"What Are the 7 Common Foods That Nourish the Spleen and Stomach?"
Dietary Considerations for Gastric Care
Apart from visiting hospitals for pain relief, we should also pay closer attention to our daily diet. Avoid spicy and irritating foods. Opt for a bland and gentle diet. Furthermore, ensure regularity in consuming three meals daily. Particularly for those with irregular eating habits due to busy work schedules, paying attention to nourishing your stomach is crucial. So, how can we nourish our stomachs? What should we eat? What are the foods that benefit stomach health?
Seven Foods for Gastric Health
1. Millet - It strengthens the spleen and nourishes the stomach, making it ideal for those with weak spleen and stomach. It's an excellent choice for those with digestive issues. Millet also helps prevent nausea and vomiting. When cooking millet porridge, let it cool slightly after boiling. You'll notice a layer of fine, sticky substance floating on top, known as "porridge oil." This oil nourishes kidney essence, strengthens the spleen, and invigorates the body. It's particularly beneficial for those with chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers.
2. Yam - It nourishes the spleen and fortifies Qi. Regular consumption enhances immunity. The diastase in yams accelerates carbohydrate metabolism, stimulates gastrointestinal motility, and expedites emptying of the gut. It's suitable for those with weak spleen and stomach or digestive issues. Yams can be cooked in various ways: stir-fried, steamed, candied, or made into porridge with rice, millet, and red dates.
3. Carrot - It strengthens the spleen, improves digestion, and nourishes the eyes. It's beneficial for those with indigestion, night blindness, or dry corneas. For childhood indigestion, boil 250g of carrots with 3g of salt, strain, and consume the juice three times daily for three consecutive days.
4. White Radish - It promotes gastrointestinal motility, stimulates appetite, and aids digestion. Ancient medical texts record its use in treating food stagnation through raw chewing. However, note that while it's effective, its cooling nature makes it unsuitable for those with cold spleen and stomach. Individuals with chronic gastritis or gastric ulcers should avoid consuming large amounts of raw radish. Frying or stewing is preferable.
5. Dates (Dried) - They nourish the spleen and stomach, commonly used to regulate spleen and stomach functions. Listed as one of the "Five Fruits" since ancient times, the Compendium of Materia Medica states that dates are suitable for spleen-related ailments. Remember, moderation is key; excess consumption can hinder spleen function.
6. Potato - It invigorates Qi, strengthens the spleen, and regulates stomach function. For stomach and duodenal ulcers or habitual constipation, peel, chop, and boil fresh potatoes. Mash them, strain the juice, and consume 1-2 tablespoons on an empty stomach every morning with honey as needed. Continue for 15-20 days. Avoid stimulating foods during this period. Remember, never consume sprouted potatoes.
7. Chestnut - It nourishes the stomach and spleen, strengthens the kidneys and bones, promotes blood circulation, stops bleeding, and alleviates cough with phlegm. It's particularly beneficial for those with chronic diarrhea due to spleen and kidney deficiency. Boiled and ground chestnuts make excellent cakes for children with poor appetite, weak constitutions, or frequent diarrhea. Porridge made with chestnuts and millet suits all ages and is ideal for chronic diarrhea patients with cold spleen and stomach.
Gastric Health Dietary Therapy
1. Golden Sand Carrots
- Ingredients: Carrots, salted egg yolks, scallions
- Method: Place egg yolks in a bowl with a splash of rice wine and steam for 15 minutes. Slice carrots into thick strips and steam for five minutes. Mash cooled egg yolks and fry in a pan with oil over low heat until bubbly. Add carrots, toss to coat, and season with salt and soy sauce.
- Tip: Mash egg yolks thoroughly. Carrots should not be overcooked; blanching
