Is Garcinia Cambogia safe while breastfeeding? The truth about taking this supplement
People who have been struggling with their weight problems often use supplements to help them shed extra pounds. One of the supplements that is claimed to help a lot in reducing weight is Garcinia Cambogia. This supplement is believed to offer satisfying and quick results. It not only helps people lose weight but also improves their overall level of health. However, there are some considerations that people should be aware of before consuming this supplement. One of the concerns is whether Garcinia Cambogia is safe while breastfeeding.
Understanding Garcinia Cambogia
Garcinia is a fruit, small in size and resembling a pumpkin. It comes from Southeast Asia, India, and Central Africa, where the fruit has been used for centuries as a medicinal and natural dietary method. In the past, the fruit was not very popular because it did not taste as good, but its functionality for health is really excellent. Ancient documents have pointed out that the fruit had been consumed by travelers who had to travel long distances with so little food.
How the supplement works
Only recently has the western medical world begun to understand the benefits of consuming Garcinia Cambogia, especially when it is converted and processed into a weight loss supplement. Contains the active ingredient hydroxycitric acid – HCA – which is believed to be responsible for the weight loss effect. HCA is capable of inhibiting the production of the enzyme lyase, which will delay the process of transforming carbohydrates into glycogen and glucose, which will be stored in the body as fat deposits.
Not only does it slow down the production of the lyase enzyme, but it also stimulates the communication channels of the organs and systems that are responsible for feeling full and satisfied. When people take this supplement, they will feel full right away, so they won’t be tempted to eat, binge or snack.
But why should pregnant mothers avoid consuming this supplement?
For starters, the supplement will affect blood sugar and create a feeling of instant satisfaction, which can be dangerous for nursing mothers, as they need all the nutrients they can get from the food they eat. When they feel full and stop eating, their nutritional needs will not be met. Also, the fruit can increase the metabolic rate, which can have a negative effect on pregnant and lactating mothers.
These moms cannot make drastic changes to their bodies and cannot risk endangering themselves or their babies when taking the supplement. Also, the garcinia supplement has not been extensively tested for its effects on children under the age of 18. And since everything a mother consumes will pass to the baby through her breast milk, it’s best to avoid taking the supplement for her own safety, as well as for her young baby.