Gastrointestinal Health: Improving Symptoms of Food Accumulation in Children with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Children experiencing poor appetite, distended stomach, restless sleep, and other symptoms may be suffering from “infant food accumulation.” According to a registered Chinese medicine practitioner, there are six major symptoms associated with food accumulation in children: heavy breath, thick tongue coating, obstructed stool or fart, abdominal fullness, tossing and turning during sleep, or awakening. To address these symptoms, it is recommended to avoid foods that generate a lot of qi, such as raw and cold foods and snacks. Additionally, children should engage in appropriate exercise. Chinese medicine can also be used for conditioning and massage treatment. However, if the symptoms persist for more than three days, it is advisable to consult a registered Chinese medicine practitioner for proper treatment.
Ling Yaping, a registered Chinese medicine practitioner at Nethersole Social Health Service of the Christian United Nethersole, explains that food accumulation in children can manifest in various ways. The first symptom is usually bad breath, particularly sour breath upon waking up in the morning. Loss of appetite and anorexia may also occur. Ling Yaping points out that the spleen is responsible for the digestion and absorption of food. However, in children, the spleen function is not fully developed, and improper diet or feeding practices can lead to the accumulation of undigested food, resulting in loss of appetite or anorexia. Children with food accumulation may also experience abnormal stools, such as constipation or foul-smelling stools.
Other symptoms of food accumulation in children include abdominal fullness and restless sleep. Chinese medicine believes that poor spleen and stomach function can lead to restless sleep. Children with food accumulation may experience tossing and turning, night crying, and frequent awakenings during sleep. Parents can also observe the child’s tongue coating to assess their digestive function. Thick or greasy fur on the tongue is often associated with food accumulation.
To improve symptoms of food accumulation, parents can make adjustments in four aspects. Firstly, they can regulate their child’s diet by ensuring regular and moderate meals, avoiding overeating, and selecting easily digestible foods. It is also important to diversify the food choices and avoid gas-producing foods, such as potatoes, beans, and high-fat foods. Raw, cold, spicy, and greasy foods should also be avoided.
In cases where the symptoms of food accumulation are more severe, a light diet can be implemented. This involves reducing the consumption of meat and other indigestible foods and opting for a light diet for a few days to alleviate the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Children should also consume fewer snacks, as excessive snacking can affect their appetite. Regular exercise is also recommended to promote gastrointestinal activity and aid digestion.
In addition to dietary adjustments, Chinese herbal medicines can be used to invigorate the spleen, stimulate appetite, aid digestion, and resolve food accumulation. Mild cases can be treated with herbal decoctions containing ingredients such as hawthorn, divine comedy, malt, glutinous rice buds, and gallinacea. However, if the symptoms persist for more than three days without improvement, it is crucial to consult a registered Chinese medicine practitioner for proper diagnosis and treatment. Massage therapy, a traditional Chinese medicine external treatment method, can also be beneficial in regulating qi and blood circulation and promoting meridian dredging.
Common causes of indigestion in children include improper gastrointestinal function, improper feeding practices, indigestion, exposure to cold temperatures, and lack of exercise.
In conclusion, traditional Chinese medicine offers effective strategies for improving symptoms of food accumulation in children. By making dietary adjustments, engaging in regular exercise, and seeking appropriate treatment, parents can help their children maintain a healthy gastrointestinal system and overall well-being.
Source: Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner Ling Yaping
What types of foods should parents avoid giving their child to prevent the generation of excess qi
R their child’s diet by avoiding foods that generate a lot of qi, such as raw and cold foods and snacks. It is important to provide warm and easily digestible foods to support the spleen and stomach function. Secondly, appropriate exercise should be encouraged to promote digestion and relieve abdominal fullness. Thirdly, Chinese medicine can be used for conditioning and massage treatment to stimulate the spleen and stomach meridians. This can help improve digestion and relieve symptoms of food accumulation. Lastly, if the symptoms persist for more than three days, it is highly recommended to consult a registered Chinese medicine practitioner for proper diagnosis and treatment.
In conclusion, children with symptoms of food accumulation can benefit from Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches to improve their gastrointestinal health. By making dietary adjustments, promoting exercise, and seeking the appropriate treatment, parents can help alleviate their child’s symptoms and support their overall well-being.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is important to consult a registered Chinese medicine practitioner or healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
