Every year in February and March, it is the season when bamboo shoots are in abundant supply in the market. While enjoying this "spring-limited" delicacy, it is also important to be cautious, as improper consumption of bamboo shoots can turn them from a spring treat to a spring detriment.

Due to overindulgence in spring bamboo shoots, two men experienced fainting and vomiting blood. Recently, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, two men were urgently hospitalized after consuming excessive amounts of spring bamboo shoots, leading to physical discomfort. Mr. Wang, who had a considerable amount of spring bamboo shoots and Chinese toon for dinner, suddenly felt dizzy and then fainted. Mr. Qian, who also has a particular fondness for spring bamboo shoots, consumed a large quantity during dinner and later experienced symptoms of vomiting blood and bloody stools during the night. Emergency department doctors found that both men had gastrointestinal bleeding, but neither had felt significant stomach pain before the bleeding occurred. After emergency treatment, their conditions gradually stabilized.

In fact, every year during this season, a significant number of people are hospitalized due to eating bamboo shoots. In the spring of a certain year, the gastroenterology department of a hospital in Ningbo, Zhejiang, treated several cases of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding caused by consuming bamboo shoots over a few consecutive days, and some even nearly went into shock.

Why does eating bamboo shoots lead to gastrointestinal bleeding? Doctors explain that spring bamboo shoots contain a relatively high amount of oxalic acid, tannic acid, and crude fiber. These components are either difficult to digest or easily combine with other food ingredients. Consuming them in large quantities can easily irritate the stomach and intestines, and also affect the digestion and absorption of nutrients such as calcium, iron, and zinc.

Especially for individuals with weak gastrointestinal function or those suffering from gastrointestinal diseases, excessive consumption can easily damage the gastric mucosa, leading to discomfort symptoms such as indigestion, stomach bloating, acid reflux, and belching. In severe cases, it can also cause gastrointestinal bleeding, resulting in complications like vomiting blood and black stools.

In addition to the aforementioned groups, the following types of people should also avoid consuming too much bamboo shoots↓↓↓

• Patients with urethral stones or kidney stones should be cautious with bamboo shoots, as they contain oxalic acid, which can easily combine with calcium in the body, affecting calcium absorption and potentially leading to stone formation.
• Children and the elderly: Oxalic acid can affect the body's absorption of calcium and zinc. Consuming bamboo shoots can not only harm the stomach of children but may also impact their growth and development. Elderly individuals, with weaker digestive capabilities and poorer physical conditions, are prone to gastrointestinal disorders and should also try to eat bamboo shoots sparingly.

How to Eat "Spring Vegetables" More Healthily? Doctors Remind That Even People Without Gastrointestinal Diseases Should Be Cautious When Eating Bamboo Shoots—

• Blanch the bamboo shoots. It is best to blanch the spring bamboo shoots in boiling water for a minute or even longer before cooking. This not only removes the astringent taste, making the texture more crisp, but also eliminates most of the oxalic acid.
• Do not consume on an empty stomach or mix with cold foods. It is advisable not to eat bamboo shoots on an empty stomach; it's better to have a few bites of rice or some soup first, which can effectively reduce the irritation of bamboo shoots on the gastric mucosa. After eating bamboo shoots, try to avoid consuming cold foods immediately to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort.

Currently, spring vegetables such as Chinese toon and bracken are also being widely marketed, and caution is advised when consuming them.

• The nitrite content in Chinese toon is relatively high, and excessive intake of nitrite can cause acute poisoning symptoms such as dizziness. However, considering that Chinese toon is a seasonal vegetable, the likelihood of poisoning is relatively small when the ingredients are fresh, blanched (for about 30 to 40 seconds), and consumed in normal amounts.
• Long-term and excessive consumption of bracken can increase the risk of cancer, and it is advisable to soak and blanch it before eating.

Although spring vegetables such as bamboo shoots and ferns are delicious, one should not overindulge. If symptoms like abdominal pain, bloody stools, nausea, or vomiting occur, it is crucial to take them seriously and seek medical attention promptly.