Why shouldn't you eat rice cake when drinking baijiu?

Do not eat rice cakes when drinking baijiu (Chinese白酒), as the main reasons include increased gastrointestinal digestive burden, higher risk of gastroesophageal reflux, induction of bloating and abdominal pain, slowed alcohol metabolism, and increased likelihood of gastrointestinal disorders. If severe vomiting, hematemesis (vomiting blood), or intense abdominal pain occurs after consumption, immediate medical attention is required.

1. Increased gastrointestinal digestive burden: Baijiu irritates the gastric mucosa and inhibits digestive enzyme activity, while rice cakes are rich in starch and have a sticky texture that makes them difficult to digest. Consuming both together significantly increases digestive stress on the stomach and intestines, easily leading to digestive dysfunction.

2. Increased risk of gastroesophageal reflux: Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, and the sticky nature of rice cakes prolongs their retention time in the stomach, increasing the likelihood of stomach contents refluxing into the esophagus and damaging the esophageal mucosa.

3. Induction of bloating and abdominal pain: Rice cakes tend to ferment and produce gas during digestion, while alcohol exacerbates abnormal gastrointestinal motility. Together, they promote gas accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to discomfort such as bloating and abdominal pain.

4. Slowed alcohol metabolism: The high starch content in rice cakes delays gastric emptying, causing delayed absorption and slower metabolism of alcohol. This prolongs alcohol's presence in the bloodstream and increases the metabolic burden on the liver.

5. Increased risk of gastrointestinal disease flare-ups: Alcohol directly irritates and damages the gastric mucosa, and the sticky texture of rice cakes intensifies mucosal friction. Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as gastritis or gastric ulcers are particularly prone to acute symptom exacerbation.

After consuming baijiu and rice cakes, it is advisable to drink适量 warm water to promote metabolism, engage in mild physical activities like walking to aid digestion, avoid lying flat to reduce reflux risk, and subsequently consume light, easily digestible foods such as millet porridge to alleviate gastrointestinal strain.