Bezoars are stone-like masses that form in the stomach after consuming certain substances, with phytobezoars, particularly those from persimmons, being the most common. As people's lifestyles become faster-paced and dietary habits change, the incidence of stone diseases is on the rise. Certain foods, especially when consumed on an empty stomach, can easily trigger gastric bezoars! For example:
Foods Not to Eat on an Empty Stomach: Persimmon
I. Persimmon
Persimmons contain tannic acid, which coagulates into clumps when it reacts with stomach acid. These stones often start with a core, and as the stomach churns, more substances adhere to it, causing the mass to grow larger. Eventually, the pressure from the stone on the stomach tissue can lead to symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Over time, an ulcer and erosive tissue can form beneath the stone.
Foods Not to Eat on an Empty Stomach: Tomato
II. Tomato
Tomatoes also contain significant amounts of tannic acid and pectin. When eaten on an empty stomach, they can form hard lumps of varying sizes under the action of stomach acid. If these lumps cannot pass through the pylorus into the small intestine, they will remain in the stomach and form a gastric bezoar. Small gastric stones are initially about the size of an apricot pit and will continue to grow.
Foods Not to Eat on an Empty Stomach: Hawthorn
III. Hawthorn
Hawthorn contains tannic acid, which, when mixed with stomach acid, forms an insoluble precipitate. This precipitate, combined with pectin, food residue, and other materials, forms a clumpy mass that becomes a bezoar. Consuming tannic acid-rich foods like hawthorn and persimmons on an empty stomach or after drinking alcohol can more easily lead to gastric bezoars.
Reminder: Remember! Once you have a gastric bezoar, lithotripsy under gastroscopy is the simplest and safest method. Do not attempt to dissolve it at home by drinking carbonated beverages, as this may lead to gastric perforation or intestinal obstruction.