Experience Licensed Naturopathic Physician for 6 years
Currently: Faculty in the Department of Naturopathic Medicine, National University of Health Sciences, Lombard, IL
Organizations American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Illinois Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Education/Credentials Bastyr University, doctor of naturopathic medicine
University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, residency in family and integrated medicine
Question QUESTION: Hello. I recently purchased a candida cleanse and I am now wondering if it is safe to take while nursing. My daughter is 7 weeks old and I am exclusively pumping. The cleanse is a two step one with the second half being the probiotic treatment. Should I hold off on the cleanse? Also, I have been wanting to take apple cider vinegar pills twice a day. Are these safe while nursing? Thank you so much in advance for your help.
ANSWER: Hello Rachelle,
Thanks for your excellent question. Breastfeeding moms often want to be proactive in restoring their health, which is a very good idea. However, it is still a time to be cautious, in some ways even more cautious than during pregnancy. Everything you take in she takes in as well through the breast milk. And when one does a cleanse, the effects are seen in all bodily secretions, including breast milk. So it's not recommended to do a strong cleanse while breastfeeding. This would include most supplements and herbs aimed at "cleansing". Diet changes, and some supplements that can be considered an extension of food, like fiber or probiotics, are usually ok. They are safe if not actively moving toxins or byproducts out of the body, and in a low to moderate dose. The apple cider vinegar in pills or liquid, would fall into this category. You do still have to watch your daughter for reactions--some infants are sensitive to the smallest changes, so take that into account and do these things slowly.
If there are particularly symptoms you want to address, you may also want to consider homeopathics, because these are extremely safe to use while nursing. For best results with homeopathics, see an experienced homeopath. If there is not one in your area, I'd suggest the Hyland's or Boiron brands of combination remedies, which are easier to use for self-prescriptions. These are also great for kids, so keep that in mind for the future!
Good luck,
Dr Conner
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you so much for such a quick response. I will hold off on the cleanse for now. I may try the apple cider vinegar pills, maybe I will try one a day for now to see if that affects her at all. One more question. I recently started taking Omega 3 Fish Oil and Food Carotene. I'm quite sure these are safe but I wanted to double check. I'm also considering taking some Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil capsules, any advice on any of these?
Answer Hello again,
Good idea to go slowly on the apple cider vinegar. Fish oil is an excellent addition, and is very safe unless you are taking a blood thinner --in fact, I consider it necessary, for good development of the child's neurological system. I am not familar with food carotene but I suspect from the name it is a beta carotene supplement, which would be fine, especially if it is sourced from food & not synthetic. Coconut oil would again fall under the supplements from food, so is safe, in a reasonable dosage (up to 1 Tablespoon daily for most women). I don't know what the equivalent is in capsules, but I think it would be quite a few to reach that level. You can also cook with coconut oil, or add to other foods if you like the taste.
You're welcome. I hope the information is helpful.
Dr Conner
