Taipei City Government

After Xiaohan (minor cold) of the solar term, the footsteps of spring are getting nearer. There are tips to enjoy the annual feasts, especially when it comes to all-you-can-eat buffets, and to stay healthy. According to the doctors, the correct sequence of consuming food is: drink some hot soup to warm the stomach first, followed by some light food to let the stomach adapt, and then consume stir-fried food last. Refrain from deep-fried food. Sweet food and beverage are ok, but try not to consume them on an empty stomach.
Dr. Chen Guan-Yang, director of the Department of Gastroenterology, Ren’ai branch of Taipei City Hospital, said that if we overeat during these feasts and weaken the contractile function of the stomach, food will remain in the stomach, causing the central nervous system to keep secreting gastric acid, resulting in acute gastritis for most people. For those who are already suffering from gastroesophageal reflux or gastric ulcer, the condition will deteriorate. Alcohol and spicy and oily food will only make it worse.
Dr. Chen reminds the public that the most important thing is not to overeat, avoid deep-fried and spicy food, and reduce alcohol intake. Also, give the stomach a moment to adjust when switching between cold and hot foods. All of these actions will help to reduce gastrointestinal burden.
In addition, upon returning home from a feast, do not go to bed immediately, as the lying position will affect the efficiency of downward contraction of the stomach. Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and weak lower esophageal sphincter relaxation are also more likely to aggravate the symptoms if lying down. Dr. Chen suggests that one should sit to rest for a while after returning from a feast to aid in digestion.