
The sugar content in the drinks is actually quite high, so you might want to consider cutting back on other sugary foods and drinks if you’re trying to increase your breast milk supply.
These are an energy drink and should be drunk with caution. You can get the same effect with fewer calories by just drinking lactation teas or organic coconut water rather than sports drinks.
The extra calories in sports drinks might help you if you’re struggling to maintain your supply, but be aware of the sugar content.
If you want to increase your breast milk supply, the best thing to do is drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet. There are no miracle foods or drinks that will immediately boost your supply, but eating and drinking well will help your body to produce more milk.
Which body armor is best for breastfeeding?
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a body armor drink for breastfeeding:
– There are many different formulas on the market, so make sure to read the labels carefully.
– Avoid body armor drinks that contain caffeine or other stimulants. These can be harmful to both you and your baby.
We like the body armor lyte the best and advise avoiding the bodyarmor sports drink edge, so just the regular version. If you are going to buy body armor then a great tip is to buy the concentrated form and just add filtered water to it. Bodyarmor drinks come in bottle form or in powdered form.
Other Ways to Boost Milk Production
You can boost milk production by eating healtily, eating lactating foods, doing power pumping when doing a pumping session and staying hydrated. Doing all of this will help increase milk supply and give you enough milk.
You can also take lactation teas, lactation cookies or breastfeeding brownies or even just make sure the family casserole meal is boosted with super foods.
The Bottom Line on Does Body Armor Help With Milk Production
Drinking body armor super drink has not been scientifically proven to help a breastfeeding mom increase milk supply. However, so many moms swear by it so whilst we don’t have the scientific data to confirm it does, just looking at the ingredient lists suggests it probably does.
Drinking body armor can help increase your breast milk supply, but make sure to drink it in moderation. One drink per day should be fine. And remember, the sugar content in these drinks is quite high.
Body armor super drinks can be tasty but you can get the same affects from mixing coconut water concentrate with filtered water to promote lactation, and even add in some natural flavors like mixed berry, strawberry banana, orange mango or tropical punch if you want to make them more palatable.
However, remember taking something more natural like brewer’s yeast, plain water for drinking water may be just as effective. If you are struggling to increase milk supply then do speak to a lactation consultant who may be able to help!
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.
