You often hear the saying "fat people have more phlegm and dampness." Through literature research, it has been found that if the body mass index is used as the criterion, the risk of high phlegm and dampness constitution score in overweight individuals is 1.981 times that of individuals with normal body mass index, while the risk of high phlegm and dampness constitution score in obese individuals is 4.032 times that of individuals with normal body mass index.
The phlegm and dampness constitution is mainly characterized by the mutual accumulation of phlegm and dampness, which is related to the imbalance of the spleen, stomach, triple burner, kidneys, and other organs. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the spleen is responsible for transportation and transformation, which is divided into the transportation and transformation of food and the transportation and transformation of water and dampness. If the function of the spleen's transportation and transformation of food is weakened, the body's digestion and absorption function will also be abnormal, leading to symptoms such as abdominal distension and loose stools. If the function of the spleen's transportation and transformation of water and fluids is impaired, it will inevitably lead to stagnation of water and fluids in the body. Spleen deficiency leads to the production of phlegm and is the cause of spleen deficiency edema.
Therefore, when there is an imbalance in the middle burner's spleen and stomach transportation and transformation, the separation of clear and turbid substances, and the dysfunction of the triple burner, it is easy to develop a phlegm and dampness type of obesity. If individuals with this type of constitution want to lose weight, they also need to combine diet and exercise.
Don't eat three things
Don't eat oily and sweet foods
Because these foods are difficult to digest, frequent consumption can burden the spleen and stomach function.
Don't eat cold or cool foods
Because the phlegm and dampness constitution is already cold and weak, it is recommended to eat more warm or hot foods.
Don't eat until very full
From the perspective of maintaining the function of the spleen and stomach, it is advisable for individuals with a phlegm and dampness constitution to eat until they are 70% full. The overall food intake should be controlled, and binge eating and eating too fast should be avoided.
Eat five things regularly
In addition to paying attention to the "don'ts" in diet, it is also important to regularly eat five types of foods suitable for individuals with a phlegm and dampness constitution.
Job's tears
Job's tears are rich in nutrients and have a harmonizing effect. They are slightly cold and do not harm the stomach. They can nourish the spleen without being greasy, making them suitable for daily consumption by individuals with a phlegm and dampness constitution. However, it should be noted that raw Job's tears have a cooling and damp-removing effect, while fried Job's tears have a better spleen-tonifying effect. Individuals should choose to use them according to their specific conditions.
Adzuki beans
When it comes to popular dampness-reducing products on the market, it is hard to forget the popular red bean and Job's tears tea. However, what some people may not know is that the "red bean" mentioned here refers to adzuki beans. Modern medical research has proven that adzuki beans have a laxative, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory effect, and they also have a certain therapeutic effect on heart disease. They are suitable for individuals with a phlegm and dampness constitution who also have heart disease.
Lotus leaf
"The Compendium of Materia Medica" records that lotus leaf can elevate and promote yang qi, remove fat, and help with weight loss. It can invigorate the spleen, eliminate dampness, and reduce blood lipids, making it suitable for individuals with a phlegm and dampness constitution who also have a tendency towards high blood lipids.
White radish
White radish has three major effects: regulating qi, invigorating the spleen, and reducing weight. If individuals have poor spleen and stomach function and often experience symptoms such as abdominal distension and constipation, they can eat white radish.
Winter melon
Ancient books such as the "Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica" record that winter melon not only has anti-aging effects but also has a slimming effect. It is suitable for individuals with a phlegm and dampness constitution who have symptoms such as swollen eyelids and obesity.
Keep to "two principles" in exercise
Stick to long-term exercise
Clinical literature and surveys have found that individuals with a phlegm and dampness constitution tend to have mild and stable personalities and exercise less. However, regular exercise can gradually transform the phlegm and dampness constitution into a balanced constitution, leading to a change in personality and becoming more cheerful. Therefore, regular exercise is an essential part of weight loss for individuals with a phlegm and dampness constitution.
Exercise in the sunlight
During outdoor activities, the intensity of exercise should be gradually increased according to individual circumstances. However, during exercise, it is usually necessary to reach a level of sweating. It is recommended to choose a time when the yang qi is strong. Of course, factors such as having a larger body weight and extremely hot weather should also be taken into consideration to ensure safety.
