I have seen recent outbreaks of gastrointestinal infections this year.
I recommend congee to my clients, especially if they have a stomach bug or another gastrointestinal problems. People (including kids!) typically enjoy congee, which is a fantastic meal to eat medicinally to improve digestion and general health. When someone has nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, a poor appetite, or is recuperating from an acute illness, we frequently advise them to make this. Congee, on the other hand, can be consumed at any time and is highly adaptable. Similar to how porridge might be in the West, it is a staple breakfast in various Asian countries.
In Chinese medicine, rice is viewed as warming with a sweet taste making it suitable for supporting the organ systems that regulate digestion. It is healthy, hydrating, delicious, and simple to digest when slow-cooked in this way with extra fluids—ideal for digestive disorders when nothing tastes good or goes down.
Kids seem to enjoy it as well, and it can even be given to infants who are already eating solids. When my daughter was younger, she often refuses to eat and drinks very little when she has a stomach bug or even a cold. Even as a fussy toddler, the only food I’ve been able to persuade her to eat during these times is congee.
Congee can be a very beneficial and healthy food for my clients especially during gastro. For starters, it’s really simple to prepare, even when you’re extremely exhausted, especially in a pressure cooker (Instantpot) or crock pot. It is also tasty and helps ease nausea, especially when cooked with ginger, so it can be a lifesaver for people who struggle to eat or maintain their weight. It’s also far healthier and gentler on the digestive system than many of the popular protein shakes that dietitians and doctors frequently suggest. Because of its adaptability, one can substitute other vegetables for the protein when the symptoms are more acute or when that sounds more appetising.
You can cook congee with either white or brown rice. Although white rice tends to be even easier to digest, we typically advise it for people who are experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Brown rice is excellent for regular consumption, cold and flu sufferers, and nursing mothers. Rice with short grains works best. The average rice to liquid ratio is 1:6, but more is preferable to less. The congee will be simpler to digest and absorb the nutrients the longer it is cooked. This recipe is much more nourishing if you have preferably homemade bone broth, but store bought will work well if your in a pinch!
