As autumn approaches, many people start taking medicine and supplements. In the hot summer, they may not want to consume these nourishing foods. However, in autumn, it is important to replenish what has been lost during summer. This practice is commonly known as "putting on autumn fat." However, is it advisable to indulge in excessive consumption without considering one's own physical condition? What should be considered when it comes to nourishing the body in autumn?
Principle of Nourishing in Autumn
The principle of nourishing in autumn is mainly based on the characteristics of the season and its impact on people. Autumn weather is dry, and the skin is prone to dehydration. Symptoms such as dry mouth and tongue, dry stools, bleak scenery, and irritability can occur. To address these issues, the principle of nourishing in autumn is centered around moistening the lungs and relieving dryness. Additionally, autumn is a season that is prone to yin deficiency, so nourishing yin should also be considered.
Be Careful with the Spleen and Stomach in Autumn
In the hot summer, the function of the digestive system is relatively poor. People tend to consume light and easily digestible foods such as fruits, vegetables, soups, and porridge. The activity of the spleen and stomach also decreases. However, as soon as autumn arrives, many people immediately start consuming difficult-to-digest supplements such as pork, lamb, beef, and chicken. This can increase the burden on the intestines and stomach, seriously impairing normal digestion. Consuming a large amount of difficult-to-digest supplements at once can cause tension in the intestines and stomach, leading to gastrointestinal disorders and the inability of the body to properly digest and absorb nutrients.
Prefer Sweet and Moistening Foods, Avoid Spicy and Grilled Foods
In autumn, it is recommended to consume foods that nourish the lungs and relieve dryness. Spicy and grilled foods, which can cause excessive internal heat, should be avoided. Spicy foods include chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, cinnamon, ginger, and onions. Grilled foods are usually made from chicken, beef, lamb, etc., and are cooked over an open fire or in a microwave. These foods have a warm nature and lose a lot of moisture during cooking. They require more saliva for digestion, which can easily lead to internal heat and worsen autumn dryness.
It is suggested to use a small amount of onions, ginger, garlic, etc. as seasoning, and cook soup or porridge with warm meats and poultry, supplemented with ingredients like Tremella fungus that nourish yin and relieve dryness. This will not worsen autumn dryness and also have a nourishing effect on the body.
Clear and Mild Nourishment is Recommended in Autumn
In autumn, the principle of nourishment should be focused on clarity and mildness. Except for individuals with yang deficiency constitution, excessive consumption of warm foods or medicines such as lamb, dog meat, ginseng, deer antler, and cinnamon should be avoided, as it can easily aggravate autumn dryness. "Clear nourishment" means nourishment without greasiness. It is advisable to consume moderate amounts of foods or medicines that invigorate the spleen, clear heat, and promote diuresis. This can help eliminate the residual effects of summer heat and regulate the function of the spleen and stomach, providing a foundation for nourishment in late autumn, winter, and beyond.
Moistening to Prevent External Dryness in Autumn
Consuming moistening foods or medicines in autumn can enhance the body's ability to resist dryness and prevent damage caused by external dryness, reducing the occurrence of diseases. Moistening foods include pears, persimmons, sugarcane, apples, bananas, Tremella fungus, lilies, honey, etc. These foods are rich in water content and can replenish body fluids. Furthermore, most of these foods and medicines used for nourishment in autumn have a sweet and cool nature, which can clear the lungs and relieve dryness.
External dryness refers to the dryness in nature. In autumn, the weather is dry and lacks moisture. The air humidity is low, which can easily lead to dryness-related diseases.
Nourishing Yin to Prevent Internal Dryness in Autumn
In autumn, the dry climate can easily damage the body's fluids. When the damage to the body fluids reaches a certain level, it can transform into internal dryness. Insufficient body fluids can generate internal dryness and cause symptoms such as dry and rough skin, peeling, dry mouth, and throat. When the body is mildly affected by dryness, consuming foods and medicines that nourish and clear heat can prevent internal dryness. Yin-nourishing and fluid-producing foods or medicines can nourish the lungs and stomach. Some examples include bird's nest, Ophiopogon japonicus, American ginseng, Chinese yam, Polygonatum odoratum, and lily. These foods can treat lung and stomach disharmony and prevent internal dryness.
In conclusion, when nourishing in autumn, it is important to pay attention to moistening the lungs and relieving dryness, while also nourishing yin and preventing internal dryness. Consuming foods and medicines that are clear and mild can help balance the body and prevent excessive dryness caused by external factors. Additionally, consuming foods that are sweet and moistening can enhance the body's resistance to external dryness.
