Can I Eat Jalapenos While Breastfeeding?
Answer is: Yes, you can. Unlike on your skin, when you eat spicy foods like Jalapeños, the capsaicin that is responsible for their hotness cannot enter your bloodstream through your stomach lining.
As everyone knows, the taste of breastmilk changes over time. Some scientists have found that even though there are traces of what a mother eats in her breast milk, it shouldn’t unsettle a baby. The flavor of your breastmilk changes according to what you eat, and this introduces the idea of different tastes to your baby. Go by trial and error and see if there are any changes in your baby’s behavior or appetite after you eat spicy food like Jalapeno.
However, if your baby has digestive problems, it’s best not to eat spicy foods (or at least wait a few days before introducing them).
How long after eating spicy food can I breastfeed?
Capsaicin is an active ingredient found in hot peppers (such as Jalapenos ). It produces a burning sensation if you eat it raw or add it to food. As capsaicin is fat-soluble, it takes a while for it to pass through your body. If you eat spicy food like Jalapeno peppers, it may take up to 3 hours for the capsaicin to leave your stomach. You can feed him right after you’re done eating spicy food or wait for 3 hours as it doesn’t do any harm if you wait.
Most people know that spicy foods tend to cause heartburn. Eating too many spicy foods can result in gastritis, but this doesn’t mean that eating spicy food causes discomfort to the baby during lactation.
Does spicy food pass through breast milk?
No, capsaicin does not pass through your breast milk. It stays in your stomach and doesn’t enter your bloodstream whatsoever.
What happens if breastfeeding mothers eat spicy food?
They could develop gastric reflux or heartburn, but these are short-term reactions. Your baby’s digestive system is not affected by eating spicy food while you are breastfeeding.
Can spicy food cause toxicity?
Spicy food is not toxic. In fact, it helps clear your nasal congestion.
Can I eat spicy food before feeding my baby?
Yes. You can eat any kind of spicy food you wish. The good news is that there is no harm in having some extra spice in your food. As long as you don’t overdo it, having a little touch of spice won’t do your baby any harm.
Conclusion: Eating spicy food like Jalapeños can be detrimental to your health, but it won’t have any effect on your breastfeeding baby as the capsaicin does not enter your bloodstream or lymphatic system at all.
See more tips on breastfeeding to make it easier for your mind and body.
