The spleen is an important organ in the body that transports food and produces qi and blood. Therefore, the spleen is also known as the "foundation of postnatal life". It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of food, so many gastrointestinal diseases are accompanied by spleen deficiency. Let's take a look at the symptoms and methods of regulating spleen deficiency.
Symptoms of Spleen Deficiency
1. Loose Stools
From a digestive perspective, spleen deficiency can cause symptoms such as poor appetite, picky eating, and a tasteless mouth. The spleen plays a vital role in the digestion and absorption of food, so almost all gastrointestinal diseases can be accompanied by or caused by spleen deficiency. Spleen deficiency generally manifests as loose stools, but it can also lead to dry and hard stools or constipation, as spleen deficiency can result in a lack of intestinal motility.
2. Yellow Coated Tongue
Changes in the tongue reflect spleen conditions. A healthy tongue should be red and look moist. The surface of the tongue should have a thin and clean layer of coating. If there are obvious tooth marks on the edges of the tongue, it indicates that there are problems with the body's functions.
If the tongue coating is thick and white, appearing smooth and moist, it indicates the presence of internal cold. If the tongue coating is rough, thick, yellow, and greasy, it indicates the presence of internal damp-heat. If the tongue is red without coating, it indicates that the body has reached a certain level of heat and has damaged yin.
3. Decreased Appetite
According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, the spleen is most vulnerable to damage when dampness enters the body. The main function of the spleen is to digest and absorb various foods and liquids that enter the body, converting them into usable nutrients for the body's metabolism and providing new energy.
Most people experience a decrease in appetite and digestive function in a damp and hot environment. However, some people may have a strong sense of hunger but feel bloated after eating, which is a manifestation of a strong stomach but weak spleen.
4. Loss of Taste
Some people may not be able to taste the flavor of food, which is also a symptom of spleen deficiency. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, the spleen is closely related to diet. If the spleen is deficient, its function will decline, leading to a decrease in food digestion. Therefore, most people with spleen deficiency feel a loss of taste and easily feel bloated. These are all manifestations of spleen deficiency.
What to Eat for Spleen Deficiency?
1. Red Dates
Red dates have a good blood nourishing effect, but did you know that they are also effective in nourishing the spleen and stomach? Red dates contain a large amount of sugars, trace elements, vitamins, and more. Taking them regularly can effectively nourish the spleen and stomach. In addition, red dates contain adenosine triphosphate, which can strengthen the body, protect the liver, and promote overall health.
2. Sorghum
Sorghum is warm in nature and can be used to nourish the spleen and stomach. It has the functions of strengthening the spleen, promoting digestion, and dispelling accumulation. It is especially suitable for those with weak spleen and stomach or poor digestion. In addition, sorghum contains a relatively high amount of niacin, which is in free form and easily absorbed by the body. People with weak spleen and stomach can eat more sorghum porridge in moderation.
3. Dog Meat
Dog meat is warm in nature, salty in taste, and can tonify the middle energizer and benefit qi. It is particularly suitable for those with qi deficiency and spleen deficiency, kidney deficiency, lung deficiency, or yang deficiency. According to the "Rihuazi Bencao", dog meat can tonify stomach qi, strengthen yang, warm the waist and knees, nourish the deficient, and invigorate qi. The "Yilin Zuan Yao" also states that dog meat can tonify lung qi and consolidate kidney qi. It is especially beneficial to consume dog meat in autumn and winter.
4. Glutinous Rice
Cooking glutinous rice porridge for health and longevity has a history of 2,000 years in China. The top layer of glutinous rice porridge can nourish fluids and replenish essence, which is very beneficial for nourishing yin and kidney essence. It is most suitable for patients, postpartum women, and the elderly. Glutinous rice has the functions of strengthening the spleen and stomach, tonifying the middle energizer, nourishing yin and generating fluids, relieving restlessness and quenching thirst, and solidifying the intestines and stopping diarrhea. It can be used for spleen and stomach weakness, restlessness and thirst, malnutrition, post-illness weakness, and other symptoms. However, it should be noted that it is not suitable for people with diabetes to consume too much glutinous rice.
