Can I eat lotus root starch when I have a cold, fever, and vomiting?
Disease description:
As soon as I got home from work, I felt like I had a cold, fever, and nausea. I didn't have much energy and wanted to eat something. However, the only thing available at home was lotus root starch. I would like to ask the doctor if it's okay to eat lotus root starch when experiencing a cold, fever, and vomiting?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Ou Fen (lotus root starch) is a mild and easily digestible food rich in nutrients. Patients with colds, fever, or vomiting can consume it in moderation. The diet for patients with colds, fever, or vomiting should primarily consist of light and easily digestible foods to reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and avoid worsening the condition. Patients experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, or persistent high fever are advised to temporarily stop eating solid foods to prevent irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and worsening of symptoms.
At this stage, the main focus should be on replenishing fluids and electrolytes, such as drinking light salt water or oral rehydration salts. Once the condition stabilizes and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting subside, patients can gradually transition to a liquid or semi-liquid diet, such as rice broth or thin porridge, before considering the introduction of easily digestible foods like Ou Fen.
Moreover, Ou Fen mainly consists of starch, which converts into glucose in the body. Patients with diabetes should consume it cautiously. Regarding timing, Ou Fen should be consumed about half an hour apart from medication to avoid affecting drug efficacy.
