Is it possible to consume soy and soy milk while breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is a crucial period in a woman’s life. The health and full development of the child depends on how balanced and varied her diet is. Soy and products made from it are in great demand among adherents of healthy nutrition and those who are allergic to cow's milk proteins. Therefore, the benefits and harms of soy products during pregnancy and breastfeeding is an important question, a detailed answer to which read below.
Is it possible to consume soy milk and soy during breastfeeding?
Products made from or with the addition of soy are found in the daily diet of many people. Most semi-finished meat products, sausages, frankfurters, and fermented milk products contain plant components, in particular soy. Manufacturers thus achieve cheaper products.
Soy itself is not only harmless, but also useful, if consumed in moderation. All plant products are potentially allergenic, and soy is no exception. Therefore, women who have ever experienced allergies should be careful when consuming soy and products made from it.
During pregnancy
Is it possible soy pregnant? When deciding to include a particular ingredient in the diet, they are guided by the balance between benefits and possible harm. In the case of soy, the benefits are undeniable: this plant can replace animal protein, diversify the kitchen, and enrich the body with vitamins and minerals.
The harm from consuming soy products is minimal, but it should be taken into account by those who have problems with blood pressure, the thyroid gland and the urinary system.
During pregnancy, the diet is under the supervision of a doctor. Therefore, before introducing any product, consultation with a specialist is required.
Composition, properties, contraindications
Soy milk vs. beans contains few calories - only 45 kcal per 100 g. This is due to the fact that 90% of the product consists of water.
Chemical composition of soy milk (per 100 g):
- proteins – 2.94 g;
- fats – 1.99 g;
- carbohydrates – 3.45 g (including sugar – 2.5 g);
- fiber – 0.4 g.
Soy milk contains vitamins B, C, E, D and minerals: calcium, potassium, sodium, selenium. The low glycemic index (30 units) makes this product safe for diabetics and for intensive weight gain during pregnancy.
The benefit of soy milk and soy products lies in the unique protein that can replace animal protein. In terms of amino acid composition, it is close to the proteins contained in meat and chicken eggs.
The fats in soy products contain saturated and unsaturated acids similar to those found in Omega-3 and Omega-6 seafood.
Moderate consumption of soy milk, tofu, or soy meat substitutes provides great benefits to the body. However, for some women, especially during pregnancy, soy products are contraindicated.
It is not recommended to use it for:
- diseases of the thyroid gland, since the phytohormones contained in the product can lead to hypothyroidism, which causes disturbances in the development of the fetus;
- hypotension – regular consumption of soy products reduces blood pressure;
- food allergies;
- urolithiasis, becauseSoy causes increased formation of oxalates, which tend to form kidney stones.
For healthy women during pregnancy, consuming soy milk or soybean products is not only acceptable, but also beneficial in reasonable quantities.
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Benefits and harms
Soy products are easier to digest by the body compared to animal proteins. They are low in calories and free of lactose and cholesterol.
For mother
A woman during pregnancy may experience an aversion to meat products, which manifests itself in severe toxicosis. In this case, soy products are consumed to compensate for protein deficiency.
Excess weight during pregnancy is dangerous for the health of the expectant mother and fetus. Due to their good digestibility, soy and its derivatives help keep weight under control.
The vitamin complex has a beneficial effect on a woman’s body, as it supports the health of the nervous system and strengthens the immune system. Calcium-rich soy products prevent tooth decay and keep bones strong.
However, the isoflavones contained in soy products negatively affect the thyroid gland, reducing the production of hormones. This can lead to the development of hypothyroidism, which is fraught with the threat of miscarriage.
For a child
The high content of vitamin E contributes to the normal development of the fetus and prevents spontaneous abortion.
Potassium, magnesium and calcium help to properly form the skeletal system, and B vitamins help the brain and nervous system.
Protein helps build muscle mass, and polyunsaturated fatty acids prevent the risks of developing congenital brain pathologies.
Phytohormones contained in soy products carry a certain risk; they can cause miscarriage. In addition, like any plant food, soy can create an allergic predisposition in a child.
Rules for use during lactation
The diet of a nursing woman is significantly different from that of a pregnant woman. What was safe during pregnancy can cause problems during breastfeeding. Therefore, during lactation, doctors recommend adhering to three important principles: caution, gradualness and observation.
In the first 2-3 months of a baby’s life, a nursing mother’s diet is very strict. This is due to the fact that the child’s gastrointestinal tract is still developing. He reacts sharply to the slightest changes in breast milk. Poor nutrition of the mother can cause colic, constipation, diarrhea, allergic reactions, sleep disturbances, and anxiety in the baby.
Therefore, apart from the products approved by the pediatrician, a nursing woman should not eat anything else.
How and when to introduce it into the diet
Three months after giving birth, you can begin to introduce new foods no more than one every 2-3 days in small quantities and preferably in the morning. Next you need to monitor the child. If something bothers him or a rash appears, the product is excluded from the diet. Soy milk and soy products can also be included in the menu of a nursing mother no earlier than three months after giving birth. In exceptional cases - milk protein intolerance or allergic reactions to meat products - soy milk and soy products are administered with the permission of the pediatrician.
Important! In case of intolerance to cow's milk in "artificially produced" infants, infant formula based on purified, non-genetically modified soy protein is used for their nutrition. However, such mixtures should also be prescribed by a pediatrician.
What time of day and how much to drink
To prevent soy milk from harming the baby, start taking it in a quarter glass. The best time to introduce it into the mother's diet is in the morning. If the child does not experience discomfort, after three days the dose is increased to half a glass, after a week you can drink a full portion - 200 ml. This is the maximum daily allowance for soy milk when breastfeeding.
Important! If signs of an allergic reaction appear, return to the previous menu.
Is it possible to give it to a child?
Soy milk is approved for children's nutrition from 2.5-3 years. It is used in the same way as cow's milk - as an independent dish or for preparing porridges, omelettes, milk soups, and breakfast cereals.
Soy kefir is too poor in calcium and vitamins compared to traditional kefir. Therefore, it is more often used to feed children in vegetarian families. Unlike kefir made from cow's milk, soy milk is included in the diet later - at the age of 4-5 years.
During this same period, you can give children tofu cheese. Since it does not have its own taste, it is more advisable to include it in salads.
Soy products that replace meat are allowed in children's food from the age of 5. However, since such dishes have a neutral taste, food additives, sauces and dressings are used in their preparation. Such cuisine is harmful to the health of young children, so it is not recommended to include soy meat in their diet.
In what form to use
Soy milk is an independent dish.But you can add berries and fruits to it. Milk is used to make smoothies, cocktails, mousses, and puddings.
Recipes with soy milk and soy for new mothers
In order to diversify the menu and not harm the child, when preparing soy dishes, they adhere to a simple rule: the fewer ingredients, the better.
For pancakes with soy milk take:
- soy milk – 1.5 tbsp.;
- vegetable oil – 2 tbsp. l.;
- baking powder – 1 tsp;
- vanilla sugar and honey - 2 tsp each.
- flour – 1.5-2 tbsp.
All ingredients are mixed until smooth. The dough should have a consistency like thick sour cream. Place a tablespoon of dough onto a well-heated frying pan, greased with oil. After browning on one side, turn over and fry until done.
Pancakes are also made from this dough. In this case, place the dough in a dry, well-heated frying pan (without oil), cover with a lid and fry for 1-1.5 minutes. Then turn it over and bring it to readiness without the lid.
These pancakes are served with honey, melted butter or jam.
Important! If a child is allergic to sweets, it is better to exclude jam.
For a green omelet you will need:
- chicken eggs – 3 pcs.;
- soy milk – 0.5 tbsp.;
- any greens – 1 bunch;
- salt, sugar - to taste;
- vegetable oil for greasing the mold.
Beat the eggs well with milk, add salt, sugar and finely chopped herbs (dill is best, because it does not change the taste of breast milk as much as parsley or green onions). Grease a baking dish or pan with oil. Pour the resulting omelette mixture into it and place in a preheated oven over medium heat for 30-40 minutes.
The omelet is served with canned or stewed vegetables. You can also eat it as an independent dish.
For salad with tofu cheese take:
- tofu cheese – 100 g;
- green apple – 1 pc.;
- banana – 1 pc.;
- sour cream – 2 tbsp. l.
Fruits and cheese are cut into small cubes, mixed and seasoned with sour cream.
Conclusion
Soy milk and soy products are rich in vitamins, amino acids, and beneficial microelements. They are suitable for feeding pregnant and lactating women who do not experience health problems. However, pregnancy and breastfeeding are very important periods, so any change in diet should be agreed with a doctor.
If you have problems with the kidneys, thyroid gland, blood pressure or allergic reactions, soy products are not allowed in the diet of a nursing or pregnant woman.