"Director Ye, will the lung nodules really grow after eating eggplant?" One patient with a worried face asked, "It's not that I love eggplants, but the eggplants in the field have come down, and they can't be sold at a good price, and the pigs are not allowed to be raised now, so it's a pity not to eat the rotten fields." "
This question made me laugh dumbly. As a TCM practitioner who has been practicing medicine for more than 50 years, I know how ridiculous the various "taboo" sayings circulated among the people are. However, in the face of the patient's sincere eyes, I realized that behind this question is people's concern for health, and the confusion of how to distinguish the real from the fake in the age of information explosion. How did eggplant, an ordinary vegetable, have something to do with lung nodules? Let's start at the beginning.
In recent years, there has been a saying circulating on the Internet that eggplant is a "hair thing" that causes lung nodules to enlarge. The source of this claim is purportedly a study that showed that solanine contained in eggplant may promote tumor growth under certain conditions. The claim quickly spread online, causing panic among many people.
However, as an experienced TCM practitioner, I must point out that this statement is misleading. First of all, eggplant is indeed a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, which has the effect of clearing heat, invigorating blood, and reducing swelling. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, eggplant is not listed as a particularly taboo food. Second, even though eggplant contains solanine, a person's daily diet does not consume far from the dosage mentioned in the study that can cause problems.
So, what exactly is "hair"? In TCM theory, "hair matter" refers to foods that may cause or aggravate certain symptoms. But this does not mean that if you get sick, you have to put all "hair things" on the taboo list. In fact, Chinese medicine divides "hair matter" into various types, including cold things, hot things, dry things, blood things, wind things, damp things, etc. Almost all foods can be classified as some kind of "hair".
For patients with lung disease, the following three "hair things" need to be paid attention to:
1. Chills: Raw and cold foods may irritate the respiratory tract and aggravate symptoms such as coughing.
2. Heat-generating things: Spicy foods, such as spicy foods, may aggravate lung inflammation.
3. Blood-emitting substances: such as greasy food, may affect blood circulation in the lungs.
In addition, if the doctor specifically advises that certain foods should not be eaten in large quantities, then pay attention as well. For example, for patients with phlegm-damp constitution, it may be necessary to eat less dampness.
However, this does not mean that patients should abstain from these foods completely. It's okay to eat it in moderation, it's all about balance. Excessive dietary restrictions can not only affect quality of life, but can also lead to malnutrition, which in turn is not conducive to recovery.
So, in the face of the overwhelming amount of health information on the Internet, how can we distinguish the authenticity from the fake?
First of all, we need to be rational and vigilant. Don't believe the unsubstantiated claims circulating online. In many cases, these claims may be based on false rumors or even commercial hype with ulterior motives.
Secondly, we should actively consult with a medical professional. Everyone's constitution and condition are different, and what kind of diet is best for you should be decided according to the doctor's advice. Don't blindly change your eating habits just because of some claims you see online.
Third, we need to learn to look at things holistically. Health isn't just about "keeping your mouth shut". In addition to a sensible diet, moderate exercise is equally important. As I always say to my patients, "It's better to exercise more than to think wildly."
Finally, I would like to emphasize that the concept of "taboo" in TCM is not to make the patient's life restrictive. On the contrary, TCM pursues a balance of yin and yang, emphasizing holistic conditioning. Appropriate dietary modification can indeed assist in treatment, but it is more important to maintain a positive and optimistic attitude and adhere to a reasonable schedule and lifestyle.
Going back to the patient's question at the beginning, my advice is: eggplant can be eaten with confidence, and there is no need to worry too much. But if you really care, you can control the amount of food you eat, or change the way you cook it. For example, you can try cold eggplant salad, which can enjoy the flavor and reduce the oiliness.
The way to health is balance. Whether it's diet or life, it's too much. Instead of worrying about this and that, it is better to calm down, listen to your body, follow the doctor's instructions, and maintain good habits. That's the right way to stay healthy.
In closing, I would like to say that in the face of disease, of course, we have to be cautious. But at the same time, we must remain optimistic and hopeful. Whether it's eggplant or any other food, it's important that we learn to live in harmony with illness and face each day with a positive attitude. After all, the beauty of life should not be overshadowed by the haze of disease. Let's work together for health and a better life!