Hawthorn, this sour and sweet little fruit, is not only a favorite snack for children, but also a health-enhancing product suitable for all ages. Many people like to drink hawthorn water in the hope of promoting appetite, aiding digestion, and assisting in weight loss. However, despite the numerous benefits of hawthorn, it is not suitable for all groups and situations. The following 2 situations and 3 types of people need to pay special attention when consuming hawthorn water to avoid adverse effects on health!
1. Two situations not suitable for drinking hawthorn water
1. On an empty stomach
Hawthorn contains a lot of organic acids, such as citric acid and malic acid. Drinking hawthorn water on an empty stomach can directly stimulate the gastric mucosa, increase gastric acid secretion, and have a strong stimulating effect on the stomach, leading to stomach discomfort such as pain, acid reflux, and nausea. Especially for individuals with excess stomach acid, gastritis, gastric ulcers, and other stomach diseases, drinking hawthorn water on an empty stomach can worsen the condition. Therefore, it is best to drink hawthorn water 30 minutes to one hour after a meal when the food in the stomach is partially digested, which can effectively buffer the direct stimulation of hawthorn water on the gastric mucosa.
2. When taking certain medications
Hawthorn is rich in vitamin C and fruit acids, which have a certain acid-base neutralization effect and may affect the absorption and efficacy of certain medications. For example, when taken with alkaline medications (such as sodium bicarbonate, aminophylline), the acidic components in hawthorn may react with them, reducing the efficacy of the medication. When taken with metal ion-containing medications like iron supplements, calcium supplements, the organic acids in hawthorn may form chelates with metal ions, affecting their absorption. In addition, hawthorn may interact with anticoagulants, antidiabetic medications, etc., affecting their efficacy or increasing the risk of adverse reactions. Therefore, individuals taking medications should consult a doctor or pharmacist before drinking hawthorn water to confirm whether there are any interactions with the medications they are taking.
2. Three types of people not suitable for drinking hawthorn water
1. Pregnant women
Hawthorn has a certain blood-activating and stasis-resolving effect. For pregnant women, excessive consumption of hawthorn water may cause uterine contractions to increase, thus increasing the risk of miscarriage. Additionally, the fruit acids in hawthorn may affect the absorption of trace elements such as iron and zinc in pregnant women, which is not conducive to fetal development. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid consuming large amounts of hawthorn water, especially in the early stages of pregnancy or if there is a history of miscarriage.
2. Patients with stomach conditions
As mentioned earlier, the organic acids in hawthorn have a strong stimulating effect on the gastric mucosa. Individuals with stomach conditions such as gastritis, gastric ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, etc., may experience increased stomach discomfort or worsened stomach conditions after drinking hawthorn water. Such individuals should be cautious when drinking hawthorn water, and if any stomach discomfort occurs, they should stop using it immediately and seek medical attention promptly.
3. Diabetic patients with poor blood sugar control
Hawthorn contains a certain amount of sugar, although its glycemic index is low. However, for diabetic patients with poor blood sugar control, excessive consumption of hawthorn water may still cause blood sugar fluctuations, which is not conducive to blood sugar management. In addition, the organic acids in hawthorn may interact with oral hypoglycemic agents commonly used by diabetic patients, affecting their efficacy. Therefore, diabetic patients should consume hawthorn water in moderation, closely monitor changes in blood sugar, consult a doctor or nutritionist to adjust their diet plan if necessary.
3. Other considerations when drinking hawthorn water
1. Moderation
Hawthorn water should be consumed in moderation, generally not exceeding 200ml per day, to avoid excessive gastric acid and low blood sugar issues.
2. Pairing with ingredients
Hawthorn water can be paired with ingredients such as red dates, goji berries, and ginger to neutralize the acidity of hawthorn, increase nutritional content, and enhance the health benefits.
3. Choosing hawthorn
Choose fresh hawthorn with bright color, free of pests, and without mold to avoid hawthorn products with excessive pesticide residues or additives.
To drink hawthorn water correctly, one must understand the appropriate timing, appropriate groups of people, and pay attention to moderation, ingredient pairing, and the quality of hawthorn itself to fully realize its health benefits and avoid unnecessary health risks. Furthermore, no health regimen can replace regular medical treatment. If any discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly!
