Colon Cleansing While Breastfeeding

Nursing mothers are just as in need of cleansing the colon as anyone else but it may not be in baby’s best interest for mommy to cleanse. It is important to realize that what mommy eats, baby eats. To that end, it is important to understand that a good percent of the cleansing supplements and formulations on the market would not be suitable for colon cleansing while breastfeeding. There are some commercial products which might be safe, but since most of them have not been evaluated for safety for use in children, the best option might be to eat colon cleansing foods and juices.

Avoid Certain Ingredients

Because foods are broken down and passed to the mother’s milk, it is imperative to avoid certain cleansing foods that would be an irritant to the nursing baby. One good example of this is capsicum which is the constituent in cayenne peppers that makes them hot. It is often used in cleansing supplements and goes by the name of capsicum, capsicum extract or capsaicin. It is known that it can make its way to the mother´s milk and still be hot, which will not only burn the baby’s mouth but might result in the baby refusing to nurse. Also, many herbs are a danger to the baby. Most advocates of cleansing will readily admit that cleansing during lactation is not the best time to use most colon cleansing products.

Safe Ingredients for Colon Cleansing While Breastfeeding

The hottest ingredient on the market at the moment that is used in a good number of colon cleansing products is Acai Berry. It is generally sold in capsule form and may be Acai Berry Powder or Acai Berry Extract. If there are no other ingredients in the cleansing supplement it may be safe to use during breastfeeding since it is simply a berry with no known side effects. However, it is recommended to get a consultation with a medical professional prior to taking anything, even Acai that is known to be safe. Another ingredient that is probably safe would be a fiber supplement such as psyllium. Fiber swells with fluid in the intestines and literally flushes everything in its path through to the rectum for elimination.

The Best Method of Colon Cleansing While Breastfeeding

The safest way to clean the colon while breastfeeding is by using natural, high-fiber foods that are rich in antioxidants. Fresh raw fruits and vegetables do the job nicely along with whole grains that are high in fiber. Any of the leafy green vegetables and darkly pigmented fruits are great cleansing agents. Oats, bran, flax and brown rice are also effective. Besides cleansing the mother, the baby will reap the benefit of all those vitamins and minerals.

It is always recommended to consult with your doctor prior to colon cleansing while breastfeeding because certain things just aren’t safe for the baby. Only a qualified medical professional can advise what methods of cleansing will not have an effect on the nursing baby, or an adverse effect on mom for that matter. Safety should always be the number one priority.