What are the long-term side effects of drinking red姑娘 (Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii)?

Generally speaking, the main side effects of long-term consumption of ground cherry (Physalis alkekengi) include nutritional imbalance, gastrointestinal dysfunction, increased kidney burden, anemia, and poisoning. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Nutritional Imbalance: Long-term reliance solely on ground cherry water while neglecting other food sources may lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients. Prolonged dependence on a single beverage can result in a monotonous diet, causing nutritional imbalances and negatively affecting overall health.

2. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction: Ground cherry has strong medicinal properties, and long-term consumption may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to gastrointestinal disturbances. This may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can interfere with daily activities.

3. Increased Kidney Burden: Ground cherry has a diuretic effect, helping the body eliminate excess water and toxins. However, long-term excessive consumption of ground cherry water may increase the burden on the kidneys and potentially cause kidney damage.

4. Anemia: Components in ground cherry may form substances with iron that are difficult for the body to absorb, thereby interfering with iron absorption and utilization. Iron is an essential element for hemoglobin formation, and reduced iron absorption can decrease the number of red blood cells in the blood, leading to anemia.

5. Poisoning: Ground cherry may contain solanine, a toxic component. While moderate intake of solanine can have medicinal benefits, excessive intake or improper handling may lead to poisoning. Long-term heavy consumption of ground cherry water could increase the risk of poisoning, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, and in severe cases, it may even be life-threatening.

When consuming ground cherry water, it should be taken in moderation, and attention should be paid to the body's response. If any adverse symptoms occur, consumption should be stopped immediately and medical advice sought. Additionally, maintaining a diverse diet and ensuring balanced nutrient intake are also important measures for maintaining good health.