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Seaweed Soup (Miyeok-guk — Fresh)
While miyeok-guk already has an entry, fresh seaweed soup made daily is the traditional Korean postpartum staple, eaten at every meal for 21 days after birth. The iodine in seaweed supports thyroid function (critical during postpartum recovery), and the iron and calcium support healing. It's deeply nourishing, easy to digest, and culturally cherished.
1–2 bowls daily; excessive iodine from too much seaweed can affect thyroid function
Korean postpartum tradition prescribes miyeok-guk (seaweed soup) for the 21-day 'sanhujori' recovery period. The wakame seaweed provides iodine (important for breast milk quality and maternal thyroid function), calcium, iron, and dietary fiber. Some versions are made with beef, others with dried anchovy broth. Iodine needs are higher during breastfeeding (290 mcg/day), and seaweed soup naturally helps meet this requirement. However, excessive seaweed consumption can provide too much iodine — 1–2 bowls daily is ideal.
Always confirm with your doctor or lactation consultant before making dietary changes while breastfeeding.
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