Why does drinking aged tangerine peel (chenpi) cause diarrhea?
Disease description:
My daughter gave me some dried tangerine peel (chenpi) and told me to steep it in water to treat my stomach bloating and gas. However, after drinking it, I started having continuous diarrhea. May I ask, why does drinking dried tangerine peel cause diarrhea?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Diarrhea after consuming aged tangerine peel (chenpi) may occur due to the following reasons:
1. Intestinal irritation: Chenpi contains a high amount of volatile oils and active compounds, which can strongly stimulate the intestines. Excessive intake may accelerate intestinal motility, leading to diarrhea.
2. Food intolerance: Some individuals may have genetic or immune-related allergic reactions to certain components in chenpi. This can cause intestinal mucosal edema and inflammation, impairing digestion and absorption.
3. Processing or storage issues: The quality of chenpi available on the market varies. If contaminated during processing or storage, harmful microorganisms such as bacteria or mold may be present, potentially causing diarrhea upon ingestion.
4. Drug side effects: Chenpi may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, causing hypersensitivity reactions that lead to diarrhea.
5. Acute enteritis: Poor-quality or improperly processed chenpi may carry bacteria or viruses, potentially causing acute enteritis and subsequent diarrhea.
It is recommended to stop consuming chenpi when diarrhea symptoms occur and observe whether the symptoms improve. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention promptly.
