Lion's mane has earned itself the name "brain tonic" because of its ability to improve brain health. However, while everyone is leveraging these mushrooms to enhance their cognitive function and overall well-being, breastfeeding women are overly concerned about the side effects of Lion's mane.
While the research is still in its early phases, the current scientific evidence suggests that nursing mothers can consume Lion's mane breastfeeding. Furthermore, research indicates that using the proper dosage will allow you to enjoy the health benefits of the fungus while keeping your baby safe.
Below, we will examine the benefits of Lion's mane while breastfeeding. Moreover, we will discuss the safety of consuming Lion's Mane's fruiting bodies or supplements while pregnant or nursing.
Benefits of Taking Lion's Mane Mushroom While Breastfeeding
1. A Vitamin D Source That Strengthens Your Bones
Lion's mane mushrooms are a fantastic source of vitamin D. Vitamin D aids in controlling calcium levels in the body, so maintaining a high intake is essential while nursing.
Your body may steal calcium from your bones to feed the baby while breastfeeding. Your bones may become brittle and fragile if your body lacks calcium and vitamin D.
The baby's bone development may be affected if these nutrients are not sufficiently provided to them through breast milk. Luckily, consuming Lion's mane mushroom products gives you enough vitamin D, increasing calcium levels and ensuring you and your baby have strong bones.
Read More: See our hand-picked Lion's mane mushroom recipes that can help you prepare a tasty Lion's mane meal to eat while breastfeeding.
2. A Source of Beta-Glucans Which Increase Milk Production
In addition to carrying other beneficial bioactive compounds like erinacines, polysaccharides, and hericenones, Lion's mane extract is also a good source of beta-glucans.
Beta-glucans increase the body's prolactin levels, a crucial hormone in breast milk production.Drops in prolactin levels can cause a decrease in milk production, which is where beta-glucans can help.
Read More: See the role of beta-glucans in the body.
3. An Excellent Source of the B Vitamins
Lion's mane medicinal mushroom is abundant in vitamin B, including niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), and riboflavin (B2). These vitamins support the healthy growth and development of the bones and teeth and boost the body's ability to produce energy.
Therefore, making fresh Lion's mane part of your healthy diet gives you the energy to care for your baby. Moreover, Lion's mane gives you the nutrients your baby needs for bone development.
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4. Loaded with Vital Minerals
Lion's mane mushroom supplements are packed with nutritional value. In addition to providing B vitamins, these medicinal mushrooms are rich in potassium, a mineral that supports the body's ability to regulate fluid balance.
This is crucial during pregnancy and lactation when fluid losses rise due to increased blood volume and urine output brought on by hormonal changes. Additionally, potassium lowers blood pressure and controls how muscles and nerve cells work.
Read More: See how Lion's mane fights high blood pressure.
Lion's mane is also high in antioxidants like selenium, which guards against free radicals and unstable molecules that can harm our body's cells. In addition, selenium aids T-cells in their defense against viruses and diseases, including the flu and colds, which strengthens the immune system.
These fungi are also a good source of copper, a vital trace mineral involved in synthesizing hemoglobin responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells, and melanin, a pigment found in skin cells. A lack of copper can cause anemia and bone abnormalities such as kyphosis (hunchback).
5. Improves the Mental Health of the Nursing Mother
Lion's mane benefits not only your physical health but also your mental health. The mushroom extracts have anti-anxiety effects. As a result, Lion's mane mushrooms improve your breastfeeding ability and help you recover from childbirth more quickly by reducing your anxiety.
Read More: See how Lion's mane fights anxiety.
According to a 2019 review(1) of multiple studies examining the connection between mental health and breastfeeding, moms with greater anxiety levels frequently had trouble getting their babies to breastfeed sufficiently and produced less breast milk than mothers with lower anxiety levels.
Lion's mane is also known to offer long-term brain health benefits. In addition to fighting anxiety and depression, two of the most common mental health conditions, the mushroom also fights dementia and Alzheimer's disease. This is an added benefit as research shows(2) that breastfeeding reduces the risk of dealing with the symptoms of Alzheimer's and dementia.
Read More: See how Lion's mane fights dementia.
6. It Makes Breastfeeding with Diabetes Easier
Both pregnancy and breastfeeding can be complicated for diabetes patients, with diabetic women experiencing trouble building and maintaining their milk supply. In addition, irregular blood sugar levels can affect how much milk women with diabetes produce.
Leveraging a good diet and proper medications can regulate blood sugar levels, ensuring women with this condition have enough milk for their babies. Interestingly, however, Lion's mane is a traditional Chinese medicine that aids in diabetes treatment.
Research has confirmed(3) that the bioactive ingredients in Lion's mane mushrooms demonstrate antihyperglycemic effects, indicating that when used alongside other diabetes treatments, they can reduce the risk of high blood sugar levels.
Read more: See how Lion's mane fights diabetes.
How Safe Are Lion's Mane Mushrooms While Breastfeeding?
Lion's mane mushrooms can fight inflammation, provide antioxidants, promote nerve growth factor (NGF) production, and provide adaptogens that fight anxiety. However, one of the questions that linger in every breastfeeding woman's mind is whether this functional mushroom can cause side effects to the newborn baby.
Very little research has been done on Lion's mane breastfeeding or pregnancy. However, according to anecdotal evidence, taking Lion's mane when pregnant or nursing is safe. Because while breastfeeding food safety is less of an issue than during pregnancy, many women enjoy the benefits of Lion's mane mushrooms.
Lion's mane is nutrient-rich and beneficial to breastfeeding and expectant mothers. The mushroom is rich in fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin D, and other prenatal vitamins, all of which can support a healthy pregnancy. After giving birth, the mushroom provides nutrients that breastfeeding mothers can pass on to their babies, boosting their overall health.
However, before consuming the culinary mushroom, get expert medical advice to ensure it is safe. Unfortunately, the lack of studies makes it impossible to tell how much Lion's mane you can consume when pregnant or nursing. However, a doctor can help you determine the best dosage.
FAQs About Lion's Mane Breastfeeding
What Are The Negative Effects Of Lion's Mane Medicinal Mushroom?
Lion's Mane mushroom is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as digestive system discomfort, allergic reactions, and nausea.
Some users may deal with bloating, gas, and diarrhea symptoms when consuming Lion's Mane mushrooms. In addition, although rare, some people may develop an allergic reaction to Lion's Mane mushrooms, which can cause symptoms such as itching, rash, and difficulty breathing.
High doses of Lion's Mane mushroom may cause nausea in some individuals. These side effects are generally mild and go away on their own. However, you should seek medical attention immediately if you experience severe symptoms or have an allergic reaction.
What Does Lion's Mane Do To Hormones?
Consuming Lion's Mane mushrooms could increase the production of prolactin in breastfeeding women. Prolactin facilitates milk production, and increased levels of this hormone can help boost the milk supply in nursing mothers.
Additionally, Lion's Mane mushrooms may have a regulatory effect on pregnancy hormones. It contains compounds that mimic estrogen's effects, which can help regulate hormonal imbalances during pregnancy.
However, it's important to note that more research is necessary to understand better the effects of Lion's Mane mushrooms on hormones. Therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding women should always consult their healthcare provider before consuming supplements or alternative remedies.
Is It Good To Take Lion's Mane Every Day?
Taking Lion's Mane mushrooms daily is generally considered safe as part of a balanced diet. However, the optimal dosage and frequency of use may vary depending on the individual's health status and other factors.
There is limited research on the long-term effects of taking Lion's Mane mushrooms every day, so it's recommended to consume it in moderation and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Generally, it's best to start with a low dose and gradually increase it over time, while monitoring for potential side effects.
It's also important to note that the quality of Lion's Mane supplements can vary widely, so it's crucial to choose a reputable brand and source. In addition, pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions should always consult their healthcare provider before consuming Lion's Mane mushrooms or other supplements.
Key Takeaways
Research information on using Lion's mane breastfeeding indicates this fungus has the potential to benefit both the mental and physical health of nursing mothers. As long as they were foraged by experts, produced by a reputed producer, and approved by your health care provider, it is safe to use Lion's mane mushrooms and supplements while nursing.
In addition to fighting general health concerns like heart disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer, and central nervous system impairment, Lion's mane carries numerous specific benefits for nursing women. High in vitamin D, the mushroom ensures breastfeeding women are not losing all their calcium to their babies through breast milk. In addition, Lion's mane ensures women consistently produce enough milk for their babies by increasing the quantity of the lactation hormone (prolactin) in the bloodstream.
However, when planning your breastfeeding meal plans with your dietitian, we recommend talking to qualified doctors before adding Lion's mane to your diet plan to avoid problems. The doctor can help determine whether the mushroom is safe for you and the baby. Moreover, the doctor will help you determine the ideal dosage that can help you get the results you need without causing issues.
Have you used Lion's mane before? Did you use the mushroom while pregnant or while breastfeeding? What was your experience with this functional fungus? Let us know in the comment section.
References
- Impact of Maternal Anxiety on Breastfeeding Outcomes: A Systematic Review, (1)https://academic.oup.com/advances/article/10/5/816/5488462?login=true
- New study suggests that breastfeeding may help prevent cognitive decline, (2)https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211023122141.htm
- Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus in experimental diabetic rats, (3)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3852124/
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