Autumn is the season that is most suitable for nourishing and rejuvenating the body, as it helps to eliminate old and stagnant energy. Therefore, a little nourishment in autumn can bring about the effects of disease prevention and longevity. For those who are prone to chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in winter, it is especially important to lay a solid nutritional foundation in autumn in order to enhance their ability to adapt to changes in the body. This will reduce the risk of viral infections and prevent the recurrence of old illnesses when winter arrives.
When it comes to nourishing the body in autumn, it is important to choose foods that are "nourishing but not overly rich" and "moisturizing but not greasy". Examples of such foods include water chestnuts, pumpkins, lotus seeds, longan, black sesame, red dates, and walnuts. For patients with weak spleen and stomach or poor digestion, foods such as lotus seeds, Chinese yam, and mung beans, which can help tonify the spleen and stomach, are recommended.
In autumn, it is common to experience symptoms of "autumn dryness" such as dry mouth and chapped lips. In this case, it is advisable to consume foods that nourish and moisturize the body while benefiting the middle burner and replenishing qi. Examples of such foods include tremella fungus and lily bulbs. Tremella fungus contains carbohydrates, fats, proteins, as well as phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and calcium. It has the benefits of nourishing yin, moistening the lungs, nourishing the stomach, and generating fluids. It can be soaked in water, boiled until soft, and consumed with sugar to effectively treat and prevent "autumn dryness". Lily bulbs also have the effects of nourishing lung yin, moisturizing the lungs, and calming the mind.
Autumn is a good season for the elderly and those with chronic diseases to engage in nourishing food therapy. It is also a good season for healthy individuals to supplement their diet. Through food therapy, one can maintain a healthy physique and abundant energy, thereby reducing the risk of diseases and delaying aging.
