2 TCM Foods and 4 Acupressure Points to Soothe Acid Reflux
Drawing from the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a seasoned practitioner explores three primary causes of gastroesophageal reflux and shares tips to help you enjoy meals without digestive discomfort.
3 Main Causes of Acid Reflux
On NTDTV's 'She's Health' program, Wen-Hao Hsiao from Taiwan's Dingchang Chinese Medicine Clinic noted that normally, after food passes through the lower esophageal sphincter (cardia) into the stomach, this 'gate' closes automatically to prevent stomach acid and food from flowing back into the esophagus. However, overeating can overfill the stomach, or a weakened sphincter may fail to close properly, allowing stomach acid to surge upward and irritate the esophagus, causing discomfort associated with gastroesophageal reflux.
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Epoch Times
12 hours ago
- Epoch Times
2 TCM Foods and 4 Acupressure Points to Soothe Acid Reflux
Ever felt a burning sensation rising in your chest after a hearty meal? You're not alone. That discomfort is often caused by acid reflux—also known as gastroesophageal reflux. Drawing from the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a seasoned practitioner explores three primary causes of gastroesophageal reflux and shares tips to help you enjoy meals without digestive discomfort. 3 Main Causes of Acid Reflux On NTDTV's 'She's Health' program, Wen-Hao Hsiao from Taiwan's Dingchang Chinese Medicine Clinic noted that normally, after food passes through the lower esophageal sphincter (cardia) into the stomach, this 'gate' closes automatically to prevent stomach acid and food from flowing back into the esophagus. However, overeating can overfill the stomach, or a weakened sphincter may fail to close properly, allowing stomach acid to surge upward and irritate the esophagus, causing discomfort associated with gastroesophageal reflux.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Yahoo
What's so super about superfood goji berries?
In recent years, goji berries have earned a reputation as an antioxidant-rich, inflammation-fighting superfood. You might think of goji berries as being a tart, flavorful snack, or a healthy topping to your breakfast cereal. But their reach extends much further. For centuries, these nutrient-dense berries have stayed center stage in traditional Chinese medicine. Goji berries boast a wealth of potential benefits; some studies note goji berries may offer support for your eyesight, cardiovascular health, immunity and more, according to a 2022 review. Experts say adding goji berries into your weekly rotation of fruits could promote a healthy dietary pattern; here's what you need to know. Are goji berries good for you? Absolutely. Goji berries contain a variety of micronutrients (including vitamin A, B vitamins and zinc) and macronutrients (like protein and fiber). They're also abundant in amino acids, says Annette Frain, a registered dietitian at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Weight Management Center. Goji berries are high in vitamin C, and the immune-boosting benefits of this essential nutrient need little introduction. Antioxidants like vitamin C reduce oxidative stress, which helps lower inflammation in the body, says Max Goldstein, a chef registered dietitian at Yale New Haven Health. Having a sufficient level of vitamin C has been linked with having a strong immune system, which in turn could promote wound healing and help prevent infection, according to a 2017 study. Goji berries, and fruit more generally, contain fiber and natural sugars, which provide sustained energy, says Goldstein. They're also a surprisingly high source of calcium and iron. 'Dried (goji) berries have twice as much iron as raisins, and three times as much calcium,' he says. The berries also have powerful carotenoids, namely zeaxanthin and lutein. These nutrients offer potential benefits for your eyesight, and might lower your risk for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a 2021 study conducted by researchers at UC Davis. Do dried goji berries lose their nutrients? In the U.S., fresh goji berries are a little tricky to come by. That's because they're primarily imported from Asia, and are known to spoil quickly, Goldstein says. For this reason, they're easiest to pick up in their dried form, or taken as a dietary supplement. The good news? Even if you're not able to get your hands on fresh goji berries, 'it's perfectly fine to eat them dried,' says Frain. When the goji berries are dehydrated, they may lose some of their water soluble vitamins, but they still maintain a healthy amount of nutrients. And similar to other dried fruits, the sugar content in dried goji berries becomes a lot more concentrated. 'Again, that sugar in the fruit isn't necessarily bad for us, but it's definitely something to consider," says Goldstein. If you're buying dried goji berries at the supermarket, be careful of added sugar, Frain says. Goji berries are tart in nature, and while they can be a great way to liven up some of the foods we regularly eat, or eat on their own, some manufacturers throw in added sugars to temper their bitterness, she says. What is a serving of goji berries? A single serving of goji berries measures around a 1/4 cup, or a few tablespoons, says Goldstein. You could certainly enjoy eating goji berries every day, though a 'diet that is most nutritious usually has a lot of variety in it,' says Frain. Mixing goji berries into your dietary pattern is just one way to add a bit of variation to the everyday fruits you consume. Is cereal good for you? Watch out for the added sugars in these brands. What is the healthiest way to eat goji berries? If you're curious about incorporating goji berries into your weekly rotation of fresh foods, at breakfast, blend the berries into a smoothie or stir them into a yogurt bowl, Frain recommends. Another option is to rehydrate the berries in water, and drink them in a tea, she says. The sweetness of the goji berries are great to round out the flavors of an otherwise savory dish, adds Goldstein. Get creative by incorporating the goji berries into a salad or chili, he recommends. And if you've gone the route of rehydrating the berries, you could also try chopping them up into small pieces, and adding them to a salsa, he says. To promote overall satiety, it's also a good idea to pair goji berries with a protein, Frain suggests. Are raisins good for you? We asked a dietitian to break down the nutritional benefits. Who should not eat goji berries? There are certain groups of people who should proceed with caution before eating goji berries. Like grapefruit, goji berries are known to interfere with a few different types of medication, which is why it's always a good idea to check in with your pharmacist or prescribing doctor first, says Goldstein. And if you're someone with an allergy to goji berries, don't eat them. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Are goji berries good for you? Benefits for vision and immunity
USA Today
20 hours ago
- USA Today
What's so super about superfood goji berries?
In recent years, goji berries have earned a reputation as an antioxidant-rich, inflammation-fighting superfood. You might think of goji berries as being a tart, flavorful snack, or a healthy topping to your breakfast cereal. But their reach extends much further. For centuries, these nutrient-dense berries have stayed center stage in traditional Chinese medicine. Goji berries boast a wealth of potential benefits; some studies note goji berries may offer support for your eyesight, cardiovascular health, immunity and more, according to a 2022 review. Experts say adding goji berries into your weekly rotation of fruits could promote a healthy dietary pattern; here's what you need to know. Are goji berries good for you? Absolutely. Goji berries contain a variety of micronutrients (including vitamin A, B vitamins and zinc) and macronutrients (like protein and fiber). They're also abundant in amino acids, says Annette Frain, a registered dietitian at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Weight Management Center. Goji berries are high in vitamin C, and the immune-boosting benefits of this essential nutrient need little introduction. Antioxidants like vitamin C reduce oxidative stress, which helps lower inflammation in the body, says Max Goldstein, a chef registered dietitian at Yale New Haven Health. Having a sufficient level of vitamin C has been linked with having a strong immune system, which in turn could promote wound healing and help prevent infection, according to a 2017 study. Goji berries, and fruit more generally, contain fiber and natural sugars, which provide sustained energy, says Goldstein. They're also a surprisingly high source of calcium and iron. 'Dried (goji) berries have twice as much iron as raisins, and three times as much calcium,' he says. The berries also have powerful carotenoids, namely zeaxanthin and lutein. These nutrients offer potential benefits for your eyesight, and might lower your risk for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a 2021 study conducted by researchers at UC Davis. Do dried goji berries lose their nutrients? In the U.S., fresh goji berries are a little tricky to come by. That's because they're primarily imported from Asia, and are known to spoil quickly, Goldstein says. For this reason, they're easiest to pick up in their dried form, or taken as a dietary supplement. The good news? Even if you're not able to get your hands on fresh goji berries, 'it's perfectly fine to eat them dried,' says Frain. When the goji berries are dehydrated, they may lose some of their water soluble vitamins, but they still maintain a healthy amount of nutrients. And similar to other dried fruits, the sugar content in dried goji berries becomes a lot more concentrated. 'Again, that sugar in the fruit isn't necessarily bad for us, but it's definitely something to consider," says Goldstein. If you're buying dried goji berries at the supermarket, be careful of added sugar, Frain says. Goji berries are tart in nature, and while they can be a great way to liven up some of the foods we regularly eat, or eat on their own, some manufacturers throw in added sugars to temper their bitterness, she says. What is a serving of goji berries? A single serving of goji berries measures around a 1/4 cup, or a few tablespoons, says Goldstein. You could certainly enjoy eating goji berries every day, though a 'diet that is most nutritious usually has a lot of variety in it,' says Frain. Mixing goji berries into your dietary pattern is just one way to add a bit of variation to the everyday fruits you consume. Is cereal good for you? Watch out for the added sugars in these brands. What is the healthiest way to eat goji berries? If you're curious about incorporating goji berries into your weekly rotation of fresh foods, at breakfast, blend the berries into a smoothie or stir them into a yogurt bowl, Frain recommends. Another option is to rehydrate the berries in water, and drink them in a tea, she says. The sweetness of the goji berries are great to round out the flavors of an otherwise savory dish, adds Goldstein. Get creative by incorporating the goji berries into a salad or chili, he recommends. And if you've gone the route of rehydrating the berries, you could also try chopping them up into small pieces, and adding them to a salsa, he says. To promote overall satiety, it's also a good idea to pair goji berries with a protein, Frain suggests. Are raisins good for you? We asked a dietitian to break down the nutritional benefits. Who should not eat goji berries? There are certain groups of people who should proceed with caution before eating goji berries. Like grapefruit, goji berries are known to interfere with a few different types of medication, which is why it's always a good idea to check in with your pharmacist or prescribing doctor first, says Goldstein. And if you're someone with an allergy to goji berries, don't eat them.
