Spirulina While Breastfeeding – Is It Safe?
Many new moms wonder is it okay to use spirulina while breastfeeding. It may be harmless. However, the product’s efficacy and non-toxicity are dependent on the source. So, is spirulina safe while breastfeeding? Let’s find out!
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina is a blue-green alga utilized as a nutritional supplement. Spirulina does regard as a superfood because of its high nutritional value and health benefits. In addition, spirulina contains a significant amount of protein and vitamins, making it an ideal dietary supplement for vegetarians and vegans.
Spirulina Health Benefits
According to researches conducted, here are a few potential spirulina’s health benefits:
Excellent Nutritional Profile
Spirulina is a natural way to add protein and vitamins to your diet without causing any noticeable adverse effects. Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and vitamins B-6, A, and K are also present. Spirulina, when consumed as part of a well-balanced diet, can help stay nourished.
Getting in Shape
When people utilize fewer calories than they expend, they may typically lose weight. Spirulina is a low-calorie, high-nutrient food that packs a punch in a bit of amount of powder. Therefore, spirulina may assist you in losing weight without sacrificing nutrition by adding it to your diet.
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Gut Health Improvement
Spirulina is easily digestible due to its cell structure, which lacks rigid, fibrous walls. Because spirulina is low in fiber, it’s important to supplement your diet with other gut-friendly, high-fiber meals.
Lowering Cholesterol Level
Spirulina extract may aid in the reduction of cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is an unhealthy lipid found in a person’s blood linked to heart disease by medical authorities.
Blood Pressure Reduction
Spirulina, as previously mentioned, may decrease cholesterol, and there is evidence that it may also help regulate blood pressure.
Heart Disease Prevention
Heart disease connects to both high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Consuming spirulina may help reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Increasing Metabolism
Spirulina may help in the speeding of a person’s metabolism. A person with a significant metabolic rate may feel as if they have more energy. It may also aid them in losing weight by speeding the number of calories they burn each day.
Getting Rid of Allergy Symptoms
The inside of a person’s nose may enlarge if they have allergies to pollen, dust, or pets. Allergic rhinitis is the medical term for this reaction. There is some evidence that spirulina may assist in alleviating the symptoms of this disease.
Spirulina and Breastfeeding
Many breastfeeding moms wonder is it safe to take spirulina while breastfeeding.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), infants should be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months. Therefore, a healthy diet is a must for breastfeeding moms, this is because their babies are completely dependent on their nutrition.
When considering taking spirulina while breastfeeding, it is important to know that heavy metals and other pollutants can be present in spirulina products developed in unregulated settings. The US Food and Drug Administration does not require substantial pre-marketing approval for dietary supplements. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of nutritional supplements, but they are not required to prove their safety and effectiveness before advertising.
Is Spirulina safe while breastfeeding?
In general, spirulina is considered safe during breastfeeding. With that being said, specific side effects or risks during breastfeeding are unknown.
Spirulina algae are high in protein and antioxidants, which are both critical in the postpartum period. More of its main components are vitamin B and iron, which are very beneficial for new moms.
Despite all these advantages, according to the US National Institutes of Health, limited research is available regarding the use of spirulina during breastfeeding. Therefore, their recommendation for new moms is to avoid using spirulina during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there is not enough information about the use of blue-green algae during these periods.
In addition to this, according to MedlinePlus.gov, spirulina may contain toxic metals, and harmful bacteria, which can be possibly safe to use for most people when used short-term, but unsafe for breastfeeding women. This is why it is better to avoid using spirulina while breastfeeding.
Although rare, certain side effects may occur when taking spirulina, this is another reason why using it while breastfeeding can be unsafe, especially under certain health conditions.
So, before you decide whether to use spirulina or not while breastfeeding, you should consult your doctor.
Spirulina Health Benefits
If your doctor approved the use of spirulina while breastfeeding, here are several spirulina’s advantages when it comes to breastfeeding you may what to know:
- When Spirulina does divide, it displays a protein level of 65 percent. In addition, it contains GLA, or Gamma Linolenic Acid, and amino acids, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Toxins in the blood are dealt with by chlorophyll in algae. It also enhances the body’s immunity capabilities.
- It is a reserve of bioavailable iron that aids in the fight against anemia, a common diagnosis among new moms, without causing constipation.
- The human body can use the protein generated by spirulina.
- When used in conjunction with a fitness routine, the substance helps women burn fat faster and lose weight postpartum.
Spirulina Benefits for Postpartum
Spirulina – for energy production and immune support
New mothers require extra energy, and your body can get depleted in the months following your pregnancy and birth, especially in iron due to the loss of blood. Iron, B vitamins, and complete protein are necessary for replenishing your stockpiles and providing the energy you require.
A diversified diet rich in veggies and nutrient-dense meals is desirable, but it’s not always possible. With a new baby, preparing delicious meals is a significant challenge.
Spirulina, a super-algae, is an excellent source of a variety of minerals, including complete protein, B vitamins, and iron.
If your doctor said it is safe for you, spirulina while breastfeeding can be essential at this time when you need extra nutrition to recuperate from the birth and adjust to your new position as a mother.
Maintaining a healthy immune system is crucial since, let’s face it, getting sick is the last thing you want! Because of its protein, Vitamins B6, B12, trace minerals, and iron, spirulina can assist your immune system and boost your postpartum recovery.
Spirulina is also the second-highest source of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) after mother’s milk, making it an excellent source of nutrition for both mom and baby when breastfeeding!
Spirulina Side Effects
When grown under regulated conditions, spirulina is often well tolerated. Diarrhea, bloating, upset stomach, nausea, insomnia, and headaches are minor side effects.
Spirulina does generally regard as safe, but it may have some side effects and disadvantages, particularly for people with specific health issues.
May Slow Blood Clotting
Spirulina has an anticoagulant effect, which means it thins your blood and prolongs the time it takes for blood to clot.
When you’ve hurt, clotting can help you avoid excessive bleeding or bruises.
Spirulina can be risky for people who use blood thinners or have bleeding problems since it can reduce your blood’s capacity to clot, causing more bruising and bleeding.
It May Be Tainted With Poisons
Wild-harvested Spirulina carries a substantial danger of contamination. If the algae develop in a water body polluted with heavy metals, bacteria, or dangerous particles known as microcystins, it may contain poisons. This is why the safe choice for breastfeeding women is to avoid using spirulina while breastfeeding.
It May Make Autoimmune Diseases Worse
Because spirulina strengthens your immune system, it may aggravate autoimmune illnesses including lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, in which your immune system assaults your body.
How To Use Spirulina
Powder and pills are the two most prevalent commercially accessible spirulina forms. Some protein and energy-boosting powder blends contain it as well. A tiny spoonful of spirulina powder can be mixed into a glass of water or juice and consumed directly, or it does add to a smoothie. However, be aware that even a tiny amount of highly pigmented spirulina may turn your drink a dark blue-green, nearly black color. Spirulina can also find in some food restaurant desserts, such as raw chocolate brownies or truffle-style energy balls prepared with puréed dates, almonds, and seeds.
The mildly savory, sea vegetable flavor of spirulina can be off-putting to some individuals, but its deep earthiness can help balance out a sweet smoothie or juice.
If you’re making a smoothie, combine the spirulina powder with sweet fruits like bananas, pineapple, and mango to balance out the flavor. Try mixing it into naturally sweet orange or pineapple juice if you prefer juice. You don’t want to try a tablespoon of powder on its own.
Best Spirulina Products On The Market
Spirulina + Chlorella – Alkalizing Greens Complex
The numerous advantages of blue-green algae are well worth investigating. When merged with bioavailable detoxifying and basify agents, however, the molecule transforms into a potent supplement. In reality, the Spirulina + Chlorella Alkalizing Green Complex Dietary Supplement is best indicates in this manner.
New Farmers Fresh Spirulina
New Farmers’ fresh spirulina supplement is a straightforward mixture available in two ways: fresh spirulina and fresh frozen spirulina (smoothie-ready cubes). The nutrient-dense and protein-rich algae are never dehydrated after harvest, resulting in a mild flavor and creamy texture without the bitterness of spirulina powder. According to the business, one tablespoon of the hummus-like fresh Spirulina per day, or one cube of frozen spirulina per day, is comparable to a full day’s worth of fresh greens.
Earthrise Spirulina
Earthrise is one of the most well-known spirulina producers in North America. Spirulina is grown in well-managed hydroponic ponds, guaranteeing that there is no risk of contamination. If you always look for supplements created in the United States, this should alleviate your concerns. Herbicide, pesticide, additives, stabilizers, preservatives, and irradiation-free yields claim by the brand representing their manufacturing standards.
Nutrex Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Powder
Pure Hawaiian Spirulina, as its name suggests, is another elegant and safe alternative. The Spirulina is grown in a GMP-certified facility in the United States with strict quality control. Every batch of their products is tested for quality, assuring that no contaminated spirulina makes it to the market.
Bottom Line,
Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is crucial for your baby’s development. While spirulina is a healthy superfood, it is very important to consult your doctor before using it, especially while breastfeeding.
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