After entering autumn, the physiological reactions of the human body are very obvious. Many people may experience a decrease in immune function and dehydration, especially after the change of seasons when there is a large difference in temperature between day and night. This is the time when we need to pay extra attention to our health. Below are a few tips for autumn and winter maintenance that can help prevent illness and dryness.
【Tips for autumn and winter maintenance】
1. Eat foods that nourish the stomach
Autumn is the peak season for digestive diseases. Additionally, it is common for people to gain weight during autumn, which can further burden the digestive system. Eating foods that nourish the stomach can effectively alleviate these symptoms, such as pumpkin and millet.
2. Eat nuts daily
Autumn is the perfect time to consume nuts such as peanuts and walnuts. Nuts contain various trace elements and vitamin E, which are beneficial for overall health. As a snack, a small handful of nuts each day is sufficient.
3. Increase physical activity
As the saying goes, "spring tiredness, autumn fatigue." Many people may feel tired, weak, and lethargic during autumn. Engaging in moderate outdoor exercise can effectively alleviate these symptoms. Additionally, regular exercise can enhance cardiovascular function and prevent respiratory diseases that are common in winter.
4. Acupressure massage
Applying heat to the depression below the occipital bone, known as the "wind pool point," can help dispel cold and improve brain function. Massaging the "he gu" point located at the tiger's mouth can help detoxify the lungs and relieve irritability.
【Superfoods for autumn and winter health】
1. Best food for nourishing the lungs: Lily
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the cold air in autumn and winter is prone to damage the lungs. Lily has a sweet and slightly bitter taste and can effectively moisturize the lungs and relieve dry cough. It is a good dietary remedy for lung dryness and cough. (Lily and snow pear soup)
2. Best food for calming the mind: Sour jujube seed
During autumn and winter, it is important to have good quality sleep. Sour jujube seed has a neutral nature and a sweet taste, and it is effective in soothing the mind and promoting sleep. It is a classic remedy in traditional Chinese medicine for treating insomnia. (Millet and sour jujube seed porridge)
3. Best food for moisturizing dryness: Black sesame
During autumn and winter, the climate becomes dry and cold, and people engage in less outdoor activities. The consumption of spicy and hot foods can lead to intestinal dryness and constipation. Black sesame is rich in oil and dietary fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis and relieve constipation. It also has the effect of nourishing the yin of the kidneys. (Combined black sesame paste)
4. Best food for tonifying the spleen: Chinese yam
Prior to winter nourishment, it is important to regulate the spleen and stomach. Chinese yam has a sweet taste and a neutral nature. It can replenish qi without causing stagnation or excessive dampness. It is considered the best food for tonifying the spleen. (Chinese yam and dried shrimp porridge)
【Dietary taboos for autumn and winter maintenance】
1. Avoid spicy foods
Spicy foods, such as chili and Sichuan peppercorn, should be avoided. Although the temperature drops during the transition from autumn to winter, the effects of autumn dryness have not completely disappeared.
During this time, there is still a lot of dryness in the body. Eating a large amount of spicy foods can exacerbate the dryness in the body and damage overall health.
Therefore, it is recommended to consume less ginger, Sichuan peppercorn, barbecue, and other spicy foods during this period.
2. Avoid cold foods
During the transition from autumn to winter, everything begins to contract. If cold foods are consumed during this time, it can deplete the body's yang energy, leading to an imbalance of yin and yang and affecting overall health.
Therefore, it is recommended to drink hot beverages and eat warm foods during this transition period and avoid drinking cold beverages and consuming cold foods (such as watermelon).
If meals have become cold, it is important to heat them before consuming. Eating cold leftovers and dishes can irritate the stomach and lead to disharmony of the spleen and stomach, exacerbating internal dampness and affecting health.
