While soy may be one of the better proteins for nursing mothers (if consumed in moderation), soy milk should not be on your grocery list. There are many other healthy options out there for you to choose from.
Maybe you have some good reasons to drink soy milk, or maybe you shouldn’t? The choice is up to you. Either way, it’s a pretty important question, given the potential risks and benefits of drinking soy products while breastfeeding.
After reading this article about the potential risks and benefits of drinking soy milk while breastfeeding, you should be in a better position to make an informed decision about whether or not it is worth consuming these beverages again.
Let’s first talk about…
Benefits of consuming soy milk while breastfeeding
There are many potential benefits of consuming soy milk while nursing, especially for moms that are nursing longer than the average.
The main goal of breastfeeding is to develop a strong and lasting attachment between you and your baby. A stronger bond offers you and your baby a protection against many illnesses, including colds, influenza, and even allergies. The only problem is that some people have been shown to be allergic to cow’s milk protein (which is a common protein found in breast milk), while others are unnecessarily worried about it. It is for this reason that soy was developed as an alternative source of high-quality protein for infants who were breastfed. Aside from the benefits of consuming soy during pregnancy, there are also some benefits of consuming soy protein while nursing. In fact, by consuming soy in general, you and your baby will be healthier and safer.
It’s also important to know that many of the foods that are made from soy (such as tofu and tempeh) are among the most common allergens in the US
Although there are some benefits of consuming soy while breastfeeding, like being more likely to develop a stronger bond with your baby, there are also some risks and dangers associated with consuming soy products while nursing.
The risks of drinking soy milk while breastfeeding
There are some potential risks and dangers associated with consuming soy products while breastfeeding. Read on to make sure you are informed about these risks before you make your decision.
Zinc deficiency and soy milk
Soybean contains a type of phytic acid that blocks minerals like zinc and iron from being absorbed which can result in anemia, osteoporosis, and even cancer. So it is best to refrain from drinking soy milk if they want to nourish their child.
Soy: Your healthy hormonal balance at risk?
Soy Contains phytoestrogens that may disrupt your healthy hormonal balance.
We know that soy is quite a controversial ingredient to use in the diet. It contains phytoestrogens that have the potential to cause infertility and promote breast cancer in adults. In addition, it has been found to disrupt endocrine function which can cause fatigue, weight gain, and other hormonal imbalances.
The Dark Side of Soy Isoflavones
Study shows , Infants fed soy receive 6.25 mg of soy isoflavones per kilogram of body weight per day, more than 10 times the amount of soy isoflavones that have been shown to cause problems in adults
The soy isoflavones are shown to cause problems in adults at a very low rate of consumption, therefore, infants that consume 10 times this amount have a much higher risk of experiencing problems.
Soy milk while breastfeeding: The risks & benefits
Soy contains compounds that are known as isoflavones. In small amounts, isoflavones are not harmful. However, in large amounts (like those found in soy milk), they can disrupt your healthy hormonal balance and cause a number of health problems for both women and men who consume them.
On the other hand, the soybean itself is a very nutrient-dense vegetable as well as being low on saturated fats and cholesterol. It is also a good source of minerals and antioxidants, particularly for women. The fact that soy is high on the list of foods to limit in our diet should not mean that it should be completely avoided.
What you need to know about soy formula
The soy protein isolate used in soy formula is not even recognized as safe for human consumption by the FDA. This compound contains phytochemicals that are harmful to your baby and can cause birth defects, allergies, immune problems, and other issues.
Healthy options other than soy for breastfeeding mom
Luckily, if you are still concerned about your child’s health and the quality of breast milk, there are still plenty of healthy alternative options to soy for breastfeeding mom.
- Almond Milk
Instead of drinking soy milk, choose a wholesome option like almond milk. Almond milk is rich in protein and calcium and has no saturated fats or cholesterol. It is easy to make on your own, can last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, has a nice flavor/texture and is rich in nutrients too.
- Flax Milk
Another healthy option is to choose flax milk. Flax milk is rich in calcium and protein and contains no cholesterol, so it’s a great alternative to cow’s milk. ​
- Oat Milk
A healthy option to look into is oat milk . There are many benefits to drinking oat milk, such as it being easy on the stomach, can last up to 3 days if refrigerated and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol.
In conclusion, there are some benefits to drinking soy protein while nursing. However, it is still best to avoid drinking soy milk if you want to nourish your child and support their healthy development. The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risks of consuming it. Instead, it’s best to try filling your diet with alternative sources of protein and fiber.
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