Although hot pot is delicious, many people are troubled by the "internal heat" it causes after eating. In fact, there's no need to worry if you learn a scientific way to eat it. The reasons for getting "internal heat" from hot pot can be boiled down to three: Reason one
It is caused by the spiciness of the broth or seasonings. Spicy food can disrupt the digestive function of the spleen and stomach, generating internal heat and dampness, which can lead to problems like constipation and hemorrhoid flare-ups. Spicy irritation can also cause acute gastrointestinal inflammation, resulting in a sore throat, skin redness, itching, dryness, and peeling, as well as triggering swollen gums, canker sores, chapped lips, oral ulcers, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Therefore, it's better to give up the momentary pleasure of spicy flavors and avoid or eat less of them. This is especially true for patients with stomach and duodenal ulcers, hemorrhoids, stomatitis, chronic pharyngitis, chronic pancreatitis, cholecystitis, and those with yin deficiency and internal heat, who often experience hot palms and soles and night sweats; they should be particularly restrained in their consumption of spicy food. Reason two
The unscientific selection of ingredients for the hot pot. Many people like to base their hot pot on high-calorie foods like lamb, beef, and dog meat, which of course will "invite fire upon themselves." A scientific approach to ingredient selection should involve eating more foods that clear heat and nourish yin, and choosing lower-calorie options like chicken, fish, and seafood. At the same time, a large amount of green leafy vegetables must be included. Vegetables are generally cool in nature and can not only cut through the greasiness and supplement the body with vitamins but also have a cooling, detoxifying, and heat-clearing effect. Eating some tofu is also advisable; the gypsum in it can not only increase the intake of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium but also has the effects of clearing heat, purging fire, relieving vexation, and quenching thirst, which can alleviate symptoms of "internal heat." Adding some lotus seeds to the hot pot can help balance nutrition and also has the effects of nourishing the body, strengthening the constitution, calming the mind, and purging fire. Reason three
Indulgently consuming nourishing herbal hot pots. In recent years, many hotels have advertised "medicinal cuisine" and "nourishing hot pots" to attract customers. In reality, these medicinal herbal hot pots are not suitable for everyone. Improper consumption not only fails to achieve the desired health-boosting effects but may also harm your health. Medicinal cuisine is not a simple combination of food and Chinese medicine; it is a refined product made from medicinal herbs, food, and seasonings, guided by the principles of TCM dietetics. A group of diners will have different constitutions, so it's clearly inappropriate for everyone to eat the same medicinal dish. For example, "Shen Yu Zhu Lao Duck Soup" is suitable for patients with lung dryness, dry cough, and constipation, but it can have the opposite effect on those with yang deficiency or cold phlegm. If you prefer nourishing hot pots, it's a good idea to consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner to have a clear understanding of the principles of "balancing yin and yang, and tonifying and purging." Before eating a hot pot, you must find out what Chinese herbs are in the broth in order to make an informed choice.