Can a nursing mother eat pineapple? Is it possible to eat pineapple while breastfeeding (lactation). What about canned pineapples

Breast milk is the ideal food for the growing and strengthening body of a newborn, containing all the necessary vitamins and nutrients. Breast milk contains components that help strengthen the immune system and reliably protect the baby from diseases. That is why it is very important for a nursing mother to consume only the healthiest foods. For example, let’s figure out whether pineapple can be consumed while breastfeeding, and what consequences eating an exotic fruit has for a child.

Pineapple is a perennial herbaceous plant, that is, grass... It comes from South America. Few people know this and prefer to call it a tropical fruit, recognized as a real exotic delicacy.

It has gained immense popularity due to its unique aroma and sweet taste. The fruit is rich in a variety of vitamins, microelements and acids, due to which it has the most beneficial effect on the female body. It activates metabolism, which allows a woman after childbirth to quickly return to her usual shape.

Knowing the numerous beneficial properties, and appreciating the amazing taste of the overseas herb, it is clear why many nursing mothers strive to include this fresh or canned exotic fruit in their diet. Let's consider whether it is still possible for a nursing mother to consume pineapple.

How the composition “works”

A tropical fruit, we will call it that according to generally accepted standards, is a fruit with vitamins A, B, C, PP and microelements: zinc, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, selenium, acids that “burn” fats and help activate metabolism in body. The product surpasses even citrus fruits in terms of vitamin C content.

The beneficial properties of the fruit are quite varied:

• Increases tone, performance, promotes activity and energy.
• During breastfeeding, it strengthens the immune system and protects the mother’s body from the negative effects of the environment.
• Pineapple during breastfeeding helps improve digestion, normalizes metabolic processes and “triggers” the breakdown of fat cells in the body.
• Normalizes blood pressure, eliminates headaches and sleep disorders.
• Regular consumption of the fruit helps strengthen the heart muscle and prevents heart attacks and strokes.

In addition, the fruit is an excellent diuretic, removing excess fluid from the body, which is an excellent prevention of edema.

Eating pineapple during lactation

So, can a nursing mother eat pineapples? Doctors answer this question ambiguously: this tropical fruit is both extremely beneficial and quite harmful to the body of a nursing mother. The baby also feels harm from exotic foods, manifested in the form of an allergic reaction, pain and colic in the abdomen.

When feeding a newborn, a mother is allowed to include fresh or canned pineapples in her menu, but this must be done with extreme caution and slowly. Mothers ask how long after giving birth they can introduce such an exotic product into the diet. This is best done 4-6 months after the baby is born.

This wish of pediatricians is justified by the fact that a baby at this age already has a strong, formed immune system, and the baby’s digestive system already independently digests such exotic foods.

Let's look at how to properly eat pineapple while breastfeeding:

• It is best to start eating tropical fruit with minimal portions. To get to know it, a small, thin piece is enough.
• After eating pineapple, you must carefully monitor the condition and behavior of the baby. Any rashes, redness on the skin or colic in the tummy may indicate that it is better for the mother to stop eating the fruit.
• If no negative reactions are observed on the part of the child, the amount of pineapple consumed can be gradually increased.

It is important for a nursing mother to remember that under no circumstances should she eat too much pineapple, either fresh or canned, or introduce several new foods into her diet at the same time. This can place increased stress on the child's body.

What's the best way to eat the fruit?

The fresh product is considered the most useful and nutritious, since its pulp contains all the necessary vitamins and microelements. The fruit must be peeled, cut off the hard middle and cut into rings. It is enough to eat one such ring per day.

The fruit can be baked or included in a variety of fruit salads or light desserts. Healthy candied fruits are made from this exotic fruit, where all vital vitamins, microelements and nutrients are preserved.

If we talk about canned pineapples, doctors believe that it is best for nursing mothers to avoid eating such a product. During heat treatment, tropical fruit loses almost all its beneficial substances, and therefore such a dish will not bring any benefit to a nursing mother and her baby.

Contraindications for eating pineapple

Pineapple is one of the foods whose consumption requires caution. . Due to its acid content, the fruit is not recommended for people with various digestive system problems.

In addition, women who were not particularly fond of tropical fruits before pregnancy should not eat such a product. Such “food experiments” can negatively affect the body of both mother and child.

During lactation, women should treat this exotic delicacy with care, because in some cases, pineapple provokes allergies and bowel disorders in the baby.

How to get rid of stretch marks after childbirth?

Breast milk is often the only food that provides the baby with the necessary nutrients for the first few months. According to many pediatricians, six months after birth, natural feeding fully ensures the growth and development of the child if the woman eats a varied and nutritious diet. Fruits, which include pineapple, are good helpers in the process of organizing a proper diet for the mother. But in addition to the benefits, this herbal product can also negatively affect the baby’s health.

How can pineapple enrich breast milk?

Pineapple is a fruit crop that is grown in tropical countries around the world. This fruit is consumed raw, canned and dried, and is often used to make confectionery. Its exotic taste adds piquancy to various salads, which skillful housewives do not ignore. But, in addition to gastronomic features, pineapple has other properties due to its composition. They can in one way or another affect a nursing mother and her baby.

Table: nutritional and energy value of fresh, canned pineapple and candied fruits from it per 100 g of product

*since there are several varieties of pineapple eaten, their composition and calorie content may differ slightly from the indicators given in the table

Fresh pineapple is relatively low in calories. In the canned version there are slightly more of them due to the use of sugar syrup. Dried pineapples and candied fruits have the highest calorie content - more than 300 kcal per 100 g of product. This is explained by the lack of water in the composition and the fact that sugar is often used in the production of candied fruits. Excess carbohydrates are not very beneficial for mother and baby during breastfeeding. A positive property is the presence of dietary fiber in the product; its amount per 100 g reaches 10% of the recommended daily intake.

Pineapple contains large amounts of vitamin C

Table: content of essential vitamins, macro- and microelements in pineapple per 100 g of product

(the table shows the amount of substances calculated per 100 g of product and their % of the recommended daily intake)

The preservation of vitamins and minerals in dried pineapple or candied fruit depends on the method of their preparation. If drying took place at elevated temperatures, the product was soaked in syrup or subjected to severe grinding, then, unfortunately, some of the beneficial substances are lost. Vitamin C is especially susceptible to destruction. Therefore, very little of it remains in pieces of sweet treats.

Beneficial properties of pineapple for a nursing mother and baby

The diet of a nursing woman should be varied and balanced in composition. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates must be received in a certain amount. It is necessary to match the diet with the mother’s energy expenditure. Vitamins, macro- and microelements are also very important for the health of the baby and her own. But pineapple cannot be called a “storehouse of vitamins” and an indispensable product that helps enrich breast milk with a variety of beneficial substances. What this fruit can boast of is a really large amount of vitamin C and manganese; there is also a significant amount of copper, a little potassium and B vitamins.

100 g of fresh pineapple contains more than 60% of the recommended amount of vitamin C per day. Ascorbic acid is involved in redox reactions, supports the immune system, and has antioxidant properties (that is, it prevents the action of free radicals on the body's cells). The vitamin is involved in the process of collagen formation, blood clotting and iron absorption, and regulates the permeability of the walls of small blood vessels. It helps fight inflammation and prevents allergic reactions. A lack of vitamin is fraught with bleeding and iron deficiency anemia.

Manganese in 100 g of pineapple is almost half of the required daily requirement. This element also supports the immune system, participates in the functioning of the nervous system, and with its help the formation of bone and connective tissue occurs. Manganese is part of enzymes, regulates lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, is necessary for the synthesis of cholesterol, nucleotides and hematopoiesis, and maintains the balance of vitamins. A deficiency of this substance can cause growth retardation and disturbances in the reproductive system, and bone tissue also suffers because of this.

There is not much copper in pineapple, only 10% of the required amount in a 100-gram serving. But it will also complement the set of useful minerals entering a woman’s body. Copper is part of some enzymes, helps digest proteins and carbohydrates, and is involved in redox reactions and the production of red blood cells. The element promotes the formation of bone tissue, supports the immune, nervous and digestive systems. The formation of connective tissue and the breathing process cannot occur without it. Copper deficiency threatens the body with dysplasia and disorders of the cardiovascular and skeletal systems.

Potassium in 100 g of pineapple is up to 5% of the recommended daily intake. It is involved in water-salt metabolism, the formation of bone tissue, and affects the contraction of skeletal muscles. The element is needed for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system and the transmission of nerve impulses.

B vitamins are present in the fruit in small quantities. They are necessary for the functioning of the nervous and digestive systems, help neutralize excess homocysteine, thereby protecting the cardiovascular system from pathology. Vitamins are involved in metabolism, the synthesis of red blood cells and enzymes, help the body cope with stressful situations, and ensure normal cell growth and division.

100 g of pineapple contains one tenth of the recommended amount of dietary fiber. The body needs fiber for normal digestion; it maintains “good” microflora in the intestines and helps avoid constipation.

Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme found in small amounts in all parts of the pineapple. It promotes the breakdown of protein and facilitates its absorption in the digestive tract. There is evidence of the immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory properties of the substance. Bromelain also helps restore damaged tissue and prevents the formation of cancer cells.

Previously, it was believed that bromelain utilized fats in the body, thereby influencing rapid weight loss. Research has refuted this claim. But even now, unscrupulous manufacturers of nutritional supplements are promoting it as a “fat burner product.”

Video: benefits of pineapple

Potential harms of pineapple while breastfeeding

Allergies exclusively to pineapple are not very common. The reason may be a lack of enzymes to process this fruit. In this case, the pineapple is not digested, and fermentation begins in the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, the baby shows anxiety due to abdominal pain, he is tormented by increased gas formation, the mother notices changes in the stool (it becomes more liquid, undigested food particles and mucus appear). Often this reaction is due to a genetic predisposition. For example, if a baby's closest relative suffers from intolerance to this fruit, he himself is more likely to have a similar problem.

An allergic reaction to pineapple also occurs due to the body’s increased sensitivity to vitamin C. In this case, the child also experiences intolerance to any citrus fruits. When a nursing mother consumes such products, rashes, redness or diaper rash appear on the baby’s skin, sometimes swelling of the eyelids and mucous membranes, and stool disorders occur. If a woman experiences any symptoms, she should avoid such fruits.

You should not eat pineapple if the baby has recently had an allergic reaction to any other dish in the mother’s diet. An increased amount of free histamine in the blood serum can provoke a similar response to this fruit.

Sometimes symptoms of intolerance appear only after including canned pineapples or candied fruits from them in the diet. This is due to the fact that the manufacturer adds various dyes, preservatives, sugar substitutes and other substances to the product.

If a nursing mother suffers from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is better for her to exclude pineapple in any form from her diet, as it can exacerbate health problems.

When breastfeeding, taking bromelain as a drug is not recommended. But since there is very little of it in the fruit, when pineapple is consumed, it ends up in a small amount in the mother’s body. Data on the intake of the substance in breast milk have not been studied enough.

How and when can a nursing mother introduce pineapple into her diet?

Children's immune system is not fully formed, so it can produce an exaggerated reaction to some stimuli. Pineapple is not a hypoallergenic fruit, and for many this product is exotic. In this regard, you should not use it in the first months after the birth of the child. It is advisable to make a sample closer to six months. If your mother has never included pineapple in her menu or used it very rarely, then during breastfeeding it is better to do without culinary experiments.

A nursing mother needs to introduce a new fruit into her diet by adhering to certain rules:

1. When trying any unusual dish, the child must be healthy.
2. It is not recommended to introduce more than one product into your menu at a time. Otherwise, you may not understand what exactly triggered the allergic reaction.
3. You need to start with a small piece.
4. Parents should monitor the baby’s well-being for 2–3 days.
5. If there are no symptoms of allergy to the fruit, the mother can gradually increase the portion, bringing it to 50–150 g once or twice a week.

If any negative reaction to eating pineapple occurs, the woman should stop consuming it further and consult a pediatrician.

Dried versions of fruits are considered healthier than candied fruits, as they have a more natural composition. Real dried pineapples are quite hard circles of intense yellow color.. Candied fruits are usually soaked or boiled in sugar syrup, so they are sweeter and have a softer consistency. Canned pineapples are also crushed during cooking and undergo heat treatment. At elevated temperatures, cutting and soaking, some valuable substances and vitamins are lost. Therefore, fresh pineapple will be more useful (in the absence of individual intolerance, of course).

When purchasing the canned version, it is better to choose jars with pineapple rings. Small pieces are not always an indicator of good quality, because an unscrupulous manufacturer could thus get rid of spoiled parts of the fruit.

For some mothers, pineapple may be a frequent guest on the table, for others it may be an exotic fruit. But a child’s reaction to a new product is unpredictable. Eating pineapple in one form or another either has no effect on the baby or is prohibited. Therefore, in any case, a woman should introduce it into her diet while breastfeeding carefully and focusing on her baby.

Juicy pineapple delights with its amazing aroma and taste, it is a storehouse of vitamins and nutrients, a real find for those who take care of their figure or want to lose weight - the fruit contains bromelain, a unique substance that promotes digestion.

The exotic fruit is eaten raw and canned, candied fruits and juice are made from it, and used to prepare many dishes. Pineapple extract is present in the composition:

• vitamin drinks;
• Dietary supplements that improve metabolism;
• teas for weight loss;
• cosmetics.

To answer the question whether a nursing mother can eat pineapple, let’s consider the beneficial qualities of the product, its positive and negative effects on a woman’s body during lactation, and the possible danger to the baby.

Composition and beneficial properties of pineapple

According to biochemical studies, the pure pulp of a fresh pineapple contains mainly water and carbohydrates with a small addition of fiber and protein. The fruit is rich in:

• vitamins of group B, PP;
• ascorbic acid;
• beta-carotene;
• valuable micro- and macroelements (iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iodine, copper);
• essential amino acids;
• essential and aromatic oils.

Pineapple is a low-calorie product, but it is high in fructose and can serve as a safe source of sweets for those who care about their figure.

Fresh pineapple contains a lot of vitamin C in an easily digestible form. Introducing fruit into the menu helps maintain body tone, increase its resistance to external influences and stress, and improve performance.

Substances contained in fresh fruit pulp:

• help reduce blood viscosity (especially important if there is a risk of developing varicose veins and a tendency to blood clots);
• increase the elasticity of blood vessels and strengthen the cardiovascular system;
• help reduce swelling, serve as a prophylactic against edema;
• reduce the concentration of harmful cholesterol in the blood, preventing the formation of “plaques” on the walls of blood vessels;
• relieve pain in muscles and joints.

Fresh pineapple is especially useful in the off-season and winter - it enriches the body with vitamins and essential amino acids, which helps strengthen the immune system.

Thanks to potassium and other beneficial substances, consuming pineapple pulp helps improve oxygen supply to the brain and stimulate the production of serotonin. This helps to get rid of the symptoms of chronic fatigue, improve well-being and mood, which is especially important for a woman in the first months after childbirth.

Despite all the positive qualities of the fruit, pineapple should be consumed with caution when breastfeeding, having studied the list of contraindications.

Potential harm to the product

Like most exotic fruits, pineapple can cause severe allergies in both the nursing mother and the baby, since the active substances quickly penetrate into breast milk.

A woman’s body reacts quickly and pronouncedly to the allergen, while in a baby the process proceeds rather slowly and is not always obvious, affecting internal tissues and organs. The child may experience:

• skin itching, rashes;
• swelling of the mucous membranes, accompanied by redness;
• difficulty swallowing and breathing;
• disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• increased excitability, sleep disturbance.

Fresh pineapple contains a lot of acids, so it is contraindicated for women suffering from high acidity of the gastrointestinal tract. For a nursing mother in good health, excess acidic foods are also harmful because acid:

• actively corrodes tooth enamel;
• prevents the absorption of nutrients from food during digestion.

Eating pineapples can provoke an exacerbation of chronic diseases in the mother during breastfeeding and is therefore contraindicated:

• for diseases of the excretory system (pyelonephritis, urolithiasis);
• with hypotension;
• for gastrointestinal diseases (colitis, gastroduodenitis, gastritis);
• for skin diseases and eczema;
• for rheumatism and arthritis.

Fresh or canned?

If a nursing mother has no contraindications to eating pineapple, it can be gradually introduced into the diet. The fruit is most useful only in fresh form - heat treatment destroys ascorbic acid. You can use fresh (or frozen) pineapple to prepare heat-treated dishes, but the benefits will be minimal.

Pineapple juice (freshly squeezed) should not be drunk undiluted - it contains an excessive amount of acid. It is possible to dilute the juice with pure non-carbonated water in a ratio of 1:4, but this drink should not be drunk regularly, so as not to harm your stomach.

Dried pineapple without sugar sprinkling will be a healthy treat, but you shouldn’t include candied pineapple in your diet.

Canned fruit is a product not recommended for nursing mothers because:

• contains a lot of sugar;
• undergoes heat treatment;
• contains preservatives that have a negative effect on the child's body.

If a woman regularly consumed fresh pineapples during pregnancy without consequences for her health, after childbirth you can include the fruit in the menu. In the case when the fruit is exotic for the body, you should not risk your own health and well-being of the child; experiments with a rare product should be postponed until the time when the child begins to eat on his own.

Juicy, sweet pineapple is one of the favorite overseas delicacies. Its high price is often attributed to the large number of beneficial properties of the product. It is believed to have a positive effect on appearance. By eating pineapple, women can hope to improve the condition of their skin and hair.

It is also useful if a woman wants to reduce her weight. This desire usually appears in mothers after childbirth. How good or bad is pineapple while breastfeeding? The answer to this question worries many breastfeeding women.

Is it possible to eat pineapple while breastfeeding?

A very tasty and tempting fruit attracts women always and especially during the period of feeding the baby with breast milk. The lactation period is important in the life of a woman and her baby, with a special attitude towards the selection of food products.

The mother who carried the child and then gave birth to it is quite exhausted. Her body requires enhanced balanced nutrition. But do not forget that all foods taken by the mother have a direct effect on the health and development of the baby.

Not many people know that pineapple is an allergenic food. It contains many acids and vitamins. Before introducing this fruit into the diet, a woman needs to familiarize herself with information regarding the properties of the product and its effect on the baby.

On the shelves of our stores you can find fresh and canned fruit, as well as pineapple juice. The concentration of beneficial and allergenic substances in fresh products is greater than in canned ones. Some people prefer canned food, others the opposite. But if you think about the child, then preference should be given to fresh fruit.

Not all women had this fruit in their daily diet before pregnancy. Therefore, in this case it is unusual and exotic for the female body. The woman does not know what his reaction to the fruit will be. Therefore, you should not experiment during lactation. If you haven’t eaten pineapples before, then you should temporarily postpone introducing your body to this product.

It is known that infants often experience an allergic reaction after their mother has tasted a juicy delicacy. A red rash appears on the baby's skin. If you stop consuming the allergenic irritant, all symptoms of a negative reaction will completely go away.

But only the external manifestations of an allergic reaction disappear so quickly. The substance that provoked such a reaction will be eliminated from the child’s body within a month. There have been cases where allergies caused by pineapple were severe and required treatment in medical institutions.

If, after eating pineapple, you notice at least some changes in the child’s condition, you need to consult a doctor, and you should forget about the provocateur of the allergic reaction.

The benefits of pineapple during lactation

To understand the benefits or harms of pineapple during lactation, you need to know everything about its composition. The results of biochemical studies showed that most of the product is water and carbohydrates. The proportion of fiber and protein is small.

The fruit contains:

• vitamins of group B, PP;
• ascorbic acid;
• a safe source of vitamin A - beta-carotene;
• micro- and macroelements (calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, iodine, zinc, copper);
• amino acids;
• aromatic and essential oils.

This fruit is classified as a low-calorie product. It contains a lot of fructose, this is its beneficial quality for lovers of sweets.

Vitamin C is also a beneficial component of pineapple. Consuming this exotic fruit helps maintain body tone and increase its protection against stress. In addition, it affects the increase in human performance.

The beneficial substances that make up fruit pulp have the following effects on the body:

• thin the blood (indispensable for varicose veins, tendency to form blood clots);
• improve the elasticity of blood vessels, have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system;
• reduce swelling; prophylactic against edema;
• reduce the concentration of cholesterol in the blood, protect blood vessels from the formation of plaques;
• reduce pain that occurs in muscles and joints.

Pineapple has the best beneficial properties during the off-season, when people become deficient in vitamin deficiency. Vitamins and amino acids support weakened immunity.

Calcium, which is found in the pulp of the fruit, improves the supply of oxygen to the brain and affects the production of serotonin. Thanks to these substances, a woman’s general condition and mood improve, and she gets rid of the symptoms of constant fatigue.

The fruit clearly has many beneficial properties. But, despite this, you can start using the product only after you are familiar with the contraindications.

Pineapple contraindications

The presence of acids in pineapple means that it should not be eaten by people who have gastrointestinal diseases (due to high acidity). The product should not be consumed if you have gastritis, stomach ulcers, colitis, or duodenal ulcers.

Pineapple is an exotic fruit, so people who suffer from pyelonephritis, kidney stones, skin diseases, rheumatism, arthritis, and low blood pressure should introduce this product into their diet with caution.

Women who are carrying a baby and nursing mothers should pay special attention to these contraindications. Due to various changes in the condition of their body, they are more susceptible to the negative effects of allergenic foods. During this period, long-forgotten problems often reappear.

Experts advise women who have even the slightest doubt about the benefits of pineapple for the child’s body to refrain from eating it. During lactation, you can eat many other healthy foods that are absolutely safe.

Although, if you have never had an allergy to this fruit, and if you are not too zealous with volumes, then you can eat pineapple during breastfeeding.

Those women who loved and ate pineapple before pregnancy without any negative consequences can take this product while breastfeeding.

In most cases, the picture of introducing pineapple into the diet of a nursing mother is quite favorable. Especially if the mother cares very much about her baby and starts eating fruit in very small doses. If the child’s reaction to the product is normal, the dose can be increased slightly, but you should not chase large volumes. This way you can harm a small, still fragile person.

Is it possible to have canned pineapples during breastfeeding?

If everything went smoothly and the child was not affected by the use of the new product, then you can continue to eat it, but you should follow some rules:

• the volumes of product consumed should NOT be large;
• DO NOT eat the product constantly;
• use only fresh products, NOT canned ones.

Why do these rules exist? Let's talk about them in more detail. You should never exceed the volume of food consumed. If they are dimensionless, this threatens the health of the mother and child. This concerns the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and the manifestation of allergic reactions.

The words canned food and preservatives already sound warning. If we were talking about home preservation, the picture would be clearer. When making blanks, we know what we put in them. But when the thing is put into production, you should be careful.

The canned product is very tasty, but it will be harmful for the child, primarily due to the large amount of sugar in the syrup. Excess sugar can harm a baby's health.

To summarize: canned pineapples are prohibited for mothers; you can only eat fresh fruit in small quantities and not very often.

Those who love freshly squeezed juices can make one from pineapple, but you can only drink it in the form of nectar. That is, you need to dilute pure juice with water (ratio of one to three or one to four). This way you will protect yourself and your baby from negative reactions.

How to eat pineapples for a nursing mother

Many mothers breastfeed their baby for up to a year or even more. Doctors advise women not to consume exotic delicacies until the child is 4-5 months old. The introduction of any new product into the diet of a nursing woman should be discussed with a doctor, the same applies to pineapple.

In the first 3-4 months, you should not eat pineapple for the following reasons:

• The fruit is classified as an allergenic product. A small dose of pineapple can lead to an allergic reaction, even leading to the most serious irreparable consequences;
• The ability of the product to cause disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract of the infant. When a child is born, his body is absolutely sterile; there are no bacteria in the intestines. Therefore, it is unknown how the little man’s body will react to such a product. In most cases, indigestion appears, stool is disrupted, and so on;
• When the baby is 5 months old, the mother can try some of the fruit. Initially it should be a very small piece. During tests, you need to pay special attention to the health of the baby. If everything goes smoothly, the dose can be repeated at the same dose. Don't overdo the doses. Everything should be in moderation.

Important! Pineapple contains a lot of acids, so eating it on an empty stomach is prohibited!

What is the best way to eat fruit?

The fruit pulp has the greatest value. It is most convenient to cut the fruit into rings, after peeling it. You can often find a dried product in the supermarket. It does not have much acidity, so it will bring more benefits than a fresh product. But even dry fruit should be eaten only after the child reaches five months of age.

A strong desire to eat a piece of pineapple during breastfeeding (BF) may be associated with a deficiency of vitamins B1 and B3, chlorides or manganese in the body. But how safe is this exotic fruit for a new mother and her baby? Will the baby develop allergies?

Pineapple pulp contains a natural proteolytic enzyme bromelain(first extracted from the fruit in the late 1800s), which speeds up metabolism. This is important for breastfeeding women, since losing weight (by personal wishes or medical recommendations) through food-restrictive diets is not possible for them.

In addition to its dietary effect, bromelain has wound healing, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating effects. This, in turn, has a positive effect on the health of the nursing mother and her baby.

Improves food absorption by accelerating the breakdown of proteins. As a result, it helps the mother get rid of bloating, and the baby on breastfeeding also gets rid of colic.

Benefits of fresh pineapple

For nursing mothers

• Thiamine (vitamin B1) has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system and brain. With its help it is produced acetylcholine, supporting the tone of the heart muscle and digestive tract.
• Riboflavin (B2) is involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin and improves vision. Normalizes the functioning of the adrenal glands, which is important for maintaining hormonal balance in pregnant and lactating women.
• Pyridoxine (B6) stimulates the formation and functioning of the immune and cardiovascular systems. Thanks to it, synthesis occurs neurotransmitters, and the person experiences a lift in mood.
• Niacin (B3) is a participant in redox processes and promotes the secretion of gastric juice. With its deficiency, the nervous system loses stability and becomes vulnerable.
• Vitamins A and C improve vision and increase the body's protective functions.
• Fiber, with the overall low calorie content of pineapple, promotes rapid saturation, restores digestive activity, and is useful for mothers with postpartum constipation or diarrhea.
• Potassium and magnesium normalize high blood pressure.
• Helps remove excess fluid from the body.
• Prevents the development of atherosclerosis, reduces the number of already formed cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels.
• Relieves attacks of headaches, dizziness and insomnia.
• Reduces the risk of developing postpartum depression.

For an infant

• Vitamin C, entering the mother's body, triggers the production of collagen, which, along with milk, reaches the child. This substance is necessary for the normal development of bone tissue, skin, tendons and cartilage. The vitamin itself forms a strong immune system in infants that is resistant to infectious diseases.
• Manganese in pineapple has a positive effect on the growth of baby’s bone tissue.
• Vitamin B complex, entering the child’s body along with breast milk, activates the production of red blood cells and prevents anemia.
• Copper from fruit pulp normalizes blood composition and improves the functioning of the heart muscle.
• Zinc prevents the development of dermatitis, psoriasis, and erosion of mucous membranes. With a lack of this microelement, any skin damage heals much more slowly.
• Beta-carotene, being an antioxidant, protects the newborn's cells from the destructive effects of free radicals.
• Phosphorus is necessary for normal skeletal development. Without it, the risk of osteoporosis increases for the baby.
• Folic acid and iron affect the child’s body’s ability to produce blood. A sufficient supply of these nutrients along with mother's milk guarantees the healthy development of the baby's organs.

Pineapple and lactation

Exotic fruit enhances the production of the “happiness hormone” serotonin, which helps maintain normal female hormonal levels. Inhibits the production of estrogen, as a result of which a slight increase in lactation is possible.

Attention! Don't get carried away. After eating this fruit, mother's milk becomes sour. There is a risk that the child will refuse the breast.

Interesting . Pineapple is one of the foods that most often causes baby rejection during breastfeeding.

Other representatives of this group:

• chocolate;
• spices: curry, chili pepper;
• citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit);
• strawberry;
• kiwi;
• vegetables that provoke gas: onions, garlic, cauliflower and white cabbage, broccoli, sweet peppers, cucumbers.

Candied fruit

Pros . Candied pineapple chunks have a similar chemical composition to the fresh fruit, except for the reduced fructose and vitamin C content.

Minuses . But candied fruits are high in calories and contain excess carbohydrates. As a result, the risk of tummy problems in the baby and weight gain for the mother increases.

Pineapple juice

Benefit . Natural juice thins the blood, strengthens the immune system, reduces the likelihood of blood clots, and normalizes the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.

Harm. Due to the high concentration of fruit acids in the drink, when breastfeeding, there is a risk of deterioration of the teeth (it is recommended to drink the juice through a straw), increased acidity of the child’s gastric juice, and the appearance of a rash.

Canned food

Need to know . Under the influence of temperature during the canning process and subsequent long-term storage, up to 80% of the vitamins and microelements in pineapples are destroyed.

There are few benefits from using such a product.

A nursing mother can try mugs and pineapple slices canned in syrup as an alternative to baking or a source of additional calories when she is low on energy. But do not introduce the product into your diet on a regular basis!

Good to know . If possible, choose canned food in a glass jar. The internal surfaces of tin containers are treated with bisphenol (BPA). In addition, over time, leached aluminum particles pass into the syrup. This is very harmful!

Contraindications and side effects

When breastfeeding, it is very important to observe contraindications:

• stomach ulcer, gastritis with high acidity;
• low blood clotting;
• 1st trimester of pregnancy ( bromelain increases the tone of the uterus);
• low blood pressure, tendency to sudden changes;
• thinning of tooth enamel;
• individual intolerance and tendency to allergic reactions.

Why do allergies occur?

Fruit acids activate histamine, which causes tissue swelling and rash. Allergies to pineapple and its derivatives are often caused by preservatives, which are used in the industrial production of fruit in syrup and candied fruits.

Side effects

• swelling of the larynx and lips, difficulty breathing, skin rashes due to allergies;
• diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, menstrual bleeding with excessive consumption of fruit and simultaneous use with certain medications(sleeping pills, antibiotics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants or blood thinners).

When to introduce it into the diet?

5–6 months after birth The baby’s immunity and intestines are stabilized. At this time, mother can try to introduce fresh pineapple pulp into the diet, starting from 20 g per day(just not on an empty stomach).

Observe your child's skin and general condition throughout the day. If the baby develops a rash or dyspepsia, you will have to give up exotic items on the menu.

Advice . To accurately find the culprit of the allergy, you should not eat several potentially allergenic foods at once in one day.

Candied fruits (6–7 pieces per day) will help a nursing woman replenish her energy. But you can’t eat them every day.

Pineapples in syrup are not the best solution for a woman during breastfeeding. They can only be tried as an exception.

You should also not get carried away with pineapple nectar (natural juice diluted with water in a ratio of 1:4). You are allowed to drink only 1-2 sips throughout the day.

How to choose?

• Fresh pineapple. Elasticity, uniform coloring, elastic, slightly soft skin without dark spots, a green rosette of easily detachable leaves indicate ripeness. Lightly slap the fruit with your palm; the sound should be dull, dull, and barely audible. This is a sign of maturity.
• Fruits canned in syrup. Examine the can for deformation, swelling, or rust. After opening, carefully examine the contents: the syrup should cover the pineapple slices completely. Otherwise, there was a violation of the canning technology. Ideal fruit slices have an appetizing soft yellow color and are elastic.
• Industrially produced candied fruits should not be too hard, candied, or have too bright a color. If the water changes color when placed in boiling water, the product contains dyes. A nursing mother does not need such food.
• Pineapple juice from the store. According to the results of a group of independent studies, the following brands were recognized as the best: "Biota", « Mr. Juice», « 100% Gold premium", "Favorite Garden", "Orchard".

How to peel a pineapple?

1. Wash the fruit thoroughly under running water and soap.
2. Using a long-bladed knife, cut off the bottom of the fruit. Leave the top part - it’s convenient to hold on to when peeling.
3. Place the pineapple on a board or plate at a slight angle. Working from top to bottom, cut off all the peel in strips.
4. To remove the core, dip the knife 3 times around the “tail” of the leaves, all the way to the bottom, so that when looking at the fruit from above, the cuts form a triangle.
5. Gently shake the rosette of leaves and remove it along with the core.
6. Cut the remaining pulp into rings or half rings.

Store fresh pineapple slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

During lactation, fresh pineapple can be useful for mother and her baby, if taken in moderation.