STI: Fatty food creates phlegm

March 1, 2009

Fatty food creates phlegm

By Gerard Yeo 

 

I am suffering from reflux esophagitis and am taking medication to suppress acid from the stomach. My doctor says there is severe bleeding in some areas of my stomach. Fortunately, it is not cancerous. Can TCM help?

 

Reflux esophagitis or gastroesophageal reflux disorder (Gerd) is the poor functioning of the musculature of the lower esophageal segment, which allows reflux of the stomach?s contents.

 

Esophagitis is the inflammation of the esophagus, which is the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.

 

Reflux esophagitis is caused by a deficiency in the functions of the liver and stomach.

 

Stagnant and insufficient qi, bad blood circulation and pathogenic factors such as phlegm, heat and dampness, also play a part.

 

Chinese medicine, acupuncture, cupping therapy and tui-na massage can improve your condition by strengthening your organs and dispelling the pathogenic factors.

 

Chinese herbs such as Chinese Thorowax Root (Chaihu), White Peony Root (Baishao), Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang) and Inula Flower (Xuanfuhua) are commonly prescribed to treat reflux esophagitis.

 

Cuttlebone (Haipiaoxiao) can reduce inflammation, while Yanhusuo (Yanhushuo), Turmeric Root-tuber (Yujin) and Orange Fruit (Zhiqiao) can improve circulation of qi and reduce pain.

 

You should avoid stress and mood swings as these create liver heat and fire.

 

Do not smoke, and lose weight if you are obese. Sleep on your side and elevate the head of your bed by 10 to 20cm. This can help prevent the condition from occurring.

 

Go on a liquid or soft diet and do not eat two hours before sleeping. Also, eat smaller meals throughout the day. This will provide some relief too as there is less food in the stomach.

 

Do not eat fatty food as these create phlegm. Also avoid spicy food, coffee and alcohol as these create heat and phlegm. You should not take citrus fruit such as oranges and lemons as these produce the same negative effect.

 

Do not eat cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli as these weaken the circulation of qi.

 

Exercises such as taiji and qigong can improve the circulation of qi.

 

Information provided by Ms Lim Lay Beng, a TCM physician at YS Healthcare TCM Clinic in The Adelphi.