Changsha Fourth Hospital reminds: Although chestnuts are good, don’t eat too much, be careful of intestinal blockage!

In the autumn and winter seasons, chestnuts have become a popular street food, especially the fragrant sugar-fried chestnuts, which are so fragrant that people can't help but eat handfuls after handfuls. However, recently, someone in Changsha was hospitalized because of eating these chestnuts.

In the early morning of January 4, 71-year-old Mr. Chen came to Changsha Fourth Hospital for treatment due to unbearable abdominal pain after eating a large amount of chestnuts continuously. He was admitted to the first ward of general surgery in the emergency department. After examination, the patient was diagnosed with incomplete intestinal obstruction . After the medical staff gave the patient enema treatment, the abdominal pain and other discomfort symptoms disappeared.

So, why does eating chestnuts cause intestinal obstruction?

1. Why is eating chestnuts in winter likely to cause intestinal obstruction?

1. Characteristics of chestnut itself

(1) High fiber content

Chestnuts are rich in dietary fiber. Moderate intake can promote intestinal motility, but excessive consumption, especially for people with weak gastrointestinal function, may cause indigestion.

(2) Difficult to digest

Chestnuts are rich in starch and plant protein, which take a long time to digest and can easily increase the gastrointestinal burden.

2. Special impact of winter

(1) Reduced activity

It is cold in winter, and people’s outdoor activities are reduced, which slows down their metabolism and gastrointestinal motility.

(2) Changes in eating habits

In winter, people often consume more high-calorie and greasy foods, which easily accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, further increasing the burden of digestion.

3. Physical factors of high-risk groups

(1) Elderly people

As people age, their gastrointestinal function declines, and the elderly are more likely to suffer from intestinal obstruction due to eating too many chestnuts.

(2) Patients with previous gastrointestinal diseases

People who suffer from diseases such as gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer or intestinal adhesion should be particularly cautious when eating chestnuts.

2. When eating chestnuts, pay attention to the following points

1. Control the amount of food you eat

Adults should not eat more than 10 chestnuts a day, and try to eat them in small amounts at several times to avoid consuming too much at one time.

2. Reasonable matching

Avoid eating it with difficult-to-digest foods (such as glutinous rice, rice dumplings, etc.). It is recommended to eat it with light and easily digestible foods such as vegetable soup or porridge.

3. Pay attention to cooking methods

Chestnuts should be cooked thoroughly to fully gelatinize the starch and reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Steaming or boiling is recommended, and frying or baking should be avoided.

4. Do moderate activities after meals

Light activities such as taking a walk after a meal can help gastrointestinal motility and avoid food accumulation.

5. Pay attention to your body’s reactions

If you feel bloating, abdominal pain or nausea after eating chestnuts, you should stop eating them immediately and seek medical attention.

Yu Qianle, deputy chief physician of the General Surgery Department 1 of Changsha Fourth Hospital, kindly reminds you that if you or your family members experience symptoms such as paroxysmal severe abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, cessation of bowel movements and flatulence, please be sure to go to the hospital as soon as possible.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Jiang Ziyi, Changsha Fourth Hospital

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(Edited by YT)