As a doctor, I often encounter spleen and stomach problems caused by improper diet in outpatient clinics. Especially during the holiday season, these kinds of problems emerge one after another. It's natural to love food, but excessive or improper eating habits often put extra burden on our spleen and stomach, leading to various discomforts. Recalling an outpatient experience during the Spring Festival, I met a middle-aged male patient, Mr. Zhang, who had obvious symptoms of stomach bloating, indigestion and abdominal pain due to several days of dinner and banquets during the festival. He had a history of mild gastritis in the past, and he didn't usually pay much attention to his diet. This time, on the recommendation of a friend, he tried some so-called "spleen and stomach" drugs, hoping to quickly relieve the discomfort. However, not only did the symptoms not be alleviated, but the situation worsened due to the side effects of the medication.
Inappropriate use of spleen-strengthening drugs
1. Common spleen-strengthening drugs and their side effects
In the treatment of spleen and stomach problems, commonly used Chinese medicines such as Buzhong Yiqi Pills, Spleen Strengthening Pills or Bupleurum Shugansan can indeed help some patients improve the symptoms of indigestion. But it should not be ignored that these drugs also have potential side effects. For example, long-term or inappropriate use of spleen-strengthening drugs can cause problems such as excessive stomach acid, diarrhea or constipation.
2. Misconceptions about drug use
Many patients buy the drug on their own without a doctor's diagnosis and start using it on the basis that they have heard that it works, or because they have been recommended by a friend. This approach ignores individual differences and specific causes. Weakness of the spleen and stomach is not a single symptom, but a manifestation of many different pathological states, and a single drug often cannot solve all problems.
3. When to avoid medications
When the symptoms are mild: Many minor dyspepsia problems can be improved by adjusting diet and lifestyle habits without having to resort to medication immediately. Undiagnosed: If you're not sure if your symptoms are really caused by a weak spleen and stomach, it's best to consult your doctor first rather than self-medicate. Other underlying health conditions: If you have other chronic conditions or are taking other medications, using spleen-strengthening medications without your doctor's permission may cause drug interactions or side effects.
Therapeutic Diet – Natural and Safe Choice
List of foods suitable for strengthening the spleen Yam: Yam is a well-known spleen-strengthening and dampness-relieving ingredient that is suitable for people with weak spleen and stomach. It can be used both as a staple food and as a complementary food to soups or stir-fries. Red dates: Red dates can nourish the spleen and stomach, and are suitable for people with weak spleen and stomach and insufficient qi and blood. It is a good choice to soak red dates in water or make porridge. Barley: Barley has a good effect on strengthening the spleen and removing dampness, especially suitable for people with heavy dampness in the body. You can cook porridge with barley or pair it with other ingredients. Pumpkin: Pumpkin is rich in vitamins and minerals, is easy to digest and supports spleen and stomach health. It is suitable for steaming or making pumpkin porridge.
Simple and practical spleen-strengthening recipes
Yam and red date porridge ingredients: 100 grams of yam, 10 red dates, 100 grams of japonica rice, appropriate amount of water. Method: Peel the yam and cut it into small pieces, wash the jujube and remove the pit. Wash the japonica rice and put it in a pot with the yam and red dates. Add an appropriate amount of water and simmer over low heat until the rice porridge is thick. Efficacy: Nourishes qi and blood, strengthens the spleen and stomach.
Pumpkin porridge with barley
Ingredients: 50 grams of barley, 200 grams of pumpkin, 100 grams of japonica rice, appropriate amount of water. Method: Soak the barley seeds for a few hours in advance. Peel and cut the pumpkin into cubes and put it in a pot with the pre-soaked barley and washed japonica rice. Add an appropriate amount of water and cook over medium-low heat until the porridge is thick and the pumpkin and barley are cooked through. Efficacy: Strengthens the spleen and relieves dampness, suitable for people with indigestion and dampness in the body. With the right combination of the above ingredients and simple cooking, you can keep your spleen and stomach healthy during the festive season without losing the fun of food. This natural treatment method is not only safe but also effective, and it is worth promoting and practicing in daily life.
Tips for spleen and stomach health during the Chinese New Year
1. Wisdom in food and beverage pairing
Balance: Make sure you have vegetables, protein, and the right amount of carbohydrates in every meal. For example, pairing it with meat dishes with stir-fried or cold vegetables can not only add color to the table, but also aid digestion. Variety: Try a variety of food choices to avoid repeating too many single ingredients. A variety of ingredients not only delights the taste buds, but also helps to balance nutrition.
2. Arrange your eating time wisely
Avoid eating too late: Eating too late in the evening will increase the burden on the spleen and stomach, try to finish dinner before 7pm. Appropriate spacing: Try to maintain appropriate inter-meal spacing between banquets to give the spleen and stomach enough time to digest food.
3. Strategies for coping with excessive food
Moderate moderation: Try to eat only one small portion of each dish so you can enjoy a variety of dishes without overdoing it. Drink water to help: Drink plenty of water between meals to help digest food and reduce greasy feeling. Avoid replacing water with carbonated or cold drinks.
4. Combination of activities
Take a walk after a meal: A relaxing walk after a meal can not only help with digestion but also regulate your mood. Avoid lying down immediately: Lying down immediately after eating can increase the burden on the spleen and stomach, and it is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes before resting or sleeping. With the above tips, you can better enjoy the Chinese New Year's food without putting too much pressure on your spleen and stomach. During the holiday season, maintain a reasonable diet and lifestyle, so that your spleen and stomach can also have a "healthy year"!