Is Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar While Breastfeeding Safe?

While several food items are perfectly okay to be consumed by breastfeeding mothers, there are still some items, the consumption of which is slightly debatable, which also the use of apple cider vinegar when breastfeeding. Pregnancy can induce cravings for certain foods in moms-to-be. While watching what you eat plays a big role in the development of your foetus, you’d be glad to know that apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been marked safe for consumption for pregnant mothers in the book of nutritionists and doctors. But, as always, it comes with a word of caution. Let’s dive a little bit deep into the hows and whens of apple cider vinegar during breastfeeding.

Video: Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar While Breastfeeding – Is It Safe?

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is a type of popular vinegar fermented from apple juice that is traditionally used in Asian cuisines. Popular throughout the world for boosting metabolism and adding a sour taste to dishes, it comes with many health benefits and can be consumed by pregnant and nursing moms in moderation.

Can Breastfeeding Moms Drink Apple Cider Vinegar?

Yes, pregnant and breastfeeding moms can consume apple cider vinegar by adding it to their diets. However, keep in mind to consume only pasteurised, organic apple cider vinegar while breastfeeding and be wary of its sources since unpasteurized apple cider vinegar comes with harmful bacteria which may harm the baby and lead to intestinal diseases.

Can Consuming ACV Change the Taste of Breast Milk?

There is no scientific result of apple cider changing the taste of breast milk, but it is possible. Since the ACV is acidic in nature with a strong taste, it may or may not impact the taste of breast milk.

Health Benefits of Taking Apple Cider Vinegar During Breastfeeding 

Apple cider vinegar is known for a linear of health benefits in general. Apple cider vinegar and breastfeeding have good relations, thanks to pectin, acetic acid, and a bunch of vitamins in it, health issues with digestion and immunity are taken care of. Here are some of the known health benefits of consuming apple cider vinegar for mothers during breastfeeding:

1. Beats Diabetes

Apple cider vinegar lowers blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetics. The presence of acetic acid is known to prevent the complete digestion of complex carbs in the body, thus lowering the glycemic index in the blood. Certain digestive enzymes in the body are deactivated when you consume apple cider vinegar, which lowers your glucose levels by inhibiting complex-carb digestion.

2. Improves Digestion

ACV is known to treat stomach digestion problems like bloating, constipation and indigestion. It promotes proper digestion, and you’ll notice the change just by taking a teaspoon of diluted pasteurised ACV during mealtimes. However, it is important to note that consuming ACV in excess can cause an acidity flare-up in women who suffer from gastritis, so ensure that you don’t overdo it.

3. Enhances Cardiovascular Health

The ACV content in the body is known to regulate LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in the blood by preventing oxidation. In general, ACV improves cardiovascular health and protects the heart from a variety of diseases.

4. Assists With Weight Loss

Apple cider vinegar will burn the fat inside your body and promote proper weight loss over a prolonged period of time. Take 10ml of ACV in the mornings, and you’ll notice a difference in your waist circumference and abdominal regions. Of course, ACV isn’t a shortcut to a healthy lifestyle – exercise is important too!

Also Read: Is Apple Cider Vinegar the New Secret Weight Loss Drink?

5. Treats Stomach Discomfort

If you’re experiencing pain in the stomach due to bacterial infections or discomfort of any sort in that region, some pasteurised, diluted ACV will fix it. Apple cider vinegar contains pectin, which provides relief from intestinal spasms and has antibiotic properties by nature. Add a tablespoon to salads or juices for best results.

6. Keeps Urinary Infections at Bay

Since ACV is loaded with antibacterial minerals and enzymes, it has been traditionally been used for treating and preventing urinary infections during pregnancies.

7. Tones the Skin

ACV is an excellent home remedy for treating skin disorders and issues which appear post-pregnancy.

8. Treats Nasal Problems

Sick of having a blocked nose? You’ll be glad to know that ACV will relieve it and will induce deep sleep. Take some lukewarm water, mix in ACV, and drink it before bedtime to clear stuffy nostrils and sinus issues.

9. Lowers the Blood Pressure

Apple cider vinegar is known to regulate blood pressure levels and maintain it.

Side Effects of Having Apple Cider Vinegar While Breastfeeding

When they say, everything needs to be in moderation, they are absolutely correct. While apple cider vinegar is good for breastfeeding moms, excessive consumption can induce adverse side effects. The following are the side effects of having ACV while breastfeeding:

1. Digestive Illnesses

Consuming unpasteurised apple cider vinegar can transfer harmful bacteria to your breast milk supply, thus causing various digestive illnesses and harming the baby.

2. Low Mineral Density

Because apple cider vinegar acts on insulin levels in the body, it leads to a decrease in potassium levels which can cause low mineral density. This can affect both the mother and the baby.

3. Dental Problems

Since apple cider vinegar is highly acidic in nature, its consumption can cause the erosion of the tooth enamel, irritate the gums, inducing dental issues.

4. Drops Potassium Levels

Uncontrolled consumption of ACV can drastically drop the potassium levels in the body of the breastfeeding mom, which can be threatening for the mother and the baby.

Precautions to Take While Having Apple Cider Vinegar

Remember, things always work in moderation; excess of anything or using anything without knowing its proper order can imbalance the nature of a thing, ultimately harming the person. Because of the strong compounds present in apple cider vinegar, experts always recommend precautions to be taken while the consumption of ACV.  Here are some precautions to take while having apple cider vinegar, especially if you’re breastfeeding:

1. Dilute It

Apple cider vinegar is very concentrated in nature and has the ability to alter the pH levels in the body. Diluting it will prevent your baby from facing stomach aches and gastrointestinal issues.

2. Go Pasteurised

Pasteurising ACV kills all the harmful bacteria that cause digestive disorders and illnesses in your baby when passed on into breast milk. Check with the supplier regarding the source of ACV and confirm whether you’re getting pasteurised ACV in your diet.

3. Consume in Moderation

It’s advisable not to go beyond one tablespoon of ACV a day, as it can cause low potassium levels and poor mineral density. If possible, avoid consuming it every day.

4. Rinse Mouth After Consumption

It is a good idea to rinse your mouth after consuming apple cider vinegar so as to keep your enamel free of damage, regardless of how diluted the ACV might be.

5. May Cause Skin Burns

The strong, acidic nature of apple cider vinegar may lead to skin burns when applied in excess through drops. Get pasteurised, topical ACV if you’re planning to apply it to your skin, and use in moderation for best results.

Simple Apple Cider Vinegar Recipes for Nursing Moms

New to the use of apple cider vinegar and don’t know how to go ahead? We’ve got you! Let’s get to some old-school as well as new-age recipes with apple cider vinegar for nursing moms. You will absolutely love them!

1. Honey With Apple Cider Vinegar

A classic among classics. Try this old-school ACV recipe at home and enjoy.

What You Will Need

• Raw honey
• Water
• Lime juice
• Red pepper
• Ice

How to Prepare

Pour water into a glass and add in the ingredients. Mix thoroughly and add ice cubes (optional). This is a wonderful way to detox your system.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Herbal Tea

If you love drinking tea, this one’s just for you.

What You Will Need

• Green tea
• Ginger strips
• Cinnamon
• Lemon juice
• Honey
• Apple cider vinegar

How to Prepare

Prep the green tea and set it aside. Filter it into a cup and mix the remaining ingredients. Enjoy!

3. ACV Salad Dressing

Try out this delicious salad dressing made of apple cider vinegar for a refreshing taste. This dressing will make your salad pop!

What You Will Need

• Apple cider vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Pepper
• Red pepper
• Extra virgin olive oil

How to Prepare

Whisk all the ingredients (including the dash of red pepper and lemon juice) in a small bowl and add some olive oil to the mix. Allow it to emulsify, and season using salt and pepper. Put the dressing in an air-tight container for storage and top it over your salad.

FAQs

Is ACV More Acidic?

Yes, apple cider vinegar is indeed acidic. Its pH level ranges from 2-3, which is close to 1 (1 is considered the most acidic level on the pH scale).

Is It Safe to Consume ACV During Pregnancy?

It is best to avoid apple cider vinegar during pregnancy as it is highly acidic in nature which can induce more heartburn and other stomach problems during pregnancy. Also, there is no scientific result of any health benefits of ACV in pregnant women. If you still want to consume it, do so only after the doctor’s consultation.

Apple cider vinegar is an awesome way to spruce up mealtimes and fix your health clock at the same time. Try out our suggestions, keep the precautions in mind, and consume in moderation for the best results.

Resources and References: Romper

Also Read:

Fruits to Eat & Avoid while Breastfeeding
Drinking Water while Breastfeeding
Is Coffee/Caffeine safe during Breastfeeding