Kourtney Kardashian recently made headlines when she revealed that she drank her own breast milk in an attempt to ward off illness.
The reality star and Poosh founder, who welcomed her first child with husband Travis Barker in November, shared a selfie on her Instagram Story, stating, “I just pounded a glass of breastmilk because I feel sick ???? goodnight!”
While the Kardashian-Jenner clan is known for their unconventional wellness practices, from placenta smoothies to vagina gummies, drinking breast milk as an adult has raised eyebrows and sparked curiosity among many.
But does this homemade remedy actually work?
The Benefits of Breast Milk for Babies, But What About Adults Drinking Breast Milk?
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It’s well-established that breast milk is the optimal source of nutrition for infants, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that help build their immune systems and protect them from illness.
However, the potential health benefits of adults drinking breast milk remain largely unexplored and unproven.
Dr. Arik Alper, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Yale Medicine, states, “Breast milk would not help adults fight infections and would not improve your immune system.”
He explains that while breast milk contains antibodies that can help combat viruses in infants, adults already have sufficient immunoglobulins in their bodies and do not require additional oral immunoglobulins.
Experts Weigh In on the Risks of Drinking Breast Milk
Drinking breast milk as an adult not only lacks scientific evidence supporting its benefits but may also pose potential risks. Consuming someone else’s breast milk can transmit infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and HIV, which can pass through bodily fluids.
Even drinking your own breast milk carries risks, as Dr. Christine Greves, an OB-GYN at Orlando Health Women’s Institute Center of Obstetrics and Gynecology, points out, such as bacterial contamination from an unclean pumping system or improper refrigeration.
Proven Methods for Staying Healthy: Skip the Breast Milk and Focus on Self-Care
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Rather than turning to unproven remedies like drinking breast milk, experts recommend following science-backed methods for preventing and treating illness.
When battling a cold, the Mayo Clinic advises getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, eating a nutritious diet, and consuming warm liquids like soup and tea. Over-the-counter cold medications can also help alleviate symptoms such as congestion and coughing.
Dr. Greves suggests evaluating the underlying cause of feeling unwell, particularly for breastfeeding mothers who may be exhausted from caring for a newborn.
“Reach out to someone you trust to see if they can help give you a little break from taking care of the baby,” she advises, emphasizing the importance of self-care and support during this demanding time.
The Bottom Line: Stick to Proven Techniques for Wellness, Not Drinking Breast Milk
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Sure, breast milk is a nutrient-rich superfood for babies, but as adults, our bodies have different needs and immune systems. Plus, consuming someone else’s breast milk can expose you to a host of infections and contaminants that even Kourtney’s glam squad can’t make look pretty.
Let’s be real, do you really want to explain to your coworkers why you’re sipping on a mysterious white liquid during your lunch break?
Instead of jumping on the latest Kardashian wellness bandwagon, focus on the tried-and-true methods of staying healthy. Get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and don’t be afraid to reach out for support when you need it.
And if you’re a new mum like Kourtney, remember to be kind to yourself and your body as you navigate the challenges of motherhood.
In the end, while it’s tempting to follow in the footsteps of our favourite celebrities, it’s crucial to approach health and wellness with a critical eye and a dose of common sense.
So, the next time you’re feeling under the weather, skip the breast milk and stick to the classic combo of chicken soup, Netflix, and a cosy blanket.
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