Nutri Courses

Advisory

Breast milk

Breast milk is the first natural food for newborns and infants, produced by the mother's body. It is rich in nutrients essential for the growth and development of the child. It contains the ideal ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which are easily digestible and absorbable for the child. In addition, it includes vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antibodies that help protect the child from infections and diseases. Studies have also shown that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of developing certain chronic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, later in life. Furthermore, breastfeeding can contribute to better maternal health, such as reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Hello, I am curious whether breastfeeding also reflects the level of physical activity. Thank you for your response.

The process of breastfeeding increases energy expenditure, similar to the course of pregnancy. It is typically stated that 1 ml of breast milk represents approximately 3 kJ, meaning that in a full breastfeeding regimen, you can expect an expenditure of about 2,500 kJ. This is a relatively higher value, so in practice, it is advisable to consider it when setting the energy balance. On the one hand, it is a natural process of weight reduction after childbirth; on the other hand, in situations where the mother has no extra weight, is of a very slender build, and it is not desirable for her to lose weight, it is beneficial to add this amount to her energy intake.

Hello,

I have a question regarding the diet of a breastfeeding mother. In this lesson, you recommend avoiding spicy foods. Is this recommendation based on cultural practices, or is it supported by any scientific studies that confirm these spicy, irritating substances from spices directly pass into breast milk? For instance, the Slovak organization Mamila even questions the impact of a mother's diet on the taste of breast milk and advises breastfeeding women not to exclude anything from their diet without a specific reason.

Thank you.

In the field of professional nutritional counseling, there should be no experts today doubting the body's ability to influence the composition of breast milk through diet. It is a natural process by which compounds from the mother's diet, such as aromatic substances, are transferred into breast milk, shaping the child's taste preferences. Each child responds differently, which is determined by the individual's sensitivity.

You will commonly encounter similar claims attempting to refute proven information, often as part of marketing strategies designed to increase visibility and attention—be cautious about the sources of the information you use in this regard. If someone advises you not to eliminate foods without reason, the best way to adopt the correct approach is to gain personal experience. I fear that the vast majority of breastfeeding mothers will not be overjoyed to discover the impact that consuming spicy types of seasoning can have on their offspring...

Questions answered by

Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system

Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.

He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.

In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.