Digestive Issues and Their Management

Digestive issues can be caused by various factors, such as weak gastrointestinal function or dietary habits. Such problems can be uncomfortable, leading to symptoms like upper abdominal pain, early satiety, bloating, and belching. In severe cases, medication may be prescribed for improvement. However, for minor issues, good dietary habits can also yield significant improvements. So, what should you eat when experiencing digestive issues? Let's explore.

Foods That Are Good for Digestive Issues

Porridge: For patients, porridge is an ideal food choice as it warms the stomach, replenishes energy, and is easy to digest. Options include plain porridge, porridge with vegetables, or millet porridge.
Apples: Apples are also helpful for digestion. In winter, they can be steamed for a few minutes to avoid irritating the stomach. Apples are rich in dietary fiber, which can promote bowel movements and relieve indigestion.
Noodles: Noodles are easier to digest than rice. Patients can replace rice with noodles or bread, along with some vegetable soup, for a light yet nutritious meal that can help alleviate symptoms.
Drinking Mint or Chenpi Tea: These teas can strengthen the spleen and stomach, aid digestion, and relieve bloating. Pure apple cider vinegar can also be consumed with meals to promote digestion. Drinking a glass of lemon water in the morning can also help with digestion and eliminate food stagnation.

Precautions for Digestive Issues

Regular Eating Habits and Chewing Thoroughly: Regardless of the method used to improve digestive health, maintaining regular eating habits and chewing thoroughly are essential. People with weak spleen and stomach function should especially avoid spicy and cold foods. It is also important to eat at regular intervals and in moderation, and if possible, to eat smaller meals more frequently. When eating, it is advisable to sit down, chew thoroughly, and avoid standing or walking while eating. Talking during meals should also be minimized to prevent emotional distractions that may reduce appetite.
Taking a Walk After Meals: According to ancient Chinese health beliefs, walking after meals can help promote spleen and stomach function. It is recommended to wait for about 15 minutes after eating before taking a slow, leisurely walk, which can be beneficial for those experiencing bloating or poor digestion.
Massaging the Abdomen: Regularly massaging the abdomen can be beneficial. Before bedtime, one can gently massage the area from Zhongwan (roughly the center of the chest) downward towards the navel, and then gently rub around the navel. This technique can be helpful for relieving bloating and improving digestion.
Reasonable Dietary Therapy: Although dietary therapy is highly valued, it should not be the sole focus of spleen and stomach care. Dietary adjustments should be made moderately and should not be overemphasized. Foods and herbs like hawthorn, ginger, and yam can be consumed according to individual needs.