Cuttlefish Bone, Monkey Head Mushroom & Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

Most acid reflux troubles trace back to lifestyle habits — eating late at night, indulging in fried, fatty, or sweet foods, drinking too much alcohol or fizzy drinks. The stomach never gets a proper rest, and before long you feel that familiar burning sensation rising in the chest. Nourilo recommends this soup not as a cure but as a supportive dish to pair with sensible eating: fewer late-night snacks, less coffee and acidic juices when symptoms flare, and crackers instead of cake between meals. The two main ingredients each bring something unique and research-backed to the table.

Method

1. Blanch the lean pork slices in boiling water, then rinse and set aside.
2. Soak the monkey head mushrooms and tangerine peel until softened; rinse the cuttlefish bone.
3. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 1.5 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes until reduced to about 600 ml.
5. Serve and drink while warm.

Nourilo’s Tips

Severe acid reflux can lead to oesophageal ulcers, tooth erosion, and — over the long term — an increased risk of oesophageal cancer. If you suspect acid reflux, do not wait: see a doctor early and use this soup as a supportive complement to treatment. Day to day, avoid overeating, cut back on alcohol and fizzy drinks, and whenever you feel heartburn coming on, stay away from acidic juices such as lemon water or hawthorn tea. If cuttlefish bone is unavailable (readers living overseas asked this), Nourilo suggests replacing it with about 38 g each of Chinese yam (huai shan) and lily bulb (bai he).