Why should I avoid eating spicy food while taking traditional Chinese medicine?

Generally, the reasons why spicy food should not be consumed when taking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) include altering the medicinal properties, affecting drug absorption, irritating the gastrointestinal tract, triggering allergic reactions, and influencing the circulation of qi and blood. The specific details are as follows:

1. Altering Medicinal Properties: Spicy foods, such as chili peppers, possess warming properties that may interfere with the regulation of yin-yang balance by TCM, thus affecting the medicine's properties. For example, patients with heat syndromes requiring cold-natured herbal treatments may find that consuming spicy foods reduces the cooling effects of the medicine, thereby weakening its therapeutic efficacy.

2. Affecting Drug Absorption: Spicy foods entering the gastrointestinal tract may increase the permeability of the gastrointestinal mucosa, which can affect the ability of drug molecules to pass through the mucosal lining. When drugs cannot effectively cross the mucosa into the bloodstream, their absorption is compromised, thus reducing effectiveness.

3. Irritating the Gastrointestinal Tract: Traditional Chinese medicine itself may cause a certain degree of gastrointestinal irritation, and spicy foods can similarly irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Combined, these effects may increase the burden on the digestive system, leading to discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

4. Triggering Allergic Reactions: In individuals with allergic constitutions, spicy foods may provoke allergic reactions such as itching and skin rashes. During the period of taking TCM, consuming spicy foods may increase the risk of allergic reactions, which could be detrimental to disease recovery.

5. Affecting Qi and Blood Circulation: Excessive intake of spicy foods may lead to an excess of internal yang energy, causing heat in the qi and blood, thereby disrupting the normal circulation of qi and blood. This may reduce the regulating effects of TCM and slow the rate of recovery from illness.

TCM should be taken according to medical advice. During treatment, it is important to maintain a bland diet and consume foods such as apples, bananas, and grapes.