Patient's question:
It is said that there are many taboos regarding postpartum diet, but everyone has different opinions. I would like to know a reliable source of information. Who can tell me what foods should be eaten during this time and which types of foods should be avoided? Thank you! ~~Doctor's answer:
Hello: Postpartum women have a special physical condition that requires their diet to be cautious.I. Avoid cold and spicy foods. Postpartum women often have deficiency and blood stasis, so they should avoid raw, cold, and cool foods. Raw and cold foods often harm the stomach, while cool foods cause blood to coagulate, leading to a lack of lochia, which can cause postpartum abdominal pain, body pain, and other diseases. Postpartum blood loss damages body fluids, leading to Yin deficiency and internal heat, so spicy and hot foods like scallions, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers should be avoided. If spicy foods are consumed, they not only easily cause constipation and hemorrhoids but may also affect the infant's gastrointestinal function through breast milk.
II. Avoid excessive nourishment after childbirth. Like animal reproduction, humans have already prepared for childbirth during pregnancy. Over-nourishment can lead to obesity in postpartum women, which may trigger various diseases. Postpartum obesity can also increase the fat content in breast milk, ultimately leading to obesity or diarrhea in infants.
III. Vegetables and fruits are essential. Traditional beliefs consider vegetables and fruits to have "excessive water energy," thinking that eating them will harm the body. However, fresh vegetables and fruits can not only supplement the vitamin C and fiber lacking in meat and eggs but also stimulate appetite, aid digestion and defecation, and prevent postpartum constipation.
IV. Traditional Chinese medicine dietary therapy should be targeted, not self-prescribed. Director Li Jingzhi believes that normal postpartum women do not need medicinal supplements but can use some traditional Chinese medicine remedies combined with dietary therapy for regulation. For example, if milk production is insufficient, herbs like Wangbulou, Tongcao, pig trotters, and jujube can be used to promote lactation. For postpartum abdominal pain and constipation, Danggui, peach kernels, and walnut kernels can be added as needed.