Kourtney Kardashian recently took to Instagram Stories to share an ultra-filtered selfie from bed, donning her PJs and giving a thumbs-up to the camera. In the caption of the photo, which has since expired, the mom of four joked about the silly filter she used, writing, “this filter is crazy and I just pounded a glass of breast milk because I feel sick 🤧 good night!”
Kardashian and her family have been known to try unconventional tactics in the name of health—in fact, all three Kardashian sisters have eaten their placenta after giving birth—but you might be wondering if drinking breast milk actually helps ward off sickness in adults. Is it even safe to do so?
While breast milk has a laundry list of health benefits for babies that can last well into adulthood (they don’t call it liquid gold for nothing), it seems the research is very limited for adults drinking it, be it their own or someone else’s. One thing that is certain: you should not ingest breast milk from an unknown source, as it could contain bacteria or viruses that cause communicable disease, per the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine.
But what does the science say about drinking your own? Turns out, there is some evidence that a protein-lipid in breast milk known as HAMLET might be considered a solid treatment for some cancers. What’s more, ingesting your own breast milk might help treat or prevent certain bacterial infections that are resistant to antibiotics. However, it’s worth noting that the data is very limited at this time, so you should check in with your doctor before chugging your own breast milk in search of any immune-boosting or disease-fighting properties.
That said, there’s slightly more evidence that when used topically, breast milk can help ease symptoms from skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis, and can even soothe sore, chapped nipples from breastfeeding. It’s also helpful for umbilical cord care, eye infections in babies, and to treat diaper rash thanks to the unique blend of compounds found in breast milk that help strengthen their immune systems and fight disease.
Overall, though, it seems more research is needed on this front to make any concrete conclusions. And as it stands right now, Kardashian “pounding a glass” in the name of warding off or treating illness seems dubious at best. As with anything else related to your health, checking in with your doctor when you’re feeling sick is the best path forward to easing symptoms, no matter what might be ailing you.
