Hot Pot Horrors: Why This Comfort Food Can Cause Diarrhea

Hot pot is a delicious and fun communal eating experience that is thought to have originated in Mongolia. It typically involves a large bowl of broth placed in the centre of a table, heated by induction or flame, into which diners place a variety of raw ingredients to cook. However, eating hot pot can sometimes lead to an upset stomach and diarrhoea. This can be caused by a number of factors, including the spiciness of the food, the temperature at which it is consumed, and the consumption of cold drinks alongside the meal. In addition, if raw ingredients are not thoroughly cooked, this can also lead to food poisoning, resulting in diarrhoea.

Consuming spicy food

However, the impact of spicy food on the body can vary from person to person. Frequent consumption of spicy food can lead to a desensitisation, reducing the likelihood of stomach aches and diarrhoea.

The effects of spicy food can also be mitigated by drinking milk, as it contains a compound that binds with capsaicin and washes it away. It is also worth noting that the temperature of the food can play a role, with research suggesting that consuming food above 50-60 degrees could cause gastritis and increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Additionally, consuming ice-cold drinks with spicy food can irritate the bowel, potentially causing diarrhoea or abdominal pain. This is due to the body's quick response to cold drinks. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for warm drinks instead when consuming spicy food.

It is important to note that while spicy food can cause digestive issues, it is not the only factor to consider when experiencing diarrhoea. Other factors, such as food freshness, cooking temperature, and cross-contamination, can also contribute to stomach problems.

Not cooking food thoroughly

Not cooking your food thoroughly is one of the main reasons why people experience diarrhea after eating hot pot. Hot pot is a Chinese dish that involves cooking various thinly sliced meats, vegetables, and seafood in a simmering pot of stock at the center of the dining table. While this cultural dish is fun and flavorful, it can also be a health hazard if not prepared and consumed properly.

One of the challenges of cooking with a rich broth is that it can be difficult to determine whether certain foods, especially meats, have been thoroughly cooked. It is important to ensure that meats such as chicken, lamb, pork, and shrimp are properly cooked before consumption. While the thin slices of meat used in hot pot will cook quickly, it is crucial to remain vigilant to avoid eating undercooked or raw meat. Undercooked meat can harbor harmful bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea.

To prevent diarrhea and other health issues, it is recommended to cook meats in the hot pot for an adequate amount of time. For example, shrimp and other seafood should be cooked for at least five minutes at temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius to ensure the complete elimination of bacteria and parasites. By taking the time to properly cook your food, you can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing diarrhea and other unpleasant side effects associated with consuming undercooked meat.

In addition to thorough cooking, there are other measures you can take to minimize the chances of experiencing diarrhea after eating hot pot. It is advisable to let your food cool down slightly before consuming it, as extremely hot foods can irritate the stomach and potentially lead to gastritis or even stomach cancer. Using separate utensils for handling raw meat and consuming cooked food is also important to prevent cross-contamination. Furthermore, always ensure that the ingredients you are using are fresh and have not passed their expiration date. By following these simple guidelines, you can reduce the likelihood of experiencing diarrhea and other digestive issues when enjoying hot pot.

Drinking ice-cold beverages with hot pot

Hot pot, or huǒ guō, is a popular East Asian dish, especially in the winter. It involves cooking various thinly sliced meats, vegetables, seafood, and dumplings in a simmering pot of stock at the centre of the table. However, consuming hot pot can sometimes lead to diarrhoea.

To avoid potential issues, it is recommended to drink room-temperature or warm beverages with hot pot. In China, it is common to prefer warm water and beer at room temperature. This can help prevent bowel irritation and reduce the risk of diarrhoea.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the hot pot ingredients are thoroughly cooked, especially meat, and allowed to cool slightly before consuming. Using separate utensils for raw and cooked food can also prevent contamination and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Food not cooled before eating

Hot pot is a popular dish in East and Southeast Asian cooking. It involves diners cooking their own choice of meats, seafood, vegetables, and starches in a vessel of roiling broth. However, eating hot pot can sometimes lead to diarrhea. One reason for this is that people often eat hot pot without letting the food cool down first.

It is important to let your food cool down before eating it, as consuming food that is very hot (temperature-wise) may not be good for your stomach. Research suggests that eating foods above 50-60 degrees Celsius could cause gastritis and is even linked to a higher risk of stomach cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to let your hot pot food cool down just a bit before consuming it. This can be done by dipping it in a sauce before eating.

In addition to letting your food cool, there are several other ways to reduce the risk of diarrhea after eating hot pot. Firstly, make sure your food is thoroughly cooked. Hot pot often includes thinly sliced meats that may not be cooked all the way through if not left in the broth long enough. Secondly, use separate utensils for raw and cooked food. This will help prevent the contamination of your cooked food with raw bacteria. Thirdly, be mindful of the ingredients you are using. Meat and vegetables that are beyond their expiry date or that have been left out of the fridge for too long can become spoiled or contaminated. Finally, be cautious when consuming spicy hot pot. Spicy foods can irritate the gastric system and cause diarrhea, especially for those who are not used to eating spicy food regularly.

Using the same utensils for raw and cooked food

Hot pot is a popular dish, especially in the winter, that consists of a simmering pot of stock placed at the centre of the dining table. While the hot pot simmers, ingredients such as thinly sliced meat, vegetables, and seafood are placed into the pot and cooked.

One reason why hot pot may cause diarrhoea is the use of the same utensils for raw and cooked food. Using the same utensils for raw and cooked food can lead to cross-contamination, which is the transfer of harmful bacteria from raw food to cooked food. This can occur when utensils come into contact with raw meat and then are used for cooked food without being properly cleaned.

To avoid cross-contamination, it is recommended to use separate utensils for handling raw and cooked food. For example, when cooking meat, it is suggested to use one set of tongs or chopsticks for handling raw meat and then switch to a second set once the meat is mostly cooked. This helps prevent the transfer of bacteria from raw meat to cooked meat, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

In addition to using separate utensils, it is essential to thoroughly cook the food. This is especially important for meat, such as chicken, lamb, and pork, to ensure that it is no longer raw when consumed. Proper cooking reduces the risk of consuming harmful bacteria that may be present in raw or undercooked meat.

By following these food safety practices, such as using separate utensils for raw and cooked food and ensuring thorough cooking, individuals can reduce the risk of diarrhoea and other foodborne illnesses when enjoying hot pot.

Frequently asked questions