Savvy Pumping Mama Part 1: What Does the Food Label “Natural” Actually Mean?

As a breast-pumping mom you do everything in your power to help your little one grow strong and healthy. That also means keeping yourself strong and healthy.

But with rampant advice, sometimes sneaky marketing, complicated legislation, and confusing labeling—knowing what to know, what is true, and what all this information actually means takes more energy and thought than any sane mom has in reserve.

So in order to keep you sane and savvy, we have compiled a series of posts covering issues related to your best health and nutrition. This way you have the information you need to make your best, personal decisions.

First topic: What does the word “natural” actually mean as a food label?

Obviously, we associate “natural” with healthy, pure, and good. But technically it may mean one of the following:

Freshness. The less time passed between harvesting the food, milling the grain and the use of flour, and pressing or extraction of oil and its use—the healthier a food is for your system. Check the expiration date on your items to learn more and/or visit the producer’s website.

No Additives. Additives are added in order to make something last or look better than it would, naturally. Preservatives extend the shelf-life by shortening the deterioration process. However, these additives may also affect your body’s digestion process.  Flavorings and colorings keep food looking and smelling good in the interval that lapses while it is processed, packaged, transported, displayed, sold, taken home, and eaten. Other additives are used to make foods softer, crisper, or to enhance flavor. Therefore when possible, additives should be avoided. But you need to carefully read the ingredient label of specific products.

      Common Additives Include:

• Monosodium glutamate (MSG) for enhancing flavor.
• Aspartame, saccharine, and sodium cyclamate for sweetening. 
• Preservatives in oily or fatty foods such as BHA, BHT, and sodium benzoate preserve oily or fatty foods.
• Benzoic acid is used for preserving fruit juices. 

Whole Foods. Whole foods have been processed to a minimum degree. They retain all the nutrients originally present in the food. It has not been "refined."

No or Few Contaminants. When food is grown in situations that eliminate or limit pesticides, insecticides, and chemical fertilizers, it is more natural. Respect for seasons and knowledge of natural techniques and phenomena can be very helpful in efforts to minimize the use of chemicals as well as damage caused by natural elements and their consequences (such as microbial or parasitic infestations). Since pesticides and other chemicals concentrate in the body fat of animals who consume these foods, their food is important, too. When possible, consume foods that are organically certified to ensure that contaminants are kept at a minimum level.

his blog is informed by our resident moms-in-the-know and not by medical professionals. This blog is intended to share the wisdom of experienced moms but never to replace the advice and insight of your doctors. Always consult proper and licensed medical professionals when making any decisions about your health and the health of your children.