Breastfeeding is good for the heart of the mother

Breastfeeding has many health benefits of an infant, but also for the mother. Already known for reducing the risk of osteoporosis and some cancers in women, is that U.S. scientists have found that breastfeeding reduce the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke, diseases responsible third of deaths among Canadian women. It is well known, breastfeeding is important for the health of a newborn. Breast milk is involved in the maturation and growth of the organism. Most importantly, it strengthens the immune system, so breastfed babies suffer fewer infections and allergies.

What is less known, are the benefits of breastfeeding for the mother. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh (http://www.upmc.com/Pages/Home.aspx) found that women who breastfed their babies for more than a year running 10% less risk of suffering a heart attack, a stroke stop (stroke) or to develop heart disease than those who never breastfed, reported in its May edition of the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Diabetes and cholesterol

In addition, women who had breastfed at least one month showed levels of diabetes, blood pressure and lower cholesterol, symptoms well known to cause heart disease.

The researchers, who based their study on a large national survey on chronic diseases was launched in 1994, show that breastfeeding has significant benefits in the long term.

Indeed, 35 years on average had elapsed between the time of the survey and the end of the feeding of the 139 681 participating post-ménoposées, aged 50 to 79 years. These benefits tend to diminish with aging, where certain habits can catch up.

Flats

The researchers used mathematical models to adjust their data variables such as race, ethnicity, education, diet, physical activity and tobacco consumption, medicines and dietary supplements and hormones.

The study has a few flaws. The duration of breastfeeding participants were based on their memories. Or, they may be lacking, say the researchers. In addition, pregnancy can cause hypertension, which was not considered for the study.

Recall that previous studies have shown that breastfeeding reduces the risk of osteoporosis and cancer of the ovaries and breast.