Hot Pot Comforts: A Tasty Remedy For Colds And Flu

Whether or not hot pot is good for you when you're sick depends on what kind of sickness you have. It can provide your body with lots of nutrients to help you heal, but it can also worsen your condition. If you have a fever, it's best to avoid hot pot as it may cause vomiting or diarrhea. If you're feeling nauseous, the flavour of the soup may be overwhelming. Instead, opt for lighter soups such as miso or chicken broth. If you have heart disease, the high sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fats in hot pot could be dangerous, increasing your risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes.

Hot pot can be good when you're sick as it provides nutrients to help your body heal

Whether hot pot is a good meal option when you're sick depends on the type of illness you have. While it can provide your body with nutrients to aid the healing process, it may also worsen your condition in some cases.

Hot pot is a flavourful broth served in a large metal pot. It is kept simmering throughout the meal, and diners cook a variety of raw ingredients, such as meat and vegetables, in the broth. The cooked pieces are then dipped into sauces to add flavour.

Hot pot can be a good source of nutrients when you're sick. The ingredients used in hot pot can provide your body with a range of vitamins and minerals to support your recovery. For example, typical hot pot ingredients include thinly sliced meat, which can provide protein, and leaf vegetables, which can be a good source of vitamins.

Additionally, hot pot can be a comforting and satisfying meal, which is important when you're feeling unwell. The warmth of the broth and the process of cooking your own ingredients can be soothing and help improve your appetite, which is often diminished when sick.

However, it's important to consider the potential downsides of eating hot pot when sick. If you have a fever, it's generally recommended to avoid hot pot as it may cause further issues. The rich broth and spicy flavours can be overwhelming if you're feeling nauseous or have a sore throat. Instead, opt for lighter soups like miso or chicken broth.

Furthermore, hot pot is high in sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fats, which can be detrimental if you have heart disease or related issues. The spicy nature of hot pot can also irritate the stomach, especially if the food is not thoroughly cooked or is consumed too hot. It is recommended to let the food cool slightly before eating and to ensure ingredients are properly cooked to avoid any health risks.

In conclusion, hot pot can be good when you're sick as it provides nutrients to aid your body's healing process. However, it is important to consider the type of illness you have and make adjustments as needed, such as opting for milder flavours or alternative meal options if hot pot may worsen your condition.

It can worsen your condition if you have a fever or nausea

Hot pot is a delicious and comforting meal, but it may not be the best choice when you're feeling under the weather. If you're experiencing a fever or nausea, consuming hot pot could worsen your condition. Here's why:

Firstly, hot pot tends to be quite spicy, and spicy foods can irritate the digestive system, especially if you're not accustomed to them. The capsaicin in chili peppers, a common ingredient in hot pot, is a known gastric irritant and can cause a burning sensation both when consumed and during digestion. If you're already feeling nauseous, the last thing you want is to exacerbate that burning feeling.

Secondly, hot pot is often served at very high temperatures, and consuming food that is too hot can be harmful to your stomach. It is generally recommended to let food cool down a bit before eating, as eating food above 50-60 degrees Celsius could lead to gastritis and may even increase the risk of stomach cancer. When you're sick, it's especially important to be gentle on your stomach.

Additionally, hot pot is typically rich in sodium, which can be problematic if you're dealing with a fever. Excessive sodium intake can lead to dehydration, making it more difficult for your body to regulate its temperature and potentially worsening your fever. It's crucial to stay hydrated when you're sick, and consuming too much sodium can work against that.

Moreover, hot pot often includes a variety of raw or undercooked meats, which can be risky if your immune system is already compromised due to illness. It's important to ensure that any meat you consume is thoroughly cooked to avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses, which could further compromise your health.

Finally, hot pot tends to be a heavy and rich meal, which may not sit well if you're feeling nauseous or feverish. When you're sick, it's often best to stick to lighter, more easily digestible foods that provide your body with the nutrients it needs to heal without overtaxing your digestive system.

In conclusion, while hot pot can be a tempting comfort food when you're unwell, it's important to consider how it may impact your specific symptoms. If you're dealing with a fever or nausea, it's generally best to avoid hot pot and opt for lighter, more soothing options like chicken broth or miso soup. Your body will thank you!

It may be dangerous for those with heart disease due to high sodium, cholesterol and saturated fats

Hot pot can be a great meal to provide your body with lots of nutrients to heal you when you're sick. However, it can also worsen your condition, especially if you have a fever or are feeling nauseous. In general, it is best to avoid hot pot when you're sick, as it may cause more harm than good.

If you have heart disease, consuming hot pot may be dangerous due to its high levels of sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fats. These nutrients have been linked to an increased risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals with heart disease to choose their meals carefully and not indulge in hot pot too often.

The sodium content in hot pot can be particularly concerning for those with heart disease. High sodium intake can lead to water retention, increasing blood volume and blood pressure. This puts an extra burden on the heart, which has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. Additionally, a diet high in sodium is often associated with a higher risk of heart failure, as it can exacerbate existing heart conditions and increase the likelihood of cardiovascular events.

Cholesterol and saturated fats found in hot pot can also pose a danger to individuals with heart disease. High cholesterol levels can lead to the build-up of plaque in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This build-up narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Saturated fats are known to raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, which further contributes to the development of atherosclerosis.

While hot pot can be a tasty and comforting meal, it is essential to be mindful of its potential health risks, especially for those with heart disease. Consuming hot pot too frequently or in large quantities can negatively impact heart health and increase the likelihood of cardiovascular events. Therefore, individuals with heart disease should carefully consider their dietary choices and opt for meals with lower sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat content to support their heart health.

It's generally safe to eat during Covid, but prepare it safely to reduce bacteria and germs

Hot pot is generally safe to eat during Covid, but it's important to prepare it safely to reduce bacteria and germs. Here are some tips to help you safely enjoy hot pot while reducing the risk of bacteria and germs:

Purchasing and Storing Ingredients

• Buy your hot pot ingredients from reputable, licensed retailers.
• Ensure that all the ingredients are fresh and in good condition.
• For pre-packaged food, check that the packaging is intact and the products are within the use-by date.
• Store frozen products in a freezer at -18°C or below, and chilled products in a refrigerator at 4°C or below.
• Do not defrost food at room temperature. Instead, defrost overnight in a chiller, or use cold running water or a microwave.
• Cook the food immediately after defrosting and do not re-freeze.

Food Preparation

• Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before handling food, before eating, after touching raw meat or seafood, and before touching ready-to-eat food.
• Wash vegetables thoroughly under running water.
• When preparing shellfish and bivalves, scrub and wash the outer shells to remove dirt.
• Soak live bivalves like clams in water for half a day to reduce the amount of sand and microorganisms.
• Remove the intestines and gonads from scallops to reduce the risk of contaminants.
• Clean and disinfect the sink and surrounding areas after handling raw meat and poultry to avoid contamination through splashes.
• Use separate utensils and chopping boards for raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.
• Ensure that all utensils and food contact surfaces are cleaned regularly.
• Cook food thoroughly, especially meat, to avoid foodborne illnesses.
• Bring the hot pot to a full boil before consuming any of the ingredients.
• Make sure larger pieces of food are cooked to a core temperature of at least 75°C before consumption.
• Oysters and shellfish should be heated to an internal temperature of 90°C for 90 seconds or boiled at 100°C until their shells open. Continue heating for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure the inactivation of common foodborne viruses.

Additional Tips

• Avoid consuming raw eggs due to the risk of Salmonella. Use pasteurised shell eggs instead.
• Choose soup bases with lower fat and sodium content, such as plain water or a clear broth.
• Avoid overindulging in high-salt and high-fat foods.
• Use condiments like soy sauce sparingly.
• Do not consume food while it is still scalding hot.
• Avoid mixing hot pot with ice-cold drinks as it may irritate the bowel and cause abdominal pain.

It can cause an upset stomach due to spicy foods, eating hot foods, or drinking cold drinks with your meal

Hot pot can be a great meal to eat when you're sick, as it provides lots of nutrients to help your body heal. However, it can also worsen your condition, especially if you have a fever or are feeling nauseous. In addition, consuming hot pot when sick may cause an upset stomach due to the following reasons:

Spicy Foods

Hot pot can be extremely spicy, especially if you opt for the Sichuan style. The spices used, such as chili peppers, contain capsaicin, a chemical compound that irritates the gastric system, skin, and eyes. This can cause a burning sensation both when consumed and when exiting the body. If you are not accustomed to eating spicy foods, it is best to avoid the spiciest broths or opt for a yuanyanguo, a hot pot with a divider offering both spicy and non-spicy options. Drinking milk may also help alleviate the burning sensation as it contains a compound that binds to capsaicin and washes it away.

Eating Hot Foods

Consuming very hot foods directly from the simmering broth can potentially harm your stomach. Research suggests that eating foods above 50-60 degrees Celsius could lead to gastritis and may even increase the risk of stomach cancer. It is recommended to let your food cool down a bit by dipping it in your sauce before consuming it.

Drinking Cold Drinks with Your Meal

Although an ice-cold beer may pair well with a hot pot dinner, it could irritate your bowel. The body's quick response to cold drinks can lead to diarrhea or abdominal pain. If you know your stomach is sensitive, it is advisable to opt for warm drinks instead of cold ones during your meal.

In conclusion, while hot pot can be a nutritious and comforting meal when you're sick, it's important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with spicy foods, eating very hot foods, and drinking cold drinks with your meal, as they can cause an upset stomach or worsen existing digestive issues.

Frequently asked questions