Eating more Job's tears can improve gastrointestinal health?
Hello, nutritionist.
I have a sensitive digestive system and tend to experience diarrhea easily, so I don't have issues with constipation.
In fact, there are times when I go to the bathroom twice a day.
I've heard that Job's tears can help with digestion.
Can regularly consuming Job's tears improve my condition? Thank you for your response.
Xiao Ming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/05/02
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Dear Xiao Ming,
Hello! Job's tears and rice both belong to the staple food category, but Job's tears contain more dietary fiber than white rice.
Dietary fiber is beneficial for maintaining intestinal function and indeed aids in bowel movements.
Many plant-based foods are also rich in dietary fiber, so it is advisable to consume a wide variety of foods to achieve a balanced intake of nutrients.
Having bowel movements twice a day, as long as it is not diarrhea, is not considered abnormal; in fact, it is preferable.
Wishing you peace and health!
Sincerely,
Dietitian Shih Kuei-Mei
Director of the Nutrition Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare
Reply Date: 2010/05/02
More Info
Job's Tears, also known as Coix lacryma-jobi, is a grain that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Asian cultures. It is often praised for its potential health benefits, including its effects on digestive health. Given your concern about digestive issues, particularly diarrhea, incorporating Job's Tears into your diet may indeed offer some benefits.
Firstly, Job's Tears are rich in dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps to regulate bowel movements and can contribute to overall gut health. While you mentioned that you do not experience constipation, fiber can still play a crucial role in balancing your digestive system. It can help absorb excess water in the intestines, which may reduce the frequency of diarrhea. Additionally, fiber can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which is vital for a healthy microbiome.
Moreover, Job's Tears have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for individuals with digestive issues. Chronic inflammation in the gut can lead to various digestive problems, including diarrhea. By reducing inflammation, Job's Tears may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with digestive disorders.
Another aspect to consider is that Job's Tears are gluten-free, making them a suitable option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If your digestive issues are related to gluten consumption, switching to gluten-free grains like Job's Tears could potentially improve your symptoms.
In addition to their digestive benefits, Job's Tears are also known for their diuretic properties. This means they can help promote urination, which may be beneficial for flushing out toxins from the body. However, if you are already experiencing frequent bowel movements, it's essential to monitor how your body reacts to Job's Tears, as excessive diuretic effects could lead to dehydration.
When incorporating Job's Tears into your diet, consider various preparation methods. You can cook them as a porridge, add them to soups, or even use them in salads. It's essential to start with small amounts and observe how your body responds, especially since you have a sensitive digestive system.
In conclusion, while Job's Tears may offer potential benefits for improving digestive health, it's crucial to approach any dietary changes with caution, particularly given your history of digestive issues. If you find that Job's Tears help alleviate your symptoms, they could be a valuable addition to your diet. However, if you continue to experience digestive problems, it may be wise to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice and to rule out any underlying conditions that may require more targeted treatment.
Similar Q&A
Struggling with Digestive Issues: Seeking Relief for Gut Health
Hello, doctor. To begin with, I have regular bowel movements every morning, so I don't have issues with constipation. However, I have a sensitive gastrointestinal system and I am lactose intolerant, which makes me prone to diarrhea when consuming dairy products. I often see ...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Experiencing diarrhea after eating can be quite troubling. Lactose intolerance is different from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and it is important to avoid dairy products in the case of lactose intolerance. IBS is related to emotions, infections, and diet. It is recommended to ...[Read More] Struggling with Digestive Issues: Seeking Relief for Gut Health
Managing Gastrointestinal Health: Tips for Diet and Supplements
Hello, Doctor: About seven years ago, I suffered from depression, which led to binge eating that only started to improve last year. However, due to my part-time work and study situation, my eating habits have changed again. Six months ago, after changing jobs, I got used to eatin...
Dr. Zhang Siyuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
To Hachiko: *Long-term use of WAKAMOTO may not improve your current digestive and absorption issues.* Breakfast does not need to follow a fixed recipe; feel free to try different options.* Given your situation, it is best to adhere to a routine of three meals a day, allowing your...[Read More] Managing Gastrointestinal Health: Tips for Diet and Supplements
Benefits of Green Papaya: Enhancing Digestion with Enzymes
Hello, I heard that green papaya contains enzymes that can help break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. If I want to cook beef tendon and pork/beef, would adding a bit of green papaya help with digestion? Or is it better to eat green papaya as a fruit instead of cooking it ...
Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! Both green papaya and ripe papaya contain papain, which can indeed be used to tenderize meat by mixing the discarded and cleaned papaya skin and flesh together for a period before cooking. Raw green papaya has a more astringent taste and is generally used for soups. If you...[Read More] Benefits of Green Papaya: Enhancing Digestion with Enzymes
Improving Stomach Absorption: Tips for Better Digestion and Health
Hello, doctor. I feel like my stomach is not absorbing properly. After eating, I have a prolonged feeling of fullness (lasting over 2 hours) and it seems like my stomach isn't digesting. The next day during bowel movements, I notice remnants of vegetables. If I drink a lot o...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Malabsorption in the stomach, with prolonged feelings of fullness before meals, suggests that dietary habits should be addressed. The function of the digestive tract is to break down food and absorb nutrients. After food is ingested, it takes approximately five to six hours for t...[Read More] Improving Stomach Absorption: Tips for Better Digestion and Health
Related FAQ
(Nutrition)
Digestion(Family Medicine)
Bowel Movement(Nutrition)
Bulimia(Nutrition)
Health Check-Up Report(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Dietary Adjustment(Nutrition)
Lutein(Nutrition)
Elderly(Nutrition)
Liver Function(Nutrition)
Gout Diet(Nutrition)