Can eating hotpot cause “internal heat”?
May 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Eating hotpot can easily cause “internal heat” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept referring to symptoms like sore throat, acne, or constipation). Therefore, it’s essential to take preventive measures from the outset. To better avoid “internal heat” when eating hotpot, proper food pairing is key. When choosing a spicy, red broth base, aim for balance by incorporating more heat-clearing and yin-nourishing foods. Additionally, include generous amounts of leafy green vegetables in your hotpot—these vegetables are relatively cooling in nature, helping to counteract greasiness and supply essential vitamins to the body.
Hotpot is a favorite dish for many people—simple to prepare and offering a wide variety of ingredients, requiring no advanced culinary skills. You can even enjoy hotpot at home after purchasing the ingredients. But does eating hotpot cause “internal heat” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept referring to inflammatory or overheating symptoms)?
Does Eating Hotpot Cause “Internal Heat”?
Eating hotpot can indeed trigger “internal heat.” Therefore, it’s essential to take preventive measures from the outset. To better avoid this, proper food pairing is key. When enjoying hotpot with a spicy, red broth, strive for balance by incorporating more cooling, yin-nourishing foods. Add generous amounts of leafy green vegetables to your hotpot—these vegetables are naturally cooling in nature, helping to cut through greasiness, replenish vitamins, and provide soothing, detoxifying, and heat-clearing effects. After consuming lamb or beef, add some tofu to the pot: tofu contains gypsum, which helps clear internal heat, relieve irritability, and quench thirst—thereby alleviating symptoms of “internal heat.”
Generally, the mucous membranes of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach can tolerate temperatures only up to 50–60°C, whereas hotpot broth may reach as high as 120°C. Consuming food immediately after cooking thus poses a high risk of scalding these delicate tissues. Combined with the spicy, irritating nature of hotpot ingredients, this can easily trigger or exacerbate inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. Therefore, always remove food from the pot and allow it to cool slightly on a small plate before eating—savor it slowly. Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders should opt for low-oil, low-spice hotpot options.
Overindulgence in hotpot increases the likelihood of “internal heat.” It is advisable to limit consumption to no more than once per week, and always pair it with leafy greens and tofu. Choose beverages wisely, chew food thoroughly and eat slowly, and avoid excessive spiciness. We hope this information proves helpful!
