Woman drinking from a pink cup on a pink background

Are There Better Alternatives to Body Armor and Other Sugary Drinks?

By: Sabrina Granniss, IBCLC

|

2 min

Are you looking for healthy ways to increase your milk supply and stay hydrated during your breastfeeding journey? While many sports drinks may claim to replenish electrolytes and hydrate you, they often come with a downside - a high sugar content. Consuming sugary drinks on a regular basis can do more harm than good, especially if you have been diagnosed by your healthcare provider with a hormonal or metabolic disorder like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, or an underactive thyroid.(2)


The theory behind why some of these drinks may increase milk supply is:

  • They can replenish your electrolytes (they’re high in potassium and sodium) and
  • They help to keep you hydrated. Goodness knows how tough it can be to find time to eat well and stay hydrated some days! ⁣⁣⁣

However, one serving contains your ENTIRE allotted amount of sugar for the day! And the reality is all of us have some degree of insulin resistance already. ⁣


The good news is that there are healthier options that can help you stay hydrated and boost your milk supply without the negative effects of sugar: Coconut water, Bone broth, Fresh carrot juice, Electrolyte-infused water, and Legendairy Milk's She's Thirsty.



Legendairy Milk's She's Thirsty

Legendairy Milk’s She’s Thirsty is a super convenient way to boost your electrolytes and other key vitamins and minerals that are essential during pregnancy and lactation, without undesirable added ingredients. While there are homemade options for boosting your mineral and vitamin intake, She’s 

Thirsty allows you a convenient and easy solution to get added support for your immune system, increase energy, and hydrate your body both at home and on the go. Electrolyte-rich coconut water is the base of She’s Thirsty and contains no added sugars, unlike many other products marketed to breastfeeding mothers.


Drinking Water Is Important, However...

Drinking water is important, however for some people it is not the most effective way to attain hydration and electrolyte balance. If you still have feelings of dehydration despite drinking the recommended amount of water, increasing your electrolytes can help. Dehydration can cause symptoms including dry skin, low energy levels, constipation, and reduced milk supply.


During pregnancy and breastfeeding, increased electrolytes, magnesium, and iron support your changing hormones, and blood flow, and fluid balance. Your body requires increased electrolytes, including magnesium, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.(1) During pregnancy, it supports the increase of fluid and blood volume as your baby grows and contributes to their skeletal and muscular system development.


Other vitamins and minerals in She’s Thirsty, like Vitamin C and Zinc, promote immune system health, while Vitamin B12 bolsters energy levels and contributes to better mood. Iron improves energy and recovery helping you to feel more able to manage the demands of motherhood.


Coconut Water, Bone Broth, & Carrot Juice

Coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes and has been shown to increase milk supply.


Bone broth is also a great option as it is rich in minerals, collagen, and gelatin, which can aid in healing and nourishing the body.


Fresh carrot juice is another favorite of breastfeeding mothers, as it is high in vitamin A, which is essential for lactation.

Electrolyte-Infused Water

If you're looking for a simple and refreshing option, try electrolyte-infused water. Make your own electrolyte-infused water by adding the following to a glass of water:


  • A pinch of sea salt

  • A squeeze of lemon

  • A drop of honey


This will provide your body with the necessary electrolytes to stay hydrated and support your milk production.

Hilary Jacobson, the author of "Mother Food", recommends drinking fresh carrot juice to boost afternoon energy levels. What are some of your favorite healthy alternatives (other than water, of course) that have helped you stay hydrated and increase your milk supply?

Are there better alternatives chart

Footnotes:

References:

Related Blogs

Comments

I’ve had such a great result with increased milk supply with body armor that I can’t steer from it.. I do however get the lyte version. Never had the original.
———
Legendairy Milk replied:
❤️ We are happy to hear you have found a product that works well for you! The Lyte version does have less sugar than the original as well!

Andrea

Leave a comment