What to eat to strengthen digestion

A congee is a traditional Chinese porridge made from rice. In the West, we tend to think of white rice as bad for our health. Chinese Medicine has a totally different perspective. It is seen as a powerful therapeutic food for strengthening digestion, boosting energy, and aiding in the recovery from illness or childbirth. Rice strengthens digestion through its chalky quality, which is shared with many of the Chinese herbs used for the same purpose.

A basic congee can be made from using ½ cup of rice to 3 cups of liquid. You can make a sweet congee with milk, fruit, and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla. For a savory congee, you can use water, stock or bone broth, and some meat on the bone such as chicken or pork. More water will make a thinner congee and less liquid will make a thicker congee. Find what works for you.

To prepare, rinse the rice thoroughly with cold water and place it with the liquid of your choice in a slow cooker overnight on low heat. By placing your ingredients in the slow cooker overnight, you wake up to a nourishing meal. If using meat on the bone, in the morning, remove the meat on the bone, pull the meat off, and add it back to the congee. Discard the bones.

We often have this for breakfast. Here is our favorite recipe and toppings:

• 1/2 cup of rice

• 2 1/2 cups chicken stock/bone broth

• 1 split chicken breast

• 3 cloves garlic, smashed

• 3 slices ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For savory toppings we enjoy tamari, sesame seeds, green onion, sauerkraut, and eggs. For sweet toppings we enjoy goji berries and raisins.

This is an excellent recipe to have on hand. It is ideal for during and after colds and flu, anytime your digestion needs some extra attention, and postpartum.