Q I run a restaurant so I eat in a hurry, and every time it gets stuck in my chest. How should I eat to clog less?
A Eat small amounts slowly, chewing thoroughly, and swallow with some water to reduce the esophageal burden. Eating a lot fast is the most likely to clog, so it's good to split meals into several smaller ones.
Detailed Answer
In achalasia, the esophagus can't push food down, so the more and faster you eat at once, the more food pools in the esophagus and the worse the clogging and regurgitation. Eating small amounts often, slowly and well-chewed, and adding warm water helps passage. Cold, hard, or sticky foods are more likely to clog, so caution is needed.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Korean medicine's management of yeolgyeok, which is related to achalasia, also recommends small frequent meals of warm, easily digestible food. Even in a busy self-employed life, small adjustments like splitting meals into several portions and slightly extending mealtime can lower the frequency of clogging and regurgitation.
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