Doctor reveals three ways to make protein easier to digest when your stomach is weak

People with poor stomach function may worry about losing muscle and respond by eating more protein. But physician Huang Shih-wei says quantity alone may not solve the problem if the stomach cannot break protein down properly.

Huang, director-general of the central branch of the Show Chwan Healthcare System, said low stomach acid, gastritis, stomach removal and long-term use of acid-suppressing medication can all affect protein’s initial digestion. When digestion and enzyme activity are reduced, eating more protein may not prevent muscle loss.

His first recommendation is to choose softer, easier-to-digest foods. Boiled or steamed eggs, white-fleshed fish such as tilapia and cod, unsweetened soy milk and soft tofu are among the options he listed. He advised cooking chicken breast until tender and temporarily avoiding red meat, fully cooked fried eggs and fried protein bars when the stomach is not functioning well.

Huang also recommended eating smaller amounts more often. Instead of consuming a large serving at once, people could spread their daily protein across four or five meals, with about 15 to 20 grams per meal. That amount is roughly equivalent to two eggs or half a box of soft tofu.

Cooking methods matter as well. Steaming, boiling, stewing and braising can soften food and make it easier to process, while frying, dry pan-frying and charring may make digestion more difficult. Huang said tender ginger or a small amount of natural vinegar could be added during cooking to help stimulate stomach acid secretion and support digestion.

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Rather than desperately eating more, learn to eat correctly first.