Q&A with Top Doctors

Can pregnant women eat spicy and sour rice noodles?

Generally, pregnant women can consume small amounts of spicy and sour rice noodles (suan la fen), but regular consumption is not recommended.

The main ingredients of spicy and sour rice noodles are usually sweet potato starch or potato starch, which are rich in dietary fiber. This fiber can promote intestinal motility in pregnant women, helping to prevent and relieve common pregnancy-related constipation. Additionally, sweet potato and potato starch contain carbohydrates that provide energy to meet the additional energy demands during pregnancy.

Some pregnant women experience severe nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy and may struggle to eat. In such cases, a small amount of spicy and sour rice noodles might help stimulate their appetite and ensure some nutrient intake. Moreover, the side ingredients commonly found in spicy and sour rice noodles, such as leafy vegetables and bean sprouts, are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Vitamins help strengthen the immune system of pregnant women, minerals participate in various physiological functions, and dietary fiber helps prevent constipation during pregnancy, all of which positively affect both maternal and fetal health.

However, consumption should be moderate. Spicy and sour rice noodles often contain strong seasonings like chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns that can strongly irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa of pregnant women. The gastrointestinal system is already relatively sensitive during pregnancy, and excessive consumption may lead to discomfort such as stomach pain, bloating, or diarrhea. Furthermore, spicy and greasy ingredients may cause excessive internal heat, resulting in conditions like mouth ulcers, sore throat, and worsened constipation. Maintaining healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices during pregnancy is important to support the health of both the mother and the developing fetus.

avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
Jun 06, 2025
Can pregnant women eat Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra)?

Generally speaking, pregnant women can eat bayberries, but they should consume them in moderation.

Bayberries are rich in nutrients and contain various vitamins, such as vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties, enhances pregnant women's immunity, helps the body resist external bacterial infections, and reduces the likelihood of illness during pregnancy. At the same time, it can promote iron absorption and help prevent iron-deficiency anemia in pregnant women. B-complex vitamins are involved in human metabolism and play an important role in supporting pregnant women's nervous system function and energy metabolism.

Bayberries are sour and sweet with a delicious taste that can stimulate pregnant women's taste buds, improve appetite, and relieve discomfort caused by morning sickness. Bayberries are rich in fruit acids, which can stimulate gastric juice secretion, enhance gastrointestinal motility, aid digestion, and help prevent constipation during pregnancy. However, a small number of people may be allergic to bayberries, experiencing symptoms such as oral irritation, rashes, or difficulty breathing. If a pregnant woman has a history of food allergies, she should be especially cautious when consuming bayberries for the first time, and discontinue consumption immediately and seek medical attention if any allergic reactions occur.

Although bayberries are beneficial for pregnant women, excessive consumption should be avoided. Bayberries have a warm nature, and excessive intake may cause excessive internal heat, leading to symptoms like mouth ulcers and sore throat. Moreover, bayberries contain a certain amount of sugar, and overconsumption may elevate blood sugar levels in pregnant women, increasing the risk of gestational diabetes. For pregnant women with weak gastrointestinal function, the fruit acids in bayberries might increase the burden on the digestive system, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. If there are any health concerns or a history of specific medical conditions, it is recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist before consumption, ensuring that the diet during pregnancy is both safe and nutritionally balanced.

avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
Jun 06, 2025
Can I eat bananas during my menstrual period?

It is generally acceptable to eat bananas during menstruation, but moderation is important.

Bananas are rich in various vitamins, such as vitamin B6, which participates in numerous metabolic reactions in the body. During menstruation, when hormonal levels fluctuate significantly in women, vitamin B6 helps regulate neurotransmitter synthesis and may alleviate mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and other negative emotions. Additionally, bananas contain minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Potassium helps maintain normal heart function and stable blood pressure; during menstruation, women's bodies are relatively weak, and potassium supplementation helps maintain normal bodily functions. Magnesium has a muscle-relaxing effect and can relieve abdominal muscle tension and pain that may occur during menstruation.

During menstruation, women lose a certain amount of blood, and the body's energy consumption increases accordingly. Bananas are rich in carbohydrates and can quickly supply energy to help women maintain good mental condition and physical strength during their period, alleviating fatigue caused by blood loss and physical discomfort. Some women may experience decreased sleep quality during menstruation, such as insomnia and vivid dreams. Tryptophan in bananas can be converted into serotonin in the body, and serotonin can further be converted into melatonin. Melatonin is an important hormone that regulates sleep and helps improve sleep quality, allowing women to rest better during menstruation.

However, it is important to consume bananas in moderation, as bananas are cold in nature. Excessive consumption may lead to cold deficiency of the spleen and stomach, causing discomforts such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Women who already have cold deficiency of the spleen and stomach, and who usually experience cold hands and feet or abdominal pain and diarrhea, should be especially cautious about consuming bananas during menstruation. It is advisable to start with a small amount and observe whether any adverse reactions occur. If discomfort arises, consumption should be stopped immediately, and warming measures should be taken, such as drinking warm brown sugar water to relieve symptoms.

avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
Jun 06, 2025
Can pregnant women eat walnuts?

In general, pregnant women can eat walnuts, but they should be consumed in moderation.

Walnuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, especially omega-3 fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid, which can be converted into docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the human body. DHA is an essential substance for fetal brain and retinal development, and it helps support the intellectual and visual development of the fetus.

During pregnancy, a woman's body requires additional nutrition to meet both her own and the fetus's needs. The nutrients in walnuts can provide energy for pregnant women, enhance immunity, and reduce the likelihood of illness during pregnancy. Vitamin E helps pregnant women maintain skin elasticity and luster, alleviating problems such as dry skin during pregnancy. For the fetus, the nutrients in walnuts aid in nervous system development, potentially enhancing brain function. However, moderation is important, as walnuts are calorie-dense and excessive consumption may lead to rapid weight gain in pregnant women, increasing the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes and hypertension.

If a pregnant woman is allergic to walnuts, she should avoid consuming them to prevent allergic reactions such as itching, rashes, or difficulty breathing. For pregnant women with diabetes, walnut consumption should be strictly controlled, as their high calorie content may affect blood sugar management. It is recommended to maintain dietary diversity and balance in daily meals to avoid excessive intake of any single food or nutrient.

avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
Jun 06, 2025
Can I eat waxberries during pregnancy?

In general, pregnant women can eat waxberries, but they should be consumed in moderation.

Waxberries are rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, pectin, amino acids, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Vitamin C enhances the pregnant woman's immune system, helping resist external bacterial infections and reducing the likelihood of illness during pregnancy. Calcium is an essential component for fetal bone and tooth development; moderate consumption of waxberries by pregnant women can provide necessary nutritional support for fetal skeletal development. Iron helps prevent iron-deficiency anemia in pregnant women, ensuring the blood health of both the mother and fetus.

Waxberries have a sweet and sour taste, and their unique sourness can stimulate the taste buds of pregnant women, increasing appetite. Many pregnant women experience morning sickness and loss of appetite during early pregnancy, making them unable to eat well. However, it is important to consume them in moderation, as waxberries are acidic fruits, and excessive consumption may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing discomfort symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, and acid reflux.

Pesticide residues, dust, and insect eggs may be present on the surface of waxberries. Pregnant women must thoroughly wash waxberries before consumption. If a pregnant woman suffers from gastrointestinal conditions such as gastric ulcers, excessive stomach acid, or has elevated blood sugar levels, she should be more cautious when consuming waxberries and it is advisable to consume them under a doctor's guidance. During pregnancy, maintain a balanced diet, avoid excessively cold, spicy, or irritating foods, and maintain healthy lifestyle habits to promote healthy fetal development.

avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
Jun 06, 2025
Can pregnant women eat lychees?

Generally speaking, pregnant women can eat lychee, but they should consume it in moderation.

Lychee is rich in various nutrients, such as vitamin C, B vitamins, glucose, sucrose, protein, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties and can enhance the immunity of pregnant women, helping them resist external bacterial and viral infections and reduce the risk of illness during pregnancy. Lychee has a delicious taste, sweet and juicy flavor, and its unique aroma and taste can stimulate the taste buds of pregnant women and increase appetite. Many pregnant women experience poor appetite during pregnancy, and eating moderate amounts of lychee can improve this condition, ensuring adequate nutrient intake and providing sufficient energy and nutrition for fetal growth and development.

However, it should be consumed in moderation, as lychee has a relatively high sugar content. Excessive consumption by pregnant women may cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes not only affects the health of the pregnant woman but may also have adverse effects on fetal growth and development, such as causing fetal macrosomia, preterm birth, or miscarriage. Lychee is a warm-natured fruit, and excessive consumption can easily cause heatiness, leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, oral ulcers, and constipation.

Pregnant women can eat lychee but should follow the principle of moderation, paying attention to their individual constitution, as well as the ripeness and hygiene of the lychee. If there are any concerns or special health conditions, it is recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist. A balanced and diversified diet is more important during pregnancy, and nutrition should not be overly reliant on a single food item.

avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
Jun 06, 2025
Can pregnant women eat leeks?

In general, pregnant women can eat Chinese chives, but should consume them in moderation.

Chinese chives are rich in dietary fiber. During pregnancy, hormonal changes and the enlarging uterus pressing on the intestines can easily lead to constipation. Eating moderate amounts of Chinese chives can increase stool bulk, promote intestinal motility, help prevent and relieve constipation, and maintain bowel regularity. Chinese chives also contain various vitamins, such as vitamin C and B-complex vitamins. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties and can enhance the pregnant woman's immunity, helping her stay healthier during pregnancy.

However, consumption should be moderate. Chinese chives are considered spicy and stimulating foods; excessive consumption may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing discomforts such as stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Chinese chives have certain blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects, and excessive intake may stimulate the uterus, causing uterine contractions.

When cooking Chinese chives, it is best to cook them thoroughly, which can reduce their oxalic acid content and minimize interference with nutrient absorption. Also avoid using overly spicy seasonings, to prevent further irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. If the pregnant woman herself has gastrointestinal diseases, signs of miscarriage, or a history of preterm labor, it is recommended to avoid eating Chinese chives to prevent worsening of the condition or adverse effects. If any physical discomfort occurs after consuming Chinese chives, consumption should be stopped immediately and medical attention should be sought promptly.

avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
Jun 06, 2025
Can pregnant women consume sesame oil?

In general, pregnant women can consume sesame oil, but it should be eaten in moderation.

Sesame oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid and oleic acid. These unsaturated fatty acids are essential for the human body and are important for the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. They help maintain normal cardiovascular function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy. Sesame oil also contains antioxidants such as vitamin E and sesamol, which have antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, positively influencing fetal cell development and tissue growth.

Many pregnant women experience constipation during pregnancy. Sesame oil can help lubricate the intestines, promote intestinal motility, and make it easier to pass stools, thereby relieving the discomfort caused by constipation. However, it is important to consume it in moderation, as sesame oil is high in calories. Excessive intake may lead to excessive calorie consumption, resulting in rapid weight gain. Rapid weight gain during pregnancy increases the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and other complications, and is also not conducive to postpartum body recovery.

avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
Jun 06, 2025
Can you use air conditioning when you have chickenpox?

In general, patients with chickenpox can use air conditioning, but the temperature and airflow should be appropriately adjusted.

Air conditioning can reduce sweating by regulating indoor temperature, helping keep the skin dry and reducing the risk of blisters breaking and becoming infected due to sweat irritation. It also provides a comfortable resting environment. However, if the air conditioner is set too cold or blows directly on the patient, it may cause chilling, lower immunity, and potentially worsen the condition or prolong the illness. Therefore, the use of air conditioning should be flexibly adjusted according to the patient's physical condition and the actual environment.

Exposure to low temperatures from air conditioning may cause chilling, leading to symptoms such as colds and headaches. Direct airflow from the AC may cause skin blood vessels to constrict, affecting circulation and delaying rash resolution. Dry air may intensify skin itching, increasing the risk of scratching, infection, and scarring. It is recommended to keep the air conditioner set between 26°C and 28°C, avoid direct blowing, and regularly open windows for ventilation to maintain fresh indoor air and reduce bacterial growth.

While using air conditioning, chickenpox patients should maintain clean skin, avoid scratching, keep fingernails trimmed, and wear gloves if necessary. The diet should be light, with plenty of foods rich in vitamins, while avoiding spicy or greasy foods. For patients with weak constitutions or sensitivity to temperature changes, natural ventilation or fans may be preferable for regulating indoor temperature, thus reducing reliance on air conditioning. Additionally, closely monitor the progression of the illness, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms such as high fever or pus-filled rashes occur.

avatar
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 06, 2025
Can dry skin in babies cause eczema?

In general, dry skin in babies may lead to eczema.

Eczema is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by skin redness, itching, and dryness. A baby's skin is thinner and more delicate than that of an adult, and its barrier function has not yet fully matured, making it more susceptible to external irritants and moisture loss. When a baby's skin becomes dry, the skin barrier function is compromised, making it more vulnerable to irritants and allergens, which can trigger or worsen eczema.

However, the pathogenesis of eczema is not simply due to dry skin; it may also be related to various other factors, including genetic predisposition, immune system abnormalities, and environmental influences. Therefore, when addressing eczema in babies, in addition to moisturizing care, other contributing factors should be comprehensively considered, and medical consultation should be sought when necessary for diagnosis and treatment.

In daily life, parents can apply mild, non-irritating moisturizing creams or lotions regularly, and dress babies in soft, breathable clothing to reduce friction and irritation, thereby helping to prevent the occurrence of eczema.

avatar
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Jun 06, 2025