Stable Blood Sugar, Healthy, and Energized While Breastfeeding
Retno Yunita Sari, S.Gz
Nutritionist
Keeping the body healthy and energized during breastfeeding is very important for both mother and baby. One effort that can be made to stay healthy and energetic is to adjust your diet. During breastfeeding, the mother's energy needs increase, so she needs adequate food intake to meet her energy needs. However, the source of energy consumed also needs to be considered. Consuming high-energy foods, such as sweet foods, needs to be avoided during breastfeeding because it can cause blood sugar instability and trigger various health problems for the mother and baby.
Consuming Foods High in Sugar During Breastfeeding
The habit of consuming foods high in sugar during breastfeeding causes blood sugar instability. If this habit continues, it can trigger insulin resistance and develop into diabetes. Not only does it affect the mother's health, but this habit also affects the baby's health. It is known that consuming foods high in sugar while breastfeeding will be passed on to the baby through breast milk, which then affects the baby's health growth, and development. However, this does not mean that sugar consumption must be completely avoided because sugar is also useful in providing additional energy and maintaining the mother's mood while breastfeeding. Therefore, mothers need to choose sources of sweetness that are healthier, but still delicious while breastfeeding.
Controlling Blood Sugar Levels While Breastfeeding with Foods Low on the Glycemic Index
Choosing the right type of food provides energy for breastfeeding mothers and can also maintain the health of the mother and baby. One food recommended for breastfeeding mothers is food with a low glycemic index. Foods low on the glycemic index can help control blood sugar levels during breastfeeding. Some of the benefits of controlled blood sugar during breastfeeding include:
- Prevents the risk of diabetes and its complications
- Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
- The body stays full longer
- Maintain an ideal weight or help with weight loss
- Prevent excess weight in babies
- Reduces the risk of health problems in babies
- Prevent interference with the baby's cognitive development
Some examples of foods with a low glycemic index that can be consumed during breastfeeding include brown rice, wheat, quinoa, vegetables, oats, fruit, and corn. Types of sugar with a low glycemic index, such as Lontar Sugar, can be a choice for a healthy source of sweetness during breastfeeding. Combine with animal protein sources such as eggs, meat, and healthy fat sources from nuts. Apart from that, breastfeeding mothers are also recommended to consume 3.1 liters of water per day to facilitate breast milk production. Don't forget to keep doing physical activity, such as walking regularly every day.
It now supports mothers in providing the best nutrition to their babies and gives mothers happiness by still being able to enjoy the sweet taste while breastfeeding. YAVA provides delicious AND healthy snacks made from natural ingredients and containing protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals which are suitable for breastfeeding mothers.
Find delicious AND healthy YAVA snacks, such as Granola with Cashew, Granola Bites, GO'Nola, and Granola Puffs with various flavors in offline and online stores!
Sources and References:
Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada
From Mother to Baby: Secondhand Sugars Can Pass Through Breast Milk
Permenkes No.41 tahun 2014. Pedoman Gizi Seimbang. Kementerian Kesehatan Indonesia.
