Chinese Medicine for Child Digestion: Spleen-Supporting Foods That May Help

9 min read · Eastern body wisdom for families

In Chinese medicine, a child's Spleen, the organ pair that turns food into usable energy, is considered naturally immature until about age 6 or 7. That immaturity is a developmental stage, not a defect. Two patterns often show up in children with weak digestion. Spleen Qi Deficiency looks like small appetite, loose stools with undigested bits, and tiredness after meals. Spleen Yang Deficiency adds cold hands, pale face, and a tendency to feel chilly. Warm, easy-to-digest foods such as rice congee with Chinese yam, jujube dates, and gently cooked root vegetables may help the Spleen gradually strengthen over several weeks.

How Chinese Medicine Sees a Child's Digestion

Classical Chinese pediatric texts describe children with a memorable phrase: liver is excessive, spleen is insufficient. The Spleen, in TCM theory, is the functional system responsible for transforming food into Qi and Blood. It is not the same as the anatomical spleen in Western medicine. It is more of a digestive and absorptive system that also shapes how energy is distributed through the body.

The insufficient Spleen idea has practical consequences. Young children are not small adults. Their digestive capacity is genuinely smaller relative to what they need. They are growing rapidly, which means they need a lot of fuel, but their ability to process that fuel is still maturing. That mismatch, high demand with low capacity, is what makes young children so vulnerable to tummy trouble, picky phases, and slow recovery after illness.

A common traditional practice in Chinese households reflects this. For the first 100 days after introducing solid foods, families often lean on rice congee, soft, slow-cooked, almost pre-digested rice porridge. It is not because they lack other options. It is because congee asks very little of an immature Spleen while giving it a lot to work with. Around ages 6 to 7, the Spleen is said to be more settled. Digestion becomes more forgiving. This tracks loosely with what many parents observe: the picky toddler who eats three things becomes a 7-year-old who will try mostly anything. The picky phase was a real phase, and underneath it was a Spleen slowly growing into itself.

Child Digestion Patterns in TCM

Weak digestion in children is rarely one thing. It usually shows up as one of four patterns, sometimes in combination. Identifying the closest match helps with food choices.

PatternKey SignsMechanismFood Direction
Spleen Qi DeficiencySmall appetite, tired after eating, loose stoolsCannot transform food into usable energy efficientlyWarm, soft, well-cooked foods in small portions
Spleen Yang DeficiencySame as Qi, plus cold hands, pale face, loves warmthSpleen lacks the fire to break food downWarming foods, small amounts of ginger and cinnamon
Stomach Yin DeficiencyDry stools, picks at dry foods, dry mouthStomach lacks the moisture to process food smoothlyLightly moistening foods like pear, lotus seed, millet
Damp-Cold in the MiddleBloated, sticky loose stools, low appetiteCold has settled in the digestive middle, slowing everythingWarming aromatics like fennel and tangerine peel

What Causes Weak Digestion in Children

Most cases of weak digestion in children are not from any one thing. They are the result of small daily mismatches between what a child's Spleen can handle and what they are actually eating. Five patterns show up over and over.

Too many cold and raw foods

In TCM theory, cold food requires the body to spend warmth digesting it. For an adult with a mature Spleen, that is no problem. For a 4-year-old whose Spleen is still developing, an ice-cold smoothie or raw salad pulls warmth away from where it is needed. The Spleen has to work overtime, and over time, it tires.

Irregular meal times

The Spleen, like most systems, likes rhythm. A child who eats at 7 AM one day and 10 AM the next is asking their digestive system to be ready at any moment. Children do well with predictable meal and snack times. Even a 30-minute difference, made consistently, can shift things.

Overeating and forced eating

The clean-your-plate approach is tough on a child's Spleen. The Spleen has a daily capacity. When a child is forced to eat past full, the extra food does not become extra energy. It becomes what TCM calls dampness, a heavy, sticky byproduct that further slows digestion. Picky eating is often the Spleen protecting itself.

Recovery from illness or antibiotics

After a stomach bug, a round of antibiotics, or even a long viral illness, a child's digestion is often stretched thin. Appetite drops, stools get weird, and parents worry. TCM views this as the Spleen rebuilding. Going straight back to a normal diet is often too much. The traditional approach is to start with congee, broth, and easily absorbed foods for a few days before reintroducing heavier meals.

Emotional stress at the table

The Spleen and the Liver are paired in TCM theory. When a child is anxious, scolded, or rushing through meals, the Liver Qi tightens and the Spleen cannot do its job. Mealtimes that involve arguing, screens, or pressure often produce children who genuinely feel sick afterward, and they are not faking.

Foods That May Help Strengthen a Child's Spleen

These foods are drawn from traditional Chinese dietary practice for children. They are gentle, warming, and easy to digest. None are exotic; most are everyday staples in many kitchens. Use them as a starting point and adjust based on what your child actually enjoys.

FoodTCM PropertyHow It May HelpHow to Prepare
White rice (jasmine or short grain)Neutral, sweetThe most easily digested grain for an immature Spleen; the base of congeeCook with extra water into soft porridge
Chinese yam (Shan Yao)Neutral, sweetMildly supports Spleen Qi; traditionally used for children's digestion and energyPeel and slice into congee or soup
Jujube (red dates)Warm, sweetMildly supports Spleen and Blood; natural sweetness children likePit and add 2-3 to congee or tea
MilletWarm, sweetConsidered the most digestible grain after rice; gentle on a tired SpleenCook as porridge with jujube
PumpkinWarm, sweetSoft, sweet, easy to digest; supports the Spleen and gently drains dampSteam or roast, mash into porridge
Lotus seedNeutral, sweetCalms digestion and supports the Spleen; traditionally used for loose stoolsSoak, cook into congee
CarrotNeutral, sweetGentle Spleen support; soft when cooked; easy for children to acceptSteam, mash, or cook into soup
Sweet potatoNeutral, sweetWarming with steady energy; richer than rice, so use smaller amountsRoast or steam, mash
Chicken or vegetable brothWarmEasy to absorb; carries warmth directly to the middle; a recovery stapleSlow-simmer with ginger, salt only at the end

Foods to Limit When Digestion Is Weak

These foods are not bad. They are simply harder for an immature Spleen to handle. Limiting them temporarily, while a child's digestion rebuilds, can make a real difference.

  • –Ice water and very cold drinks, which force the body to warm them up before processing
  • –Excessive raw fruit, especially cold-natured ones like banana and citrus, in large daily amounts
  • –Dairy in excess, since milk, cheese, and ice cream are considered damp-forming in TCM and further slow a weak Spleen
  • –Deep-fried foods, which are heavy and heat-forming, a difficult combination for children
  • –Concentrated sweets, which create temporary heat that leaves the Spleen more depleted
  • –Very spicy or strongly seasoned dishes that overstimulate the Stomach in ways children are not ready for

Daily Habits That Support Digestion

These are the small, repeatable habits that traditional Chinese pediatric advice comes back to. None of them require special ingredients.

  1. 1.Warm breakfast within an hour of waking. The Spleen is most receptive in the morning. A bowl of warm congee or oatmeal signals the system to start digesting.
  2. 2.Small portions, more often if needed. A tired Spleen handles half a bowl better than a full one. Five small meals often work better than three big ones for young children.
  3. 3.Chew thoroughly. Twenty chews per bite is the traditional guidance. Digestion starts in the mouth, and rushed eating forces the Spleen to work harder.
  4. 4.No screens at the table. Digestion requires attention. Screens pull attention away, and digestion slows.
  5. 5.Light movement after meals. A 5 to 10 minute walk after eating helps the Spleen move food through. Lying down right after meals is one of the worst habits.
  6. 6.Keep ice out of drinks. Room temperature or warm water is the default. Cold drinks at meals are especially disruptive.
  7. 7.Largest meal at lunch, lighter dinner. Digestion is strongest at midday. A heavy dinner forces the Spleen to work all night, often disrupting sleep.

A Family Routine: The Morning Congee

This is the routine behind the congee recipe that gets shared widely with parents. It is simple, takes about an hour of mostly hands-off time, and uses four core ingredients. It is one of the most reliable ways to start rebuilding a child's Spleen.

What you need

  • 1/2 cup white rice, jasmine or short grain
  • 5 cups water
  • 3 slices fresh Chinese yam (or 2 tablespoons dried)
  • 2 red dates (jujube), pitted
  • Tiny pinch of salt at the end

How to make it

  1. 1. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
  2. 2. If using fresh Chinese yam, peel and slice into thin rounds.
  3. 3. Combine rice, water, Chinese yam, and red dates in a pot.
  4. 4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to very low heat.
  5. 5. Simmer 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally so the rice does not stick.
  6. 6. The congee is ready when it looks like a smooth, thick porridge.
  7. 7. Skim out the red date skins if your child prefers. Add a tiny pinch of salt.
  8. 8. Serve warm, in small portions.

When and how much

  • Breakfast, or one meal replacement per day for the first week
  • Half a bowl for young children (ages 2-5), full bowl for older kids (6+)
  • Always warm, never cold
  • Continue daily for 1 week, then 2-3 times per week as maintenance

What to expect

  • First 3-5 days: usually better appetite, fewer complaints of stomach pain
  • After 1 week: stools typically more formed and regular
  • After 2-3 weeks: steadier energy, fewer picky eating battles
  • Long-term: continue 2-3 times per week as a maintenance habit
Chinese medicine for child digestion — rice congee with Chinese yam recipe card

Save This Recipe for Later

Pin this recipe to your Chinese medicine or family wellness board so you can find it when your child needs it. Then take our free 5-minute body type quiz to see which constitution runs in your family.

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When to See a Doctor

This page describes traditional Chinese dietary philosophy. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. Talk to your pediatrician if your child shows any of the following:

  • Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools
  • Persistent abdominal pain that wakes them at night
  • Unexplained weight loss or failure to grow
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Chronic diarrhea lasting more than a few days
  • Signs of dehydration

Curious which body type you are? Take the free 5-minute quiz.

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Frequently Asked Questions

At what age is a child's Spleen considered fully developed in TCM?+
Around 6 to 7 years old. Classical Chinese pediatric texts describe this as the age when digestion settles. Before that, children are considered to have a naturally immature Spleen, which is why warm, soft, and easily digested foods are emphasized for young children.
Is rice congee enough for breakfast for a growing child?+
Plain congee on its own is gentle but light. Adding 2 to 3 pitted red dates and a few slices of Chinese yam gives it more nourishment. For growing children, congee pairs well with a small portion of cooked vegetables or a soft egg. Variety across the day matters more than packing everything into one meal.
How long until I notice improvement with traditional Chinese foods?+
Traditionally, appetite and stool changes show up in 3 to 7 days. Energy and resilience tend to take 2 to 3 weeks of consistent habits. Children with weak digestion often benefit from ongoing, gentle support rather than a quick reset. Consistency matters more than intensity.
My child refuses warm porridge. What can I do?+
Start with very small portions alongside familiar foods. Try a thinner texture at first, or stir in something recognizable like mashed sweet potato. Forcing it tends to backfire. Offering it consistently without pressure often works within a week or two, and the Spleen has time to adjust gradually.
Which body type is associated with weak digestion in children?+
The Qi Deficient body type is most often associated with weak digestion, low appetite, and easy fatigue. About 8 percent of adults fit this pattern, and constitution often runs in families. A free 5-minute body type quiz can help you see whether this matches your own constitution, which can offer context for your child's patterns.

Related Reading for Families

Spleen Qi Deficiency: A Complete Guide

The adult version of the same pattern. Useful for parents who recognize the same signs in themselves, since digestion patterns often run in families.

The TCM Diet: Foundational Foods for Every Body Type

The core food framework behind Chinese dietary therapy, with the warm and easily digested staples that suit both children and tired adults.

Chinese Medicine for Bloating: When the Spleen Cannot Keep Up

Bloating in children and adults often traces back to the same Spleen weakness. This page covers the adult side of the same pattern.

The Qi Deficient Body Type

Weak digestion in children often mirrors a Qi Deficient parent. Understanding your own constitution helps explain family patterns.

Discover Your Eastern Type

Take our free 5-minute assessment to explore which body type best matches your current wellness patterns.

Take the Free Quiz→
EastType
10 Foods Your Body Type Will Love
A Practical Chinese Medicine Guide
Chinese medicine identifies 9 body types. Each type has foods that suit it well. This guide covers 10 ingredients used in Chinese medicine traditions for centuries.
myeasterntype.com
1
Ginger
Also known as: Sheng Jiang (Chinese), Shoga (Japanese), Adrak (Hindi), Khing (Thai)

Ginger is the most widely used warming food in Chinese medicine. If your hands and feet tend to run cold, or if you feel heavy and slow after meals, ginger may be one of the simplest things you can add to your daily routine.

Who It Suits

Cold Sensitivity and Low Vitality body types (people who tend to run cold, feel fatigued, or have slow digestion).

What It May Help With
•Warming the body from the inside
•Supporting digestion after heavy or cold meals
•Reducing that heavy, sluggish feeling after eating
How to Use
•Slice 3 to 4 thin pieces of fresh ginger and steep in hot water for 5 minutes. Drink this in the morning, 20 minutes before breakfast.
•Add grated ginger to soups, stews, and stir-fries.
•Avoid ginger late at night if you tend to feel hot when trying to sleep.
Simple HabitReplace your first glass of cold water in the morning with a cup of warm ginger water. This single change can make a noticeable difference in how your digestion feels throughout the day.
2
Goji Berries
Also known as: Wolfberries, Gou Qi Zi (Chinese), Kuko no Mi (Japanese), Boxthorn Berries

Goji berries are small, sweet, red dried fruits that look similar to raisins but have a distinct tart-sweet flavor. In Chinese medicine, they are associated with eye health, liver support, and healthy aging.

Who It Suits

Internal Heat body types (people who tend to feel warm at night, have dry skin, or wake up between 1 AM and 3 AM). Also suitable for people concerned about eye strain from screens.

What It May Help With
•Supporting eye comfort during long screen hours
•Nourishing the body's cooling and moistening functions
•Providing a gentle energy source without caffeine
How to Use
•Eat a small handful (about 15 to 20 berries) as a snack.
•Add to oatmeal, yogurt, or trail mix.
•Steep in hot water with chrysanthemum flowers for a gentle tea.
Simple HabitKeep a small jar of goji berries at your desk. Eat 10 to 15 berries around 3 PM, when afternoon energy dips tend to hit. They provide a mild, steady energy without the crash that comes with sugar or caffeine.
3
Red Dates (Jujube)
Also known as: Chinese Dates, Hong Zao (Chinese), Natsume (Japanese), Injeol (Korean)

Red dates are dried jujube fruits, not related to the Middle Eastern dates you find in most Western supermarkets. They are sweet, slightly chewy, and have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to support calm sleep and steady energy.

Who It Suits

Low Vitality and Stuck Energy body types (people who feel chronically tired, anxious, or have trouble falling asleep).

What It May Help With
•Supporting calm and restful sleep
•Providing a gentle, steady source of energy
•Settling an anxious or overactive mind
How to Use
•Simmer 5 to 6 pitted red dates in water for 15 minutes. Drink the liquid as tea before bed.
•Add to rice porridge (congee) for a nourishing breakfast.
•Eat 2 to 3 dates as an afternoon snack.
Simple HabitBrew a small pot of red date tea in the evening. Let it steep while you wind down, and drink it 30 minutes before bed. Many people notice calmer, more settled sleep within the first week.
4
Black Sesame Seeds
Also known as: Hei Zhi Ma (Chinese), Kuro Goma (Japanese), Gingili (Indian)

Black sesame seeds look like tiny dark pearls and have a rich, nutty, slightly smoky flavor. In Chinese medicine, their dark color connects them to the body's deepest energy reserves. They are associated with healthy hair, skin, and the body's foundational vitality.

Who It Suits

Internal Heat and Blood Stasis body types (people concerned about hair thinning, dry skin, premature aging, or dark circles under the eyes).

What It May Help With
•Supporting hair strength and skin moisture
•Nourishing the body's deepest energy reserves
•Providing healthy fats and minerals
How to Use
•Grind 2 tablespoons of black sesame seeds and mix with a small amount of honey. Eat one spoonful each morning.
•Sprinkle on rice, noodles, salads, or avocado toast.
•Use black sesame paste (similar to tahini but made from black sesame) as a spread on toast.
Simple HabitBuy a small bag of pre-roasted black sesame seeds. Keep it next to your salt shaker. Sprinkle on everything savory. This is one of the easiest ingredients to integrate into Western meals.
5
Mung Beans
Also known as: Lu Dou (Chinese), Ryokuto (Japanese), Moong Dal (Hindi), Green Gram (English)

Mung beans are small, green legumes that cook quickly and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. In Chinese medicine, they are considered one of the most cooling foods available. They are traditionally eaten during hot summer months to help the body manage internal heat.

Who It Suits

Damp Heat body types (people who tend to feel hot and sticky, have oily skin, breakouts, or acid reflux). Also suitable for anyone during hot weather.

What It May Help With
•Supporting the body's natural cooling processes
•Helping the body process and eliminate excess fluids
•Soothing skin inflammation from the inside
How to Use
•Simmer 1 cup of mung beans in 4 cups of water for 30 minutes until soft. Add a little rock sugar for a simple sweet soup.
•Sprout mung beans at home for fresh, crunchy bean sprouts (takes 2 to 3 days in a jar).
•Cook mung bean soup once a week during summer months.
Simple HabitDuring hot weather, replace one meal per week with a simple bowl of mung bean soup. It is light, cooling, and easy to digest. People who tend to break out in summer often notice their skin calms down within 2 to 3 weeks of eating mung beans regularly.
6
Walnuts
Also known as: He Tao (Chinese), Kurumi (Japanese), Akhrot (Hindi), Nuez (Spanish)

Walnuts look like tiny brains, and in Chinese medicine, this visual resemblance is taken seriously. Walnuts are associated with brain function, memory, and the body's deepest warmth reserves. They are also one of the most accessible ingredients on this list.

Who It Suits

Cold Sensitivity and Internal Heat body types concerned about memory, focus, or lower back discomfort. Also suitable for older adults.

What It May Help With
•Supporting memory and mental clarity
•Warming and strengthening the lower back and knees
•Providing omega-3 fatty acids
How to Use
•Eat 5 to 8 walnuts per day as a snack. Chew thoroughly.
•Add chopped walnuts to oatmeal or yogurt.
•Simmer walnuts in porridge with red dates for a nourishing breakfast.
Simple HabitKeep a small container of walnuts where you work. Eat 5 pieces at 10 AM and 5 pieces at 3 PM. The steady supply of healthy fats supports focus and sustained energy without the spike-and-crash of sugary snacks.
7
Chinese Yam
Also known as: Shan Yao (Chinese), Nagaimo (Japanese), Ma (Korean), Mexican Yam

Chinese yam is a long, cylindrical root with a pale interior. When raw, it feels slippery and slightly sticky when cut. When cooked, it becomes tender and mildly sweet. In Chinese medicine, it is one of the most recommended foods for people with sensitive digestion.

Who It Suits

Heavy and Sluggish body types (people who bloat after meals, feel heavy and tired, or have irregular digestion). Also suitable for anyone recovering from illness.

What It May Help With
•Strengthening digestive function over time
•Supporting steady, consistent energy levels
•Reducing bloating and heaviness after meals
How to Use
•Peel, slice, and stir-fry with a little salt and sesame oil for a simple side dish.
•Cut into chunks and add to soups or stews.
•Slice thinly and steam for 15 minutes. Drizzle with a little honey.
Simple HabitIf you have a sensitive stomach that reacts to raw vegetables, try replacing raw salads with steamed Chinese yam twice a week. Its gentle, starchy nature gives your digestive system a break while still providing nutrients.
8
Chrysanthemum Flowers
Also known as: Ju Hua (Chinese), Kikka (Japanese), Gul-e-Daudi (Hindi)

Dried chrysanthemum flowers are brewed into a light, floral tea that has been consumed in East Asia for centuries. The tea is golden-colored, delicate in flavor, and naturally caffeine-free. In Chinese medicine, chrysanthemum is associated with cooling internal heat, especially in the head and eyes.

Who It Suits

Internal Heat and Stuck Energy body types (people who get headaches, eye strain, feel hot and irritable, or have trouble sleeping). Also ideal for office workers who stare at screens all day.

What It May Help With
•Soothing tired, dry, or strained eyes
•Cooling the head and reducing tension headaches
•Supporting calm focus without caffeine
How to Use
•Steep 8 to 10 dried chrysanthemum flowers in hot water for 5 minutes. Drink as is or add a few goji berries.
•Drink in the afternoon instead of coffee or green tea.
•Can be enjoyed cold in summer with a touch of honey.
Simple HabitReplace your afternoon coffee with chrysanthemum tea for one week. Many people notice their afternoon energy feels more stable and their eyes feel less strained by the end of the workday. You can find dried chrysanthemum flowers at most Asian grocery stores or online.
9
Longan
Also known as: Dragon's Eye, Gui Yuan (Chinese), Ryugan (Japanese), Lamyai (Thai)

Dried longan is a small, round, dark brown fruit that looks like a tiny pearl when shelled. It gets its English name, "Dragon's Eye," from the fresh fruit, which has a dark seed visible through the translucent white flesh. Dried longan is sweet, warm in nature, and has been used in Chinese medicine to support calm energy and restful sleep.

Who It Suits

Low Vitality body types (people who feel chronically tired, anxious, or have trouble sleeping due to an overactive mind).

What It May Help With
•Supporting calm, settled energy during the day
•Helping quiet an overactive mind at night
•Providing a gentle, non-stimulating source of sweetness
How to Use
•Simmer 10 to 15 dried longan in water for 10 minutes. Drink the tea before bed.
•Add to rice porridge along with red dates for a nourishing breakfast.
•Eat 5 to 6 pieces as a sweet snack.
Simple HabitIf you tend to snack on sweets in the evening, replace candy or chocolate with 8 to 10 dried longan pieces. They satisfy the sweet craving while supporting calm, restful sleep.
10
Lotus Seeds
Also known as: Lian Zi (Chinese), Hasu no Mi (Japanese), Bikh (Hindi)

Lotus seeds are small, ivory-colored seeds harvested from the seed pod of the lotus flower. They have a mild, slightly sweet, and slightly nutty flavor. In Chinese medicine, they are associated with calm, steady energy and clear thinking. They are one of the key ingredients in traditional East Asian desserts and savory dishes alike.

Who It Suits

Stuck Energy and Heavy and Sluggish body types (people who overthink, feel mentally scattered, or have trouble concentrating).

What It May Help With
•Supporting mental calm and clear focus
•Helping settle an overactive, racing mind
•Supporting steady, even-keeled energy
How to Use
•Soak dried lotus seeds overnight, then simmer in water for 30 minutes until tender. Add rock sugar for a simple sweet soup.
•Add cooked lotus seeds to soups and stews.
•Find canned lotus seeds at Asian grocery stores for convenience.
Simple HabitIf your mind races at night and prevents you from sleeping, try a small bowl of lotus seed soup as an evening snack. Its calming quality may help quiet mental chatter and support more settled sleep.
How to Start

You do not need to buy all 10 ingredients today. Here is a simple way to begin:

1Take the EastType quiz to learn your body type.
2Pick 2 ingredients from this guide that suit your type.
3Start with one habit from the "Simple Habit" section of each food.
4Give it 2 to 3 weeks. Notice how your body responds.
5Adjust from there. Chinese medicine is about consistent, small adjustments, not dramatic overhauls.
Where to Find These Ingredients
•Asian grocery stores (look for H Mart, 99 Ranch, Mitsuwa, or local equivalents)
•Online (Amazon, iHerb, Asian food specialty sites)
•Health food stores (ginger, walnuts, and goji berries are widely available)
•Regular supermarkets (ginger, walnuts, and mung beans are usually in stock)

Most of these ingredients cost between $3 and $10 and last for weeks or months. Chinese medicine eating does not need to be expensive.

A Final Note

This guide is for educational and wellness purposes only. It is not medical advice. If you have specific health concerns, food allergies, or are taking medication, consult a qualified healthcare provider before making dietary changes.

Individual responses to foods vary. The information in this guide reflects traditional Chinese medicine principles, which focus on patterns and tendencies rather than medical diagnoses.

Listen to your body. Start small. Be consistent. That is the Chinese medicine way.
Ready to Find Your Body Type?
Take the free 5-minute quiz and get personalized food suggestions tailored to your constitution.
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