Why does eating Hongguoshen cause diarrhea, and what should be done?

　　Diarrhea refers to loose or watery stools. Generally, diarrhea caused by consumption of red ginseng (red fruit ginseng) may be due to excessive intake, food interactions, individual gastrointestinal sensitivity differences, allergic reactions, or imbalance of intestinal flora. Symptomatic management such as general treatment and medication may be needed. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical advice and undergo appropriate treatment accordingly. Detailed explanations are as follows:

　　1. Excessive intake: Red ginseng has a relatively cool nature, and excessive consumption may accelerate gastrointestinal motility, leading to diarrhea. It is recommended to stop consuming red ginseng and drink some warm water or ginger tea to warm the stomach and intestines and alleviate diarrhea.

　　2. Food interactions: When red ginseng is consumed with certain foods, adverse interactions may occur. For example, combining it with cold-natured foods like bitter melon or mung beans may excessively chill the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in diarrhea. It is recommended to drink some warm soups, such as chicken soup or fish soup, to provide gentle nourishment to the stomach and intestines and promote recovery.

　　3. Individual gastrointestinal sensitivity differences: Each person's gastrointestinal sensitivity varies, and some individuals may have poor tolerance to certain components in red ginseng. Even with normal consumption, diarrhea may occur due to the gastrointestinal tract's inability to adapt. It is recommended to avoid foods that may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and opt for mild, easily digestible foods to protect the stomach and intestines.

　　4. Allergic reaction: Some individuals may be allergic to components in red ginseng. When these allergens enter the body, the immune system may react abnormally, causing intestinal mucosal congestion, edema, increased intestinal permeability, and smooth muscle contraction, which can trigger diarrhea. It is recommended to take antiallergic medications such as loratadine tablets or cetirizine hydrochloride tablets as directed by a physician to relieve symptoms.

　　5. Imbalance of intestinal flora: Overconsumption of red ginseng or consumption when the intestinal flora is already unstable may disrupt the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut. It is recommended to take medications such as lactobacillin tablets, Bacillus subtilis bifidobacterium live granules, or Bifidobacterium capsules under a doctor's guidance to restore gut flora balance.

　　In daily life, it is recommended to maintain good eating habits, avoid overeating, and consume more vegetables, fruits, and other foods rich in dietary fiber, which are beneficial to gastrointestinal function recovery.