Why shouldn't people with stomach problems eat tofu?

In general, people with stomach diseases should avoid eating tofu because it may lead to indigestion, stimulate gastric acid secretion, cause mechanical damage to the gastric mucosa, abdominal pain and bloating, and interfere with iron absorption. The specific reasons are as follows:

1. Indigestion

Pepsin is an essential substance for digesting proteins. When patients with stomach disease consume tofu, which is high in protein, the incomplete digestion of protein may lead to fermentation in the stomach, causing symptoms such as stomach pain and bloating.

2. Stimulation of gastric acid secretion

Tofu contains purines, which can promote the secretion of gastric juice. Excessive gastric acid secretion in patients with stomach disease may worsen damage to the gastric mucosa, leading to discomforts such as stomach pain and excessive stomach acid.

3. Mechanical damage to the gastric mucosa

Tofu contains a certain amount of dietary fiber, which may cause mechanical irritation or injury to the gastric mucosa. This effect may be more pronounced in patients whose gastric mucosa is already damaged.

4. Abdominal pain and bloating

Legumes and tofu contain oligosaccharides such as stachyose and raffinose, which cannot be broken down and absorbed by human digestive enzymes but are fermented by intestinal bacteria, producing small-molecule gases. These gases may cause discomforts such as bloating and abdominal pain.

5. Impaired iron absorption

Components in tofu may interfere with the body's absorption of iron. Impaired iron absorption in patients with stomach disease could lead to health issues such as anemia, potentially worsening their condition.

Patients with stomach disease should尽量 avoid or limit tofu consumption to reduce the burden on the stomach and prevent discomfort. In terms of diet, they should choose light, easily digestible foods such as millet-pumpkin porridge or rice congee, and follow medical advice for dietary adjustments and treatment.