Why Should You Drink Salt Water When Eating Lychees?

Generally speaking, drinking salt water while eating lychees can usually help relieve dry mouth, balance electrolytes in the body, reduce gastrointestinal irritation, lower the risk of heatiness, and aid digestion and absorption. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Relieve dry mouth: Lychees have a high sugar content, which can leave the oral mucosa in a hypertonic state after consumption, causing dryness and discomfort in the mouth. Drinking salt water helps replenish fluids, relieve dry mucous membranes, and maintain oral moisture.

2. Balance body electrolytes: Lychees are warm in nature, and excessive consumption may cause fluid loss in the body, leading to electrolyte imbalance. Salt water contains sodium ions that can replace lost electrolytes, maintain fluid balance, and reduce physical discomfort.

3. Reduce gastrointestinal irritation: The fruit acids and sugar in lychees may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. Drinking salt water can neutralize some acidic substances, reduce irritation to the stomach and intestines, and decrease occurrences of abdominal pain and diarrhea.

4. Lower the risk of heatiness: Lychees are considered a warm-natured fruit, and excessive consumption can easily trigger heatiness, causing symptoms such as sore throat and mouth ulcers. Salt water has a certain cooling and soothing effect, which can help reduce internal heat and lower the likelihood of heatiness.

5. Aid digestion and absorption: Salt water can promote gastrointestinal motility, accelerate the digestive process of lychees in the intestines, and stimulate secretion of digestive juices, making the nutrients in lychees easier for the body to absorb and utilize, thus reducing indigestion.

When eating lychees, one should control the quantity consumed and drink mild salt water rather than overly salty water. If significant discomfort occurs after consumption, stop eating lychees, increase water intake appropriately, and consult a doctor if necessary.