In the concept of traditional Chinese medicine, avoiding spicy foods is crucial for post-illness recovery. Spicy ingredients and medicines, with their pungent and warm properties, can promote the circulation of qi and blood and help eliminate pathogenic factors. However, consuming spicy foods when sick may do more harm than good and should be limited. Next, let’s delve into the potential impact of spicy foods on the recovery period and the category of spiciness defined in traditional Chinese medicine.
Eating spicy foods when ill can lead to various adverse effects. Firstly, the capsaicin in spicy foods may accelerate gastrointestinal motility, causing digestive issues such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, especially for colds and coughs sufferers, it may worsen coughing and sore throat. Secondly, the spicy stimulation can accelerate the circulation of qi and blood, depleting qi/yin and be unfavorable for weak individuals’ recovery, prolonging the recuperation period. Moreover, with lowered immunity when sick, spicy foods may trigger or worsen allergic reactions such as allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, etc.
The spicy ingredients defined in traditional Chinese medicine cover a wide range, such as chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, onions, and pepper, among others. These foods have unique benefits but also carry risks. For example, chili peppers can aid digestion but in excess can harm the stomach; Sichuan peppercorns can warm the middle-jiao and increase appetite, but could also exacerbate inner heat; garlic boosts immunity, but overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort; ginger aids digestion but may also irritate stomach mucosa; onions are good for appetite and digestion, but overeating can lead to discomfort; pepper promotes the secretion of digestive juices but excessive amounts can damage the gastrointestinal tract.
In addition, condiments such as chili sauce and mustard fall under the category of spicy. They should be used in moderation in daily cooking, especially during illness, following the doctor’s advice and opting for light, easily digestible foods to maintain good health.
In conclusion, although spicy foods have medicinal and nutritional value, inappropriate consumption post-illness may impede recovery. Balancing diet, following the principle of avoiding spiciness, is crucial for promoting recovery and maintaining overall health harmony.
