Q&A with Top Doctors

Can eating dragon fruit cause stomach bloating?

In general, eating dragon fruit may cause stomach bloating.

Dragon fruit is rich in dietary fiber, including both insoluble and soluble fiber. Oligosaccharides can be fermented and broken down by bacteria in the intestines, producing a certain amount of gas. If a large quantity of dragon fruit is consumed in a short period, excessive gas may be generated, potentially leading to abdominal bloating and flatulence. Additionally, dragon fruit is cooling in nature and contains natural fruit acids; excessive consumption may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and affect digestive function, indirectly worsening bloating symptoms.

Individuals with weak digestion, sensitive stomachs or intestines, or those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome are more prone to stomach bloating after consuming dragon fruit. The gastrointestinal tract has a lower tolerance for dietary fiber and cold foods, intestinal motility function becomes disordered, and gas is difficult to expel smoothly. In contrast, individuals with normal digestive function and healthy gastrointestinal systems typically do not experience significant discomfort when consuming dragon fruit in moderation, and may even benefit from improved intestinal motility via dietary fiber, helping to prevent constipation.

If stomach bloating occurs after consuming dragon fruit, walking or gently massaging the abdomen can help promote intestinal motility and facilitate gas expulsion. If bloating persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain or diarrhea, prompt medical attention should be sought to rule out other gastrointestinal diseases. Additionally, allowing dragon fruit to come to room temperature after removing it from the refrigerator before consumption can also reduce gastrointestinal irritation and lower the likelihood of bloating.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025
What should infants with indigestion eat?

When infants experience indigestion, you can try feeding them some easily digestible and mild foods. For example, diluted rice water, diluted fruit juices (such as apple juice or pear juice), mashed cooked pumpkin, or carrot puree are all good choices. These foods are easy to digest and can reduce the gastrointestinal burden on the baby. Additionally, you may appropriately give the baby some probiotics to help regulate the intestinal flora and promote digestion. Mothers who are breastfeeding should also pay attention to their own diet, avoiding overly greasy, spicy, or irritating foods that might affect the baby through breast milk.

To better care for a baby with indigestion, it is recommended to take the following measures: maintain a regular feeding schedule for the baby, offer smaller meals more frequently, and avoid overfeeding at one time; gently pat the baby's back to induce burping after feeding to help expel air from the stomach and reduce spitting up; monitor the baby's bowel movements, and if abnormalities such as constipation or diarrhea occur, seek medical attention promptly; keep the baby's abdomen warm to avoid getting chilled; if the baby's symptoms of indigestion persist or worsen, take the baby to the hospital promptly for examination and treatment by a professional physician.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025
What are the digestive organs in the human body?

The human digestive system mainly includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus, along with accessory organs such as the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. The mouth is the beginning of the digestive tract, responsible for chewing food and initiating the digestion of starches. The esophagus transports food to the stomach through peristalsis. The stomach, one of the main organs of the digestive tract, stores food, secretes gastric acid and digestive enzymes, and breaks food down into chyme. The small intestine is the primary site for digestion and absorption, divided into the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, responsible for further breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. The large intestine includes the cecum, colon, and rectum, mainly responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes and forming feces. The anus, the terminal part of the digestive tract, expels feces. The liver secretes bile, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats. The pancreas produces pancreatic juice containing various digestive enzymes, helping digest carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, releasing it into the small intestine during meals.

To maintain a healthy digestive system, the following measures are recommended: maintain regular eating habits and avoid overeating; consume more fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to promote intestinal motility; limit intake of greasy, spicy, and highly irritating foods to reduce gastrointestinal irritation; maintain adequate water intake to aid digestion and excretion; engage in moderate physical activity to support intestinal function; and maintain a healthy mindset to reduce the impact of stress on the digestive system. If symptoms of indigestion persist or worsen, seek timely medical attention for professional evaluation and treatment.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025
What Chinese patent medicine is good for poor digestion caused by atrophic gastritis?

When suffering from poor digestion due to atrophic gastritis, you may consider taking certain traditional Chinese patent medicines under medical guidance that have functions of invigorating the spleen and stomach, replenishing qi, and nourishing yin. For example, Shenling Baizhu San, Xiangsha Liujunzi Wan, and Jianpi Wan are commonly used. These medications can help improve gastrointestinal function, promote digestion, and relieve symptoms such as abdominal distension. Shenling Baizhu San is suitable for indigestion caused by spleen deficiency with excessive dampness, presenting symptoms such as loss of appetite and loose stools. Xiangsha Liujunzi Wan is suitable for deficiency of spleen and stomach qi, presenting symptoms such as epigastric discomfort, reduced appetite, and fatigue. Jianpi Wan is suitable for food retention due to spleen deficiency, presenting symptoms such as abdominal distension, loss of appetite, and loose stools.

To better manage atrophic gastritis, it is recommended to maintain regular eating habits, avoid overeating and drinking excessively, consume less spicy, greasy, and highly irritating food; appropriately increase intake of foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fresh vegetables and fruits; maintain healthy lifestyle habits, avoid excessive fatigue and mental stress; undergo regular follow-up examinations to monitor disease progression; if symptoms worsen or new discomfort occurs, seek timely medical attention for further evaluation and treatment.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025
What are the causes of indigestion?

There are various causes of indigestion, which may be closely related to dietary habits, lifestyle, and physical condition. Irregular meal times, overeating, or excessive consumption of greasy or spicy foods can increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, leading to indigestion. In addition, excessive mental stress or prolonged tension may also affect gastrointestinal function, causing abnormal secretion of gastric acid or slowed gastrointestinal motility. Some underlying conditions, such as gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gallbladder diseases, can also cause similar symptoms.

To improve this condition, it is recommended to adjust daily dietary patterns by choosing bland and easily digestible foods, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption or caffeinated beverages. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may help reduce the burden on the stomach, while chewing food thoroughly and eating slowly can aid digestion. Maintaining a regular lifestyle and engaging in appropriate relaxation activities, such as walking or deep breathing exercises, can help alleviate mental stress. If symptoms persist, timely medical consultation and examination are advised, and targeted treatment should be conducted under a physician's guidance.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025
What can I eat to relieve morning sickness during pregnancy?

Morning sickness can be alleviated by consuming certain specific foods. For example, ginger has effective anti-nausea properties. You may slice ginger thinly and smell its aroma, or steep sliced ginger in hot water to make a tea. The fresh scent of lemon can also help relieve nausea; lemon slices can be steeped in water or you can simply inhale the fragrance of lemon peel. In addition, dry foods such as biscuits and bread can be eaten in small amounts before getting up in the morning, which can help reduce stomach discomfort. Fruits like bananas and apples are rich in potassium and can also help ease morning sickness.

To better manage morning sickness, it is advisable to make some dietary adjustments. Eating small, frequent meals can help avoid overeating at one time. At the same time, avoid greasy, spicy, and strongly flavored foods, as these may worsen nausea. Keep indoor air well-ventilated and avoid exposure to irritating odors such as cooking fumes and perfume. If morning sickness is severe and affects normal daily life, seek medical attention promptly and consult your doctor.

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Dr. Zhang Lu
May 23, 2025
What should not be eaten with shrimp?

There are some incompatible food combinations with shrimp, and it is not advisable to consume shrimp together with foods rich in vitamin C, foods high in tannic acid, or cold-natured foods. Shrimp should not be eaten with vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, lemons, and strawberries, because the pentavalent arsenic present in shrimp can be converted into toxic trivalent arsenic under the influence of vitamin C, which may pose a health risk. Additionally, shrimp should not be consumed with tannic acid-rich foods such as persimmons, grapes, and hawthorns, as tannic acid can combine with the protein in shrimp to form indigestible precipitates, which may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Furthermore, shrimp should also not be consumed with cold-natured foods such as watermelon and pears, as these foods may intensify the cold nature of shrimp, potentially causing symptoms such as diarrhea in individuals with spleen and stomach cold deficiency.

To avoid the adverse effects associated with these food incompatibilities, it is best to avoid consuming shrimp together with the aforementioned foods. If you really enjoy eating shrimp, it is advisable to leave a time interval before consuming other foods to reduce the risk. Also, shrimp should be consumed in moderation to avoid excessive intake, which could burden the digestive system. If any adverse symptoms occur, prompt medical attention should be sought.

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Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025
Can I undergo laser eye surgery for myopia if I have astigmatism?

It is possible to undergo laser eye surgery for myopia correction if you have astigmatism, but suitability depends on the degree of astigmatism and your ocular conditions. Common laser surgeries such as SMILE, femtosecond LASIK, and surface ablation procedures can correct both myopia and astigmatism within certain ranges. Generally, individuals with astigmatism up to 600 degrees and suitable corneal conditions can achieve satisfactory visual correction through surgery. If the astigmatism is too high or other ocular issues exist, alternative correction methods such as implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery may be recommended. A comprehensive preoperative eye examination is necessary to evaluate the feasibility and expected outcomes of surgery.

To ensure surgical safety and effectiveness, it is recommended to undergo detailed eye examinations at a reputable hospital to understand your corneal thickness, degree of astigmatism, and overall ocular health. After surgery, strictly follow the doctor's post-operative care instructions, avoid rubbing your eyes or overusing them, and attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor recovery. In daily life, maintain healthy visual habits, minimize prolonged near-eye work, and increase outdoor activity time to protect your vision. Each individual's ocular conditions are unique, so it is important not to blindly pursue surgical correction but rather choose an appropriate treatment plan under professional guidance.

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Dr. Wang Shuai
May 23, 2025
Does having 200 degrees of myopia require wearing glasses all the time?

Under normal circumstances, a prescription of 200 degrees indicates mild myopia. If your daily activities or studies require frequent viewing of distant objects, such as looking at the blackboard during class or driving, it is recommended to wear glasses for an extended period to correct vision and avoid eye fatigue and worsening of myopia caused by unclear vision. When performing near-vision tasks such as reading or using electronic devices, you may selectively remove your glasses, but should still maintain good eye usage habits. If visual fatigue or other discomfort occurs when not wearing glasses, it may be necessary to wear them for longer periods.

To protect your vision and slow the progression of myopia, it is advisable to undergo regular eye examinations to monitor changes in vision and adjust your glasses-wearing habits according to medical guidance. In daily life, avoid prolonged near-vision tasks, take a 5- to 10-minute break every 30 to 40 minutes of eye use, and increase outdoor activity time to relax the eye muscles. Choose reputable institutions for eye examinations and glasses fitting to ensure accurate prescription strength and avoid additional strain caused by inappropriate eyewear.

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Dr. Wang Shuai
May 23, 2025
How many degrees of myopia require wearing glasses?

In general, if myopia exceeds 100 degrees, especially when it affects distant vision, it is recommended to wear glasses to correct vision. For mild myopia ranging from 50 to 100 degrees, if blurry vision occurs only in specific situations, such as viewing a blackboard or distant objects, wearing glasses can also be considered to reduce eye strain. If uncorrected, prolonged eye use may lead to further progression of myopia. Additionally, children and adolescents are in the stage of visual development; even with low myopia, a decision on whether to wear glasses should be made according to a doctor's advice to prevent further deterioration of vision.

To protect eyesight, it is advisable to undergo regular eye examinations to monitor changes in myopia and choose appropriate corrective measures according to medical guidance. Good eye habits should also be developed in daily life, such as maintaining correct reading and writing posture, ensuring adequate lighting, and taking a 5- to 10-minute break every 30 to 40 minutes of continuous near work. Increasing outdoor activity time can help slow down the progression of myopia and reduce prolonged close-up eye use. Refraction and glasses fitting should be conducted at reputable institutions to ensure accurate prescription and avoid additional eye strain caused by inappropriate glasses.

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Dr. Wang Shuai
May 23, 2025