My stomach has been feeling uncomfortable for a while. When I went to see the doctor, he said I had a cold stomach. However, I have a box of kudzu root powder at home. Can I still consume it?
Can I Eat Kudzu Root Powder with a Cold Stomach?
It is not recommended to eat it.
Cold stomach is a term in traditional Chinese medicine. According to TCM, it is a condition caused by deficiency of the spleen and stomach yang qi, excessive consumption of cold and raw food, or direct invasion of cold pathogens, resulting in the stagnation of yin and cold in the stomach. Common symptoms include pain in the epigastric region that improves with warmth, vomiting clear saliva, and a preference for hot drinks.
Kudzu root powder is a type of Chinese herbal medicine. It has a sweet taste and a cool nature, and it has a certain stimulating effect on the intestines and stomach. Taking kudzu root powder may aggravate the accumulation of cold in the gastrointestinal tract or increase the stimulation of cold on the intestines and stomach in individuals with a cold stomach. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals with a cold stomach avoid consuming kudzu root powder.
Can I Eat Kudzu Root Powder with Excessive Gastric Acid?
Excessive gastric acid is a concept in Western medicine, also known as hyperacidity, which is a common symptom of gastrointestinal diseases such as duodenal ulcers and gastric ulcers. When there is excessive secretion of gastric acid, patients usually experience symptoms such as burning sensation and acid regurgitation. In traditional Chinese medicine, this condition is often classified as gastric heat.
Kudzu root powder has a sweet and cool nature. Consuming it will not increase gastric acid secretion in individuals with excessive gastric acid. Therefore, individuals with excessive gastric acid can consume kudzu root powder in moderation.
What to Do If I Have a Cold Stomach After Consuming Kudzu Root Powder
1. Stop taking kudzu root powder
Whether or not there are any adverse reactions after taking kudzu root powder, it is recommended for individuals with a cold stomach to stop taking it to avoid experiencing discomfort. If the discomfort is mild, it usually disappears naturally after stopping the consumption of kudzu root powder for a period of time.
2. Drink warm water
If individuals with a cold stomach experience symptoms such as stomach pain and vomiting clear saliva after taking kudzu root powder, it is recommended to drink warm water in moderation to help alleviate the symptoms of a cold stomach.
3. Seek medical attention
If the symptoms of individuals with a cold stomach worsen after taking kudzu root powder and cannot be relieved on their own, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately for symptomatic treatment, such as taking pain relievers, to prevent the symptoms from worsening.
Who Should Avoid Eating Kudzu Root Powder
1. Pregnant women
Pregnant women have a unique physical condition. It is recommended for pregnant women to consume kudzu root powder in moderation or avoid it altogether. Excessive consumption of kudzu root powder, which has a cooling nature, may affect the implantation of the embryo in the uterus or stimulate the intestines and stomach of pregnant women, causing gastrointestinal discomfort.
2. Individuals with low blood pressure or hypoglycemia
Kudzu root powder contains puerarin, a component that can to some extent lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is recommended for individuals with low blood pressure or hypoglycemia to consume kudzu root powder in moderation to avoid dizziness, palpitations, and other discomfort.
Daily Care for a Cold Stomach
1. Maintain a regular diet
Individuals with a cold stomach should have regular and moderate meals, avoiding overeating, to reduce the burden on the intestines and stomach and maintain regular gastrointestinal activity.
2. Avoid consuming spicy foods
Individuals with a cold stomach should also avoid consuming spicy foods such as strong alcohol, coffee, garlic, and mustard. They should also consume less hard, cold, hot, and spicy foods to avoid further irritation to the gastrointestinal mucosa.
3. Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
The ingredients in alcohol and cigarettes can affect the blood supply and repair regeneration of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Therefore, it is recommended for individuals with symptoms of a cold stomach to smoke and drink less.
4. Pay attention to keeping warm
Cold stimulation can slow down stomach activity and may even cause stomach spasms. Therefore, individuals with stomach problems should protect their stomachs and avoid getting cold.
