Under the pressure of a fast-paced lifestyle, the stomach is one of the most vulnerable organs in the human body. Today, gastrointestinal chronic diseases have become the leading cause of illness and the most sought-after condition in my country. In fact, our ancestors recognized the importance of stomach health long ago and recorded some foods that can nourish the stomach. This article introduces several stomach-nourishing foods recommended by our ancestors.
Poria cocos. It has a sweet and bland taste and a neutral nature. It has the effects of strengthening the spleen and stomach, removing dampness and promoting diuresis, and also has anti-aging effects. In addition to the most common Poria cocos cakes, it can also be ground into powder and added to porridge, or mixed with honey and spread on pastries before steaming.
Lotus seeds. They have a mild medicinal property and a slightly sweet taste. Traditional Chinese medicine believes they can replenish the spleen and stomach qi, stop diarrhea, and also nourish the heart and calm the mind. It should be noted that the bitter core (or stamen) of lotus seeds needs to be removed before consumption.
Fox nuts (芡实) , also known as gorgon fruit, are neutral in nature and have a sweet and astringent taste. They are one of the best foods for nourishing the spleen and stomach, and also have the effect of consolidating body fluids. Their effects are similar to lotus seeds, but their astringent properties are stronger. If someone has diarrhea due to a weak spleen and stomach, fox nuts can also help stop the diarrhea. Because fox nuts are quite hard, they should be cooked for a long time, or they can be ground into powder and added to porridge.
Pumpkin. According to *Diannan Materia Medica* and *Compendium of Materia Medica*, pumpkin is warm in nature, sweet in taste, and enters the spleen and stomach meridians. This means that pumpkin is very beneficial for nourishing the spleen and stomach. From a modern nutritional perspective, pumpkin is rich in carotene, B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and other components, making it excellent for strengthening the stomach and aiding digestion. Its pectin content can protect the gastrointestinal mucosa from irritation by rough foods, making it suitable for people with stomach problems. Furthermore, the components in pumpkin can promote bile secretion, strengthen gastrointestinal motility, and help digestion. Pumpkin can be cooked in various ways, including steaming, making porridge, or adding to soups.
Millet. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that millet is sweet and neutral in nature, entering the kidney, spleen, and stomach meridians. The *Compendium of Materia Medica* also records that millet "treats nausea and dysentery caused by heat; when cooked into porridge, it benefits the lower abdomen, replenishes deficiencies, and opens the stomach and intestines." Nutritionally, millet is particularly outstanding because its iron and vitamin B1 content is superior to wheat, rice, and corn, making it especially suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Millet has a relatively low dietary fiber content among whole grains, a delicate texture, and is easily digestible, making it suitable for infants over 6 months old. Millet can be cooked alone into porridge, or with dates, lily bulbs, etc., to make a nutritious porridge, or cooked with rice to make "two-grain rice."
Sweet potatoes. Ancient books such as the *Compendium of Materia Medica* and *Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica* record that sweet potatoes have the effects of "replenishing deficiency, boosting energy, and strengthening the spleen and stomach," thus promoting "longevity and reducing illness." Modern research shows that sweet potatoes contain a large amount of dietary fiber, which helps stimulate intestinal peristalsis and the secretion of digestive juices, protecting the stomach and intestines. In addition, sweet potatoes are rich in carotene, which is beneficial to the eyesight of children and the elderly, and are also rich in nutrients such as potassium, iron, and vitamin B6. Sweet potatoes can be boiled directly or used to make porridge.
Yam. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that yam is neutral in nature and sweet in taste, and enters the lung, spleen, stomach, and kidney meridians. Ancient books throughout history have recorded the mild tonic effects of yam. The *Compendium of Materia Medica* mentions that yam benefits kidney qi and strengthens the spleen and stomach. According to records, Empress Dowager Cixi's "Eight Treasures Cake," eaten to strengthen her spleen and stomach, contained yam. From a modern nutritional perspective, yam contains amylase, polyphenol oxidase, and other substances that can promote digestion and improve gastrointestinal function. Yam can be prepared in various ways. It can be cooked into a mixed grain porridge with rice, millet, and red dates; it can also be ground into a fine powder and mixed with rice flour to make a paste; or it can be steamed and made into blueberry yam.
Ginger. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that ginger juice is pungent and warm in nature, entering the lung, stomach, and spleen meridians. The *Dietary Therapy Materia Medica* states that it "stops nausea, relieves irritability, and improves appetite." The *Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica* records that ginger "removes cold and phlegm, and improves appetite." Ginger is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat nausea and vomiting, and is very helpful for patients with stomach ailments. Modern pharmacological research shows that gingerol, abundant in ginger, can stimulate nerve endings in the digestive tract, causing gastrointestinal motility and increasing the secretion of saliva, gastric juice, and intestinal digestive juices, thereby strengthening the spleen and stomach and increasing appetite. Besides being used as a seasoning, ginger can also be used to make tea.
