Why does drinking kudzu root water cause heartburn?

Burning sensation in the chest after drinking kudzu root water may be caused by drinking on an empty stomach, excessive consumption, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic gastritis, or peptic ulcer. Management should be based on the specific situation. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment.

1. Drinking on an empty stomach: Kudzu root water is cooling in nature. Consuming it on an empty stomach may directly irritate the gastric mucosa, stimulate increased gastric acid secretion, and cause sensations of gastric burning and acid reflux. It is recommended to avoid drinking kudzu root water on an empty stomach and instead consume it 1-2 hours after meals to reduce irritation to the gastric mucosa.

2. Excessive consumption: Drinking large amounts of concentrated kudzu root water can burden the gastrointestinal tract, trigger acid reflux, and lead to symptoms such as heartburn and abdominal distension. Reduce the amount of kudzu root used, with a daily intake not exceeding 30 grams, and consume it in small quantities at different times.

3. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter allows gastric acid to reflux into the esophagus after drinking kudzu root water, causing retrosternal burning pain, acid reflux, and belching. It is recommended to take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, and hydrotalcid chewable tablets under a doctor's guidance to alleviate symptoms.

4. Chronic gastritis: This condition may be related to unhealthy habits or infections. Long-term inflammation damages the gastric mucosa, and stimulation by kudzu root water may disrupt gastric acid secretion, causing heartburn, dull upper abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Patients may take medications such as rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, bismuth potassium citrate capsules, and compound digestive enzyme capsules under a doctor's guidance to relieve symptoms.

5. Peptic ulcer: This condition involves ulceration of the gastric mucosa. Kudzu root water may irritate the ulcer site and stimulate gastric acid secretion, causing heartburn, regular upper abdominal pain, and nausea. It is recommended to use medications such as lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets, amoxicillin capsules, and colloidal bismuth pectin capsules under a doctor's guidance to improve symptoms.

In daily life, it is important to drink kudzu root water in moderation to avoid excessive intake that may lead to discomfort. A balanced and diverse diet is recommended to help maintain overall health.