Answer:

Bird's nest soup, known for its sweet taste and neutral properties, is often used to treat weakness, coughs, coughing up blood, asthma, vomiting blood, stomach aches, and chronic diarrhea. It's a popular nutritional supplement for those recovering from illness, the frail, the elderly, malnourished children, and women experiencing postpartum hemorrhage.

However, consuming nutrient-rich foods like bird's nest soup during acute inflammation, digestive issues, or metabolic disorders can strain the digestive system, potentially leading to diarrhea, bloating, indigestion, or prolonging the illness, rather than aiding recovery.

Specifically, individuals experiencing colds, fever with headaches, cold-induced stomach aches, bloating, or coughs with thin phlegm, as well as those with skin inflammation, acute bronchitis, urinary tract infections, or high fever, should avoid bird's nest soup.

Continuous consumption of bird's nest soup can also negatively impact the digestive systems of the elderly and those with weak digestion, hindering nutrient absorption and potentially causing stomach upset and diarrhea.

Furthermore, the benefits of bird's nest soup are best realized with long-term, consistent consumption. It is recommended to consume small doses (6-10 g) over an extended period.

Pregnant women should only consume bird's nest soup after 5 months of pregnancy when the fetus is stable and both mother and baby require increased nutrients.

Doctor Huynh Tan Vu

University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital at Ho Chi Minh City - Campus 3

Cleaned bird's nest. Photo: Vecteezy.

Cleaned bird's nest. Photo: Vecteezy.