Patient's question:
My baby was doing well right after birth, but after three days, they developed physiological jaundice, with yellow eyes. I want to ask if newborns with physiological jaundice can eat spicy food?Doctor's answer:
It is not advisable to eat spicy food, especially for newborns, as they should only consume breast milk or formula. Additionally, if the mother is breastfeeding, she should also avoid spicy foods, as this could potentially lead to the newborn experiencing "internal heat" and exacerbating jaundice. Generally, physiological jaundice does not require excessive concern, and it is recommended to let the baby get more sunlight, which can help alleviate physiological jaundice. This condition typically begins around the third day of birth, peaks between the fourth and fifth day, and gradually subsides by the seventh day. By the eighth day, the jaundice starts to fade. Physiological jaundice usually clears up within half a month, so medication is generally not necessary for this type of jaundice.