When seeing a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctor, they usually advise us on some dietary taboos because certain foods can affect the efficacy of herbal medicine. So, what should we avoid eating when drinking TCM?
1. Spicy Foods
When drinking TCM, we must avoid spicy foods. These foods are generally hot and have the function of promoting yang energy and digestion. However, excessive consumption can lead to phlegm and excessive heat, which can deplete qi and blood. Therefore, these foods are only suitable for patients with cold-related diseases and not suitable for those with yin deficiency, excessive yang, blood disorders, warm diseases, hemorrhoids, abscesses, and boils. This category of foods includes onions, garlic, leeks, ginger, alcohol, and chili peppers. For example, chili peppers are hot in nature. If consumed by individuals with symptoms such as fever, constipation, short red urine, dry mouth, dry lips, sore throat, nosebleeds, and red tongue, it will exacerbate "fire" symptoms and counteract the effects of cooling and nourishing yin medicines. Therefore, patients with heat-related conditions should avoid consuming chili peppers when seeking TCM treatment.
2. Fishy Foods
Fishy foods should also be avoided as they can potentially affect one's health. These foods are generally salty and cold, and may contain allergenic proteins that can cause allergic reactions and induce diseases. Therefore, individuals with weak digestion or allergic constitutions should not consume them. Examples of fishy foods include yellow croaker, carp, hairtail, clam meat, shrimp, and crab. Among them, carp, sardines, catfish, yellow croaker, crabs, and mud snails are most likely to cause allergies. Fishy foods also belong to the category of "foods that induce diseases".
3. Foods that Induce Diseases
Consuming foods that induce diseases can worsen the condition, so it is best to avoid them when taking TCM. These foods tend to be wind-producing, phlegm-generating, and fire-boosting. The degree of "inducing diseases" may vary depending on the severity of the illness. Examples of these foods include mushrooms, truffles, bamboo shoots, mustard greens, pumpkin, cock meat, pig head meat, and sow meat. For instance, patients with liver yang hyperactivity or liver wind internal disturbance should avoid consuming cock meat and pig head meat. Patients with skin diseases such as carbuncles, furuncles, sores, and abscesses should avoid consuming truffles, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, cock meat, pig head meat, and sow meat, as they can accelerate redness, swelling, and suppuration. Patients with gastrointestinal diseases should avoid consuming pumpkin as it contains sugar, which can stimulate the stomach and intestines. Therefore, "foods that induce diseases" can significantly exacerbate the progression of diseases.
4. Cold Foods
When taking TCM, it is important to avoid consuming cold foods as they can affect one's health. These foods are generally cold in nature and have a cooling and thirst-quenching effect, making them suitable for treating heat-related diseases. However, they can also affect gastrointestinal function. Therefore, individuals with weak constitution or gastrointestinal diseases should avoid them. For example, radishes are cold in nature and have the functions of aiding digestion, resolving phlegm, and regulating qi. If consumed by individuals with weak constitution or gastrointestinal diseases, it will worsen the condition. In addition, when taking ginseng or other tonics, consuming radishes at the same time is not recommended due to the antagonistic effects.
