“Stomach cold” is a problem for many people, and experts suggest improving diet to regulate it. Pumpkin — Detoxifying and Protecting the Stomach
Due to the widely circulated effects of pumpkin for weight loss and beauty, a pumpkin trend has emerged in recent years. Compendium of Materia Medica states: "Pumpkin is warm in nature, sweet in taste, and enters the spleen and stomach meridians." It can tonify the middle jiao, dispel inflammation, kill bacteria, and relieve pain. Its rich pectin can "adsorb" bacteria and toxic substances, including heavy metals like lead, thereby detoxifying the body. At the same time, pectin can protect the stomach from irritation and reduce ulcers. You can cook pumpkin into congee or soup to nourish the stomach and intestines. Carrot — Boosting Immunity
Carrot is sweet and neutral in taste. Chinese medicine believes it "descends qi, tonifies the middle jiao, benefits the diaphragm and spleen, moistens the intestines, and pacifies the five organs." Its rich carotene can be converted into vitamin A, which improves eyesight and mental clarity, enhances immunity, and prevents respiratory diseases. Carotene is fat-soluble, so it is best stewed with meat, which also improves the flavor. Cabbage — Natural Stomach Vegetable
Cabbage is neutral and sweet in taste, non-toxic, and enters the stomach and kidney meridians. Cabbage is one of the best vegetables recommended by the World Health Organization and is hailed as a natural "stomach vegetable." The vitamin K1 and vitamin U it contains can not only combat stomach ulcers, protect and repair gastric mucosal tissue, but also keep stomach cells active and vigorous, reducing the chance of disease. People with stomach and duodenal ulcers can drink cabbage juice daily, or mix it with honey, which has the effect of promoting ulcer healing. Spinach — Nourishing Blood and Relieving Constipation
Spinach is sweet and cool in nature, able to moisten dryness, nourish the liver, benefit the stomach and intestines, and relieve constipation. Dietary Therapy in Materia Medica states: "Benefits the five organs, unblocks the intestines, and resolves alcohol toxicity." Spinach can promote secretion from the stomach and pancreas, increase appetite, and aid digestion; its rich fiber also helps intestinal motility and facilitates bowel movements. However, spinach is high in oxalic acid, which hinders calcium absorption. It should be avoided with high-calcium foods like tofu and seaweed, or briefly blanched before cooking to remove the oxalic acid. Sweet Potato — Nourishing the Stomach and Resolving Food Stagnation
Sweet potato is neutral and sweet in taste, tonifying the spleen and qi. A Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica records: "Tonifies the middle jiao, warms the stomach, and nourishes the five organs." Consuming it in cold weather can nourish the stomach's vital energy, resolve food stagnation, and also has the effect of clearing the intestines and aiding weight loss. Many people believe that eating sweet potatoes causes a lot of flatulence, but this is actually due to gastrointestinal motility. However, sweet potato is very high in starch, which is converted to glucose after eating, making it unsuitable for diabetic patients.