Foods that should not be eaten with Dragon Boat Festival rice dumplings

With the Dragon Boat Festival approaching, many families and individuals will follow tradition and enjoy zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) to celebrate the festival. However, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners remind us that zongzi, made primarily of glutinous rice, is oily, sticky, and difficult to digest, which can be detrimental to digestion.Weak gastrointestinal functionFor those who are not consuming zongzi, it is not advisable to eat too much. In addition, if you immediately consume cold drinks or raw fruits, such as iced beer, iced drinks, ice cream, or watermelon and cantaloupe, after eating zongzi, it is easy to irritate the stomach and intestines, leading to indigestion, nausea, vomiting, or even acute gastroenteritis and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Yang Zining, a traditional Chinese medicine doctor at Tainan Municipal Hospital, pointed out that the main ingredients of zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) include glutinous rice, braised pork, and salted egg yolks. These ingredients are generally oily and sticky, placing a heavy burden on the digestive system. She used the analogy of cooking porridge: if you keep adding cold water or ice cubes while cooking porridge, it will not only prolong the cooking time but also make it difficult to cook until soft. Similarly, if you eat cold food immediately after eating hot zongzi, it will interfere with the normal functioning of the stomach, making the oily ingredients like glutinous rice more likely to solidify.Difficult to digestThis leads to retention in the stomach, resulting inAbdominal bloating and discomfortIt may even cause problems such as gastroesophageal reflux.

For common gastrointestinal discomfort during the holidays, Dr. Yang Zining suggests massaging specific acupoints to help relieve symptoms. For example, the "Neiguan" acupoint is located on the palmar side of the forearm, between the two tendons, about three finger-widths (approximately the width of the index, middle, and ring fingers) above the wrist crease. This acupoint helps improve symptoms caused by stomach upset, such as palpitations, chest tightness, heartburn (commonly known as "burning heart") caused by acid reflux, and bloating. Another recommended acupoint is "Zusanli," located on the anterolateral aspect of the lower leg, about four finger-widths (approximately the width of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers) below the knee. It is the He-Sea point of the Stomach Meridian, and frequent massage can help promote digestion and relieve bloating and indigestion.

Besides acupressure, doctors also recommend pairing zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) with warm teas to help cut through the richness and promote digestion. Examples include hibiscus tea, hawthorn and tangerine peel tea, and rose and lotus leaf tea, all of which generally help remove oil, aid digestion, and soothe stomach discomfort. Furthermore, since zongzi are rich in starch, protein, and fat, but relatively low in fiber and vitamins, it's important to maintain a balanced diet when eating them. It's recommended to include fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, such as a simple plate of blanched vegetables or room-temperature fruits rich in enzymes, like kiwis, apples, pineapples, and papayas, to promote digestion and nutrient absorption. At the same time, avoid consuming cooling fruits like watermelon and cantaloupe, which can irritate the stomach, to reduce the burden of festive eating and ensure a healthy and enjoyable Dragon Boat Festival.