What soups can be consumed during the postpartum confinement period for individuals with diabetes?
May 07, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
Diabetic postpartum meals may include Pork Pancreas Soup, prepared by decocting pork pancreas, Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi), and Chinese yam (Shan Yao) in water; the pork pancreas is consumed while the broth is drunk. This soup is suitable for all types of diabetes.
Many individuals opt for Spinach and Tremella Soup, made by decocting fresh spinach roots and tremella fungus (silver ear) in water; the broth is consumed and the tremella is eaten. This soup is particularly suitable for diabetic patients suffering from constipation.
For yin-deficiency type diabetes, a dish of white pigeon, Chinese yam, and dwarf lilyturf root (Yu Zhu) is recommended—simmered together to yield both meat and broth for consumption.
Diabetes mellitus is a very common endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by chronically elevated blood glucose levels, which can lead to damage in various target organs. So, what soups are suitable for postpartum diabetic women?
Recommended Soups for Postpartum Diabetic Women
One suitable option is Pig Pancreas Soup, prepared by decocting pig pancreas, Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi), and Chinese yam in water. Both the pancreas and the broth may be consumed. This soup is appropriate for all types of diabetes. Another popular choice is Spinach and Tremella Soup, made by simmering fresh spinach roots and silver ear fungus (Tremella fuciformis) to prepare a nourishing broth—consumed as both soup and fungus. It is particularly beneficial for diabetic patients suffering from constipation.
Another excellent option is Double Tremella Soup, prepared using both white and black wood-ear fungi (Auricularia auricula-judae), thoroughly washed and steamed with plain water until tender. Both the fungi and the broth are consumed. This soup is especially recommended for diabetic patients with retinal hemorrhage. Glutinous Rice and Mulberry Bark Decoction, prepared by decocting glutinous rice flowers and mulberry root bark, is ideal for individuals experiencing excessive thirst due to diabetes. Wood Pigeon, Chinese Yam, and Solomon’s Seal Soup—made by slow-cooking white pigeon, Chinese yam, and Polygonatum odoratum (Solomon’s seal)—is highly recommended for those with yin-deficiency–type diabetes.
It is advisable to opt for light, warm soups made from gourd-family vegetables (e.g., luffa, winter melon, chayote). Such soups not only increase dietary fiber intake—helping alleviate pregnancy-related constipation—but are also low in fat and calories, thus exerting minimal impact on blood glucose control. Examples include Western-style lean meat soup, luffa and mushroom soup, spinach and fish ball soup, winter melon and mushroom soup, and chayote and hyacinth bean chicken soup. Additionally, when preparing soups, avoid adding overly sweet ingredients such as red dates or longan aril, as these may adversely affect glycemic control. We hope this article has been helpful. Wishing you a joyful life and optimal health!
