When feeling unwell or sick, we often hear others advising not to consume “trigger foods.” Consuming trigger foods can worsen the discomfort and aggravate the illness. The concept of trigger foods is both familiar and unfamiliar to many people. While they know trigger foods exist, the specific foods considered trigger foods and whether one should avoid them when ill are often unclear. Let’s delve into these questions to uncover the mystery behind trigger foods.
Trigger foods are those that can either cause diseases or exacerbate existing conditions. They are the foods that one should avoid when ill. The term “trigger foods” is commonly used, but neither modern nor traditional medical fields officially recognize it. Trigger foods are a popular notion in folk medicine, based on centuries of observations. For instance, some individuals experience sudden health issues or exacerbation of preexisting conditions after consuming meats like dog or lamb, leading to the categorization of these meats as trigger foods. Similarly, certain individuals develop skin rashes or convulsions after consuming seafood, categorizing seafood as trigger foods.
There are numerous foods considered trigger foods, including fish, shrimp, dog meat, goose meat, lamb, onions, garlic, chives, mushrooms, eggs, lychee, watermelon, and more. Due to the variety of trigger foods, many individuals refrain from eating anything when sick, only sticking to foods like rice porridge. However, such strict avoidance is unnecessary. Trigger foods are based on empirical observations, not all of which are accurate. For instance, if someone develops a rash after eating seafood, it may be due to an allergy to seafood rather than seafood being a trigger food that must be avoided.
Ultimately, trigger foods are a pseudo-concept. Take eggs, for example – they are commonly considered trigger foods that should be avoided when sick. However, the truth is that when ill, one should consume eggs as they are a high-quality source of protein. When feeling unwell, it’s essential to increase protein intake, making it advisable to consume eggs in moderation. Lack of protein intake can hinder recovery rather than aid it.
Another example is seafood, often associated with trigger foods. Many avoid consuming seafood when unwell, fearing potential consequences. However, seafood is rich in protein, low in fat, and contains essential nutrients like amino acids necessary for the human body. Unless allergic to seafood, consuming seafood in moderation can be beneficial for nutrient intake and overall health.
Many individuals, especially after facing health issues or surgery, become overly cautious about what to eat. It’s crucial not to blindly avoid certain foods when unwell but rather focus on supplementing nutrients by consuming healthy foods, aiding in the recovery process.
While trigger foods are a pseudo-concept, it’s still essential to be cautious about what one eats when sick. For instance, individuals with high blood pressure should reduce salt intake and avoid high-fat and high-oil foods or high-sugar content. Those with high uric acid should avoid high-purine foods, while individuals with constipation should steer clear of dry and spicy foods. Similarly, individuals with skin issues should consume fewer spicy foods, those with weak stomachs should avoid cold and spicy foods, individuals with liver issues should reduce high-protein and high-fat foods, and those with eye problems should avoid chives, among other dietary considerations.
In conclusion, it’s essential not to overly rely on trigger foods when ill. Depriving the body of necessary nutrients during illness can further weaken it. However, that doesn’t mean one can eat anything without consequences. It’s prudent to still consider dietary restrictions, tailored to one’s specific health condition. Scientifically monitored dietary restrictions can facilitate a speedier recovery and overall well-being.
