Breastfeeding improves cardiovascular health in women
Breastfeeding Linked to Improved Cardiovascular Health in Women
The American College of Pediatricians (ACP) recommends that women breastfeed their infants exclusively for the first six months, followed by a combination of breastfeeding and age-appropriate food from six months to a year. This practice is associated with several health benefits, particularly in the area of cardiovascular health.
Breastfeeding promotes calorie burning and gradual postpartum fat loss, including visceral and pericardial fat. Visceral fat, often referred to as deep abdominal fat surrounding organs, and pericardial fat, found around the heart, are linked to higher cardiovascular risk. By reducing these types of fat, breastfeeding can positively impact heart health.
Long-term studies show that breastfeeding is linked to decreased accumulation of central adiposity, which in turn lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases. By mobilizing fat stores and improving metabolic profiles postpartum, breastfeeding supports maternal cardiovascular health.
Furthermore, breastfeeding helps normalize maternal metabolism and may reduce the risk of hypertension and other pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders, which are risk factors for future cardiovascular disease. Women who breastfeed tend to have lower long-term risks of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to those who do not.
Researchers, such as Dr. Duke Appiah and his team, are investigating the mechanism by which breastfeeding affects certain types of fat. Their work suggests that lactation could prevent future cardiovascular disease development by reversing high blood levels of triglycerides during pregnancy and preventing a reduction in HDL, or "good," cholesterol following delivery.
In addition, lactation may influence cytokines and other hormones associated with plaque buildup in the arteries, and potentially affect left ventricular structure and function independent of pericardial fat.
The Cleveland Clinic, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) all support the benefits of breastfeeding for both baby and mom. Women who breastfeed more during their reproductive years tend to have less fat buildup in the abdomen or around the heart.
Moreover, the duration of breastfeeding is linked to a 50 percent lower risk of progression to type 2 diabetes, independent of social or lifestyle behaviors, metabolic profiles, or body size before pregnancy.
The ACP recommends that women breastfeed their children for two years or longer if they are able, and the AAP encourages mothers to continue breastfeeding their children for "one year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant." Lactation persistently leads to lower visceral and pericardial fat among women, even after accounting for lifestyle behaviors and other risk factors across the life course.
In summary, breastfeeding is associated with a reduction in visceral and pericardial fat in women, which contributes to long-term cardiovascular health benefits. By promoting calorie burning, reducing harmful fat deposits, and improving metabolic health, breastfeeding can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the long term.
Breastfeeding's positive impact on heart health is significant due to its influence on various medical-conditions related to cardiovascular health. The reduction in visceral fat, found around organs, and pericardial fat, located near the heart, reduces the risk associated with these conditions. Additionally, research in the field of science suggests that breastfeeding may decrease long-term risks of major adverse cardiovascular events. This supports the importance of breastfeeding for health-and-wellness, including women's health.
