Is eating chestnuts on an empty stomach harmful to the stomach?
I usually enjoy eating chestnuts very much, and recently my family bought a large quantity again. However, I often eat chestnuts on an empty stomach. My parents say this is unhealthy and can harm the stomach. May I ask whether eating chestnuts on an empty stomach can cause damage to the stomach?
Doctor's answer (1)
Chestnuts are nutritious nuts rich in carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. Eating chestnuts in moderation on an empty stomach generally does not harm the stomach; however, excessive consumption may cause stomach discomfort.
Chestnuts have high nutritional value. When consumed in moderate amounts, eating chestnuts on an empty stomach typically does not damage the stomach and may even help replenish essential nutrients and offer certain benefits for stomach and spleen health.
When the stomach is empty, gastric acid secretion tends to be more active. Consuming large amounts of high-starch or high-fiber foods at this time may increase the burden on the stomach, causing the gastric contents formed by the mixture of gastric acid and food to become overly viscous and difficult to empty, possibly leading to feelings of stomach distension, pain, or other discomforts. Therefore, excessive chestnut consumption may potentially harm the stomach.
In daily life, when eating chestnuts on an empty stomach, it is important to consume them in moderation. One should also maintain healthy eating habits and a reasonable lifestyle, emphasizing light and balanced meals to support stomach health.
