In Vietnamese meals, soup often accompanies dishes, aiding swallowing and providing hydration, vegetables, and nutrients. Despite its presence, a belief suggests that mixing soup directly with rice can damage the stomach or hinder digestion.

From both a medical perspective and traditional customs, this advice contains elements that are accurate, alongside some misconceptions.

First, the inaccurate point is the concern that soup dilutes stomach acid, preventing proper food digestion. In reality, the stomach is highly adaptable. When food or soup enters, it automatically adjusts the appropriate amounts of acid and digestive enzymes. Therefore, neither soup nor plain water diminishes stomach function or causes damage, contrary to popular belief.

Conversely, the truly valuable aspect of this traditional advice lies in its emphasis on chewing habits. When rice is submerged in soup, the slippery grains often lead to a reflex of swallowing without thorough chewing, using the soup to wash the rice down. Eating too quickly means saliva in the mouth does not have enough time to begin digesting starches.

When inadequately chewed food reaches the stomach, the stomach must contract more vigorously, work harder, and take longer to break down the food. Over the long term, this habit of eating quickly can cause bloating and indigestion, negatively impacting the digestive system.

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To maintain the cozy atmosphere of a Vietnamese family meal while also protecting stomach health, individuals should adopt simple, scientific eating habits. One can sip a few spoonfuls of soup before or during the meal to stimulate taste buds and help food go down more easily.

Crucially, maintain the habit of chewing rice and other food thoroughly before swallowing, then consume soup separately, rather than pouring it directly over the rice. Embrace healthy eating habits as taught by our ancestors: "Eat slowly, chew well, stay full longer; eat fast, swallow whole, invite stomach pain."

Dr. Vo Hong Minh Cong

Deputy Director, Gia Dinh People's Hospital