For over a year, 59-year-old Mr. Zhang has been troubled by poor digestion and gastrointestinal discomfort. Shortly after eating, he often experiences bloating, abdominal pain, and the urge to visit the restroom, averaging about five episodes of diarrhea per day, significantly disrupting his daily routine. Seeking treatment from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner a month ago, he was diagnosed with a pattern of “exuberant liver and deficient spleen.” With the administration of Chinese herbal medicine, his symptoms gradually improved.
Dr. Lin Zaiyu, Director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department at Taipei City Hospital, Zhongxing Branch, pointed out that what modern individuals refer to as “indigestion, eating results in immediate bowel movements” corresponds to the concept of “undigested grains” in traditional Chinese medicine. This refers to abnormal gastrointestinal digestion and absorption functions leading to diarrhea or the passage of undigested food in the stool, presenting a condition where “what you eat is what you see in the stool,” indicating a complete inability to absorb nutrients from food.
Dr. Lin explained that patients like Mr. Zhang, who exhibit symptoms of immediate bowel movements after eating, can be treated with the Chinese herbs “Baizhu” (Atractylodes macrocephala) and “Baishao” (Paeonia lactiflora). “Baizhu” promotes digestive absorption function, while “Baishao” suppresses excessive gastrointestinal motility, thereby promoting overall gastrointestinal health and alleviating symptoms of indigestion, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Patients should eat small, frequent meals and be mindful not to let their emotions affect digestion.
For patients troubled by indigestion and diarrhea, Dr. Lin suggests maintaining a light and easily digestible diet, preferably eating small meals frequently, and ensuring an adequate intake of water and electrolytes while avoiding overeating and consuming oily, cold, spicy, or stimulating foods.
Psychological factors also contribute significantly to indigestion. Therefore, Dr. Lin advises patients to maintain a cheerful mood and appropriately manage stress. If diarrhea persists or worsens, or if stool color or odor becomes abnormal, patients should promptly consult a physician.