Foods that Should not be Eaten with Dragon Boat Festival Rice Dumplings

The Dragon Boat Festival is approaching, and many families and people will eat zongzi according to traditional customs and enjoy the festive atmosphere. However, Chinese medicine practitioners remind us that zongzi is made of glutinous rice, which is greasy, sticky and difficult to digest.Weak gastrointestinal functionIn addition, if you consume cold drinks or raw fruits immediately after eating zongzi, such as ice beer, iced drinks, ice cream, or watermelon or cantaloupe, it can easily irritate the stomach and intestines, leading to indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and even acute gastroenteritis and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Yang Zining, a Chinese medicine doctor at Tainan Municipal Hospital, pointed out that the main ingredients of zongzi include glutinous rice, braised pork, salted egg yolks, etc. These ingredients are generally greasy and sticky, which puts a heavy burden on the digestion of the stomach and intestines. She used the analogy of making porridge. If you keep adding cold water or ice cubes during the cooking process, it will not only prolong the cooking time, but also make it difficult to cook the porridge until it is soft. By the same token, if you eat cold food after eating hot zongzi, it will interfere with the normal functioning of the stomach and make greasy ingredients such as glutinous rice more likely to solidify.Difficult to digest, which then remains in the stomach, leading toAbdominal bloating and discomfort, and may even cause problems such as gastroesophageal reflux.

To address common gastrointestinal discomfort during the holidays, Dr. Yang Zi-ning recommends massaging specific acupoints to help alleviate symptoms. For example, Neiguan (Neiguan) is located on the midline of the palmar forearm, between two tendons, approximately three finger widths (approximately the width of the index, middle, and ring fingers) above the wrist crease. This point can help alleviate symptoms caused by upward flow of stomach qi, such as palpitations, chest tightness, a burning sensation caused by gastroesophageal reflux (commonly known as "heartburn"), and bloating. Another recommended acupoint is Zusanli (Zusanli), located on the anterior and lateral side of the lower leg, approximately four finger widths (approximately the width of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers) below the outer knee. This point is a He point on the Stomach Meridian. Regular massage can help promote digestion and relieve bloating and food stagnation.

In addition to acupressure, doctors also recommend enjoying zongzi with warm teas to help relieve greasiness and promote gastrointestinal motility. Examples include roselle tea, hawthorn and tangerine peel tea, and rose and lotus leaf tea. These teas generally have the ability to remove oil, aid digestion, and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. Furthermore, because zongzi are rich in starch, protein, and oil, but relatively low in fiber and vitamins, a balanced diet is recommended when eating them. It's recommended to also include seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables. For example, a simple plate of blanched vegetables or enzyme-rich room-temperature fruits like kiwi, apple, pineapple, and papaya can help promote digestion and nutrient absorption. At the same time, avoid fruits with a cool nature, such as watermelon and cantaloupe, which can easily irritate the stomach and intestines. This can reduce the burden of festive eating and allow you to enjoy delicious food while also taking care of your health during the Dragon Boat Festival.