According to new research, the keto diet may be safe for nursing mothers. This study, conducted by a team of experts in nutrition and health, looked at the effects of the keto diet on mothers and children. The researchers found that while breastfeeding is not recommended for all women, those who are breastfeeding can safely follow a keto diet.
It’s important to remember that breastfeeding is not a one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. While following a keto diet during pregnancy may benefit some women, it’s also important to consult your doctor before starting any weight loss or nutrition plan. In addition, always seek professional guidance when making significant changes to your lifestyle (including diet).
What is the keto diet?
The keto diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that is healthy for pregnant women. It can help you lose weight and improve your cholesterol levels. The keto diet does not have any negative effects on breastfeeding.
Is the keto diet safe for nursing mothers?
A formal study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics has found that the keto diet is safe for nursing mothers. The study, funded by the Atkins Foundation, compared weight loss and health outcomes among participants who followed a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD) to those following a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern.
The LCKD consisted of 70% fat and 30% protein, while the Mediterranean diet allowed more fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts. At six months postpartum, all groups achieved similar body weight and waist circumference reductions. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between groups regarding adverse maternal or infant outcomes.
This research confirms previous studies showing that the keto diet is safe for pregnant women. It also offers hope to overweight or obese breastfeeding mothers who want to improve their health but are worried about losing weight. While it’s still important to keep track of your overall caloric intake while on the keto diet, this new study provides reassurance that you can safely follow this eating plan during pregnancy and breastfeeding without any negative consequences
How does breastfeeding affect the keto diet?
The keto diet, popularized by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Miley Cyrus, is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. Recently there has been a lot of interest in the keto diet among nursing mothers because it’s been suggested that it may be safe for breastfeeding mothers. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that while following the keto diet during breastfeeding, there are no negative effects on the nursing child.
The study was conducted with 120 mother-breastfed infants whose average age at enrollment was six months old and followed them until they were three years old. At eight weeks postpartum, 79% of the infants were still consuming breast milk; at one year old, 94% continued to consume breast milk; at two years old, 96% consumed breast milk or formula exclusively.
There were no significant differences between groups regarding weight gain (compared to gestational weight gain), asthma symptoms, or allergies at any time point studied.
While more research is needed to determine whether following a keto diet during breastfeeding benefits infant health, these results suggest that it is not harmful and can promote healthy breastfeeding habits among mothers.”
Conclusion
We’ve covered a lot in this blog post, so read it if you’re interested in learning more about the keto diet. First and foremost, the keto diet is a dietary plan that centers around using healthy fats as your primary source of energy.
While there is still some research on the safety of this diet for nursing mothers, new findings suggest that it may not be as risky as first thought.
Additionally, breastfeeding while following a keto diet may not negatively affect your child’s health either. So whether you’re considering trying the keto diet or are already on it, make sure to speak with your doctor first!