As temperatures drop sharply, digestion slows down, making people with gastroesophageal reflux more uncomfortable. Nutritionists point out that weather changes affect the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, slowing gastrointestinal motility and causing indigestion. In winter, people tend to crave hotpot, barbecue, and greasy hot foods, which stimulate acid secretion and worsen reflux symptoms.

How does temperature change aggravate reflux?
When temperatures fall, the body enters "protection mode," activating the sympathetic nervous system and reducing blood supply, which slows gastrointestinal motility. This causes food and acid to remain longer in the stomach, increasing reflux risks. Therefore, proper dietary adjustments are even more crucial in cold weather.

Correct eating order helps relieve discomfort.
Nutritionists suggest this order for hotpot meals:

✅ First, eat proteins (chicken, fish, shrimp, etc.): Stomach acid mainly breaks down protein. Without protein, acid may overstimulate the stomach lining.
✅ Then eat vegetables (mushrooms, loofah, various greens): Fiber promotes motility, speeds food emptying, and shortens acid retention.
✅ Finally, eat starches (noodles, rice, etc.): Choose mild options like boiled noodles avoid fried or starchy foods that trigger more acid.5 Tips to Improve Acid Reflux (Image / Provided by Heho Health)

Timing matters for soup consumption
Wrong soup timing may worsen reflux.
❌ Incorrect:
● Drinking during meals dilutes enzymes, weakening digestion.
● Drinking too much after meals expands the stomach and promotes reflux.
✅ Correct:
● Start with a bit of clear soup to warm the stomach and stimulate the acid.
● Then consume protein, vegetables, and starches.
● Avoid drinking large amounts post-meal to prevent stomach overexpansion.

Suitable vs. unsuitable soups
✅ Suitable:
● Pickled cabbage soup (with natural lactic acid bacteria for gut health)
● Soy milk or milk-based soups (high in protein, gentle on the stomach)
❌ Avoid:
● Spicy hotpot broth (chili and spices stimulate acid)
● Tomato soup (tomato acid may irritate the stomach)With the high work pressure of modern life, stomach discomfort has become a common condition. (Image / Provided by Heho Health)

The nutritionist emphasizes that paying extra attention to winter diets, following a proper eating sequence, and choosing suitable soups can effectively relieve discomfort from acid reflux and improve digestive health.