In winter, some people's stomachs are prone to getting cold, causing symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. Therefore, it is particularly important to nourish the stomach in winter. Dietary nourishment is a common way to care for the stomach. By eating certain foods, you can regulate your stomach well and avoid some stomach diseases.
I. Foods for Nourishing the Stomach in Winter
1. Cabbage
Cabbage enters the stomach and kidney meridians. Cabbage was once one of the best vegetables recommended by the World Health Organization and is also hailed as a natural "stomach-nourishing vegetable." It is neutral in nature and sweet in taste, non-toxic. The vitamin K1 and vitamin U it contains can not only prevent stomach ulcers, protect and repair gastric mucosal tissue, but also keep stomach cells active and vigorous, reducing the chance of disease.
2. Sweet Potato
""Compendium of Materia Medica: Supplement"" records: ""It tonifies the middle, warms the stomach, and nourishes the five organs."" Consuming it in cold weather can strengthen the body's vital energy, nourish the stomach, aid digestion, resolve food stagnation, and also clear the intestines and aid in weight loss. Many people think that eating sweet potatoes causes more flatulence, and whether the sugar in sweet potatoes will cause excessive stomach acid, but it is actually caused by gastrointestinal peristalsis. However, sweet potatoes have a high starch content, which is converted into glucose after eating, making them unsuitable for diabetics.
Rock Sugar and Osmanthus Sweet Potato Soup
Extended Reading: A Complete Guide to Eating Sweet Potatoes
3. Carrot
According to Chinese medicine, carrots ""promote the descent of qi, tonify the middle, benefit the spleen and diaphragm, moisten the intestines, and pacify the five organs, with the effect of improving appetite."" The rich carotene can be converted into vitamin A. Its sweet and neutral nature can brighten the eyes and nourish the spirit, enhance resistance, and prevent respiratory diseases. Carotene is fat-soluble, so it is most suitable to stew with meat, and the taste is also better.
4. Spinach
Spinach can moisten dryness and nourish the liver, benefit the stomach and intestines, and relieve constipation. ""Materia Medica for Dietetic Therapy"" records: ""It benefits the five organs, unblocks the intestines, and resolves alcohol toxicity."" Spinach can promote the secretion of the stomach and pancreas, increase appetite, and its sweet and cool nature aids digestion. The rich fiber also helps intestinal peristalsis and is beneficial for bowel movements. However, spinach has a high oxalic acid content, which hinders calcium absorption. It should be avoided eating with high-calcium foods like tofu or seaweed, or blanched briefly before cooking to remove oxalic acid.
5. Pumpkin
""Compendium of Materia Medica"" records: ""Pumpkin is warm in nature and sweet in taste, entering the spleen and stomach meridians."" It can tonify the middle and replenish qi, reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and relieve pain. Its rich pectin can ""adsorb"" bacteria and toxic substances, including heavy metals like lead, playing a detoxifying role. 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 intestines and stomach.
Shredded Carrot with Egg
Extended Reading: A Complete Guide to Eating Carrots
II. Methods for Nourishing the Stomach in Winter
1. Pay Attention to Keeping Warm
The temperature difference between day and night is large in winter. Pay special attention to keeping the stomach warm, add clothes in a timely manner, and cover yourself with a quilt at night to prevent abdominal cold from causing pain or aggravating old illnesses.
2. Dietary Regulation
The diet should be warm, soft, light, vegetarian, and fresh. Eat at regular times and in fixed amounts, and eat small meals frequently to keep food and stomach acid neutral in the stomach. Do not eat foods that are too cold, too hot, too hard, too spicy, or too greasy. Maintain regular meal times and avoid overeating. Choose fresh and clean food.
3. Optimistic Mood
Studies have shown that gastric and duodenal ulcers are closely related to a person's psychology and emotions. Excessive worry, sadness, fear, tension, and anger can all lead to gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, maintain a happy spirit and stable emotions, and avoid the stimulation of negative emotions such as tension, anxiety, and anger.
【Guangdong】Country Vegetable Soup
Extended Reading: A Complete Guide to Eating Spinach
4. A Balance Between Work and Rest
Long-term mental tension can cause gastric mucosal blood vessels to constrict and disrupt stomach function, leading to gastritis and ulcers. In addition, both excessive physical and mental labor can cause insufficient blood supply to the digestive organs and disrupt gastric mucosal secretion.
5. Physical Exercise
Actively participate in various sports activities, which can help improve gastrointestinal blood circulation, enhance the body's ability to adapt to climate changes, and improve disease resistance.
6. Caution with Medication
Do not take drugs that are highly irritating to the gastric mucosa. Those who need to take medication for a long time should adjust their medication in a timely manner under a doctor's guidance.
Pumpkin and Oat Juice
Extended Reading: A Complete Guide to Eating Pumpkin
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