Blindly Supplementing Can Lead to Serious Consequences
This morning, a 17-year-old girl was discharged from Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital after recovering from a life-threatening condition.
This sophomore girl suffered from dysfunctional uterine bleeding during puberty. Due to fear of missing school, she delayed seeking medical treatment. Severe vaginal bleeding accompanied by nosebleeds led to severe anemia, with hemoglobin dropping to as low as 3.2 g/dL, resulting in hemorrhagic shock. She survived only after massive blood transfusions. Recently, Beijing TCM Hospital has admitted multiple similar cases. The hospital’s gynecologist stated that although these patients have recovered and been discharged, they face risks of potential blood-transfusion infections, and long-term consequences due to severe anemia remain deeply concerning.
After reviewing several cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, researchers found a common trait among these girls: they had blindly over-supplemented before experiencing severe bleeding. Their menstrual periods were prolonged, and well-meaning mothers feared blood loss would weaken their daughters’ bodies and affect studies, so they fed them large quantities of longan, lamb, and other tonics, frequently drank sugared water, believing that blood deficiency requires blood replenishment. Even after doctors advised against “heat-inducing” foods, they continued eating excessive chocolate and fried spicy chicken legs, leading to the opposite effect—“supplementing” caused internal heat and uncontrolled bleeding.
The expert believes that with rising living standards and changing diets, more and more adolescents suffer from endocrine disorders due to excessive consumption of greasy, rich, and spicy foods, leading to what traditional Chinese medicine calls “blood heat and dryness” and “yin injury and fluid depletion.” Clinically common symptoms such as acne, obesity, amenorrhea, frequent menstruation, or even uncontrollable bleeding often stem from such imbalances. Although prolonged blood loss causes anemia and symptoms like dizziness, palpitations, and fatigue, if internal heat remains unaddressed and blood remains restless, supplementation is akin to pouring oil on fire. As Qing Dynasty physician Zheng Qin’an said: “When illness demands treatment, even aconite, rhubarb, or arsenic are treasures; when illness doesn’t require treatment, even ginseng, astragalus, deer antler, or goji berries become poison.” Meaning: toxic drugs, if used appropriately, can save lives; nourishing herbs, if misused, can kill silently. Diet, like medicine, has cold, cool, warm, and hot properties. Even the most nutritious food can harm the body if consumed excessively or improperly.
In addition, experts remind parents: if a child is ill, seek medical help early. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent minor illnesses from turning into major ones.