How to eat during Tet to avoid stomach ache?

MSc. Dr. Nguyen Thi Quy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, said that for people with digestive problems such as stomach and esophageal diseases, uncontrolled eating or choosing the wrong food can make the disease worse.

Eat right

You should choose foods that are easy to digest such as porridge, soft rice, low-fat banh chung, boiled or steamed foods. Some foods that protect the stomach lining include low-sugar yogurt, oatmeal, and sweet potatoes.

For fruits and vegetables, choose less sour ones such as apples, pears, pumpkins, carrots, spinach... Mild drinks such as ginger tea, warm water mixed with honey are good for digestion, limit carbonated soft drinks, coffee and alcoholic beverages.

Foods to avoid

People with stomach and esophagus problems should not choose foods that are difficult to digest such as spicy foods (hot pot, kimchi, chili). Fried foods and fast foods cause irritation and increase stomach acid secretion. Highly acidic foods such as citrus fruits can increase the burning sensation and discomfort. In addition, sour foods such as pickled onions, pickles, and kimchi can increase stomach acid, causing irritation and worsening GERD symptoms (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Foods high in sugar such as Tet jam can increase stomach acid secretion, worsen existing symptoms and cause bloating and indigestion.

Tips for eating to "deal with" stomach and esophageal diseases

People with stomach and esophageal diseases should eat many small meals to avoid the stomach being too hungry or too full. Divide food into 5-6 small meals a day, eat slowly, chew thoroughly to reduce pressure on the digestive system and prevent bloating and indigestion.

Do not lie down immediately after eating, especially for people with reflux. Sit up straight or walk around gently after meals. Limit late night snacks. Dinner should be at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.

You should eat banh chung with vegetarian filling or less fatty meat, cut into thin slices and eat with green vegetables for easy digestion. You should not eat fried or re-fried banh chung to avoid bloating.

For braised meat and fried dishes, choose lean meat and limit fatty meat. Steam or boil instead of frying, or use an air fryer. Avoid eating fried foods with lots of oil or salty stir-fries like stir-fried meat.

Eat low-sugar jams or unsweetened dried fruit. Avoid eating too many jams or sweets.

Pay attention to living habits

Control your sleep: Tet holiday often has many activities to visit and play spring and also pressure, increasing the risk of stomach disease recurrence due to stress. Arrange reasonable rest time. Need to get enough sleep 7-8 hours/day and avoid staying up late.

People with gastroesophageal disease should always carry digestive support medications such as acid-reducing drugs (PPIs), antacids or digestive enzymes prescribed by their doctor and make sure to take them on time.

Walk gently for 15-20 minutes after eating to help the digestive system work better, avoiding bloating and indigestion.