As we have just entered winter from autumn, the weather is changing rapidly and it occasionally rains. This leads to a heavy dampness in the body. Excessive dampness in the body can make you feel heavy and sleepy, and it can also cause symptoms such as dermatitis, allergies, and even gastrointestinal disorders. So, how can we get rid of dampness in the body? What should we eat to eliminate dampness? Let's take a look at the solutions provided by traditional Chinese medicine.
What should we eat to eliminate dampness?
1. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in soft and easily digestible fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis and help with bowel movements. It is best to eat roasted sweet potatoes, including the skin, as they are delicious and sweet.
2. Oats
Oats can help lubricate the intestines and promote bowel movements, increasing the volume and moisture of the feces. When steamed and mashed, oats can be made into a juice drink. You can also add other ingredients such as apples and raisins to enhance the nutritional value and promote bowel movements!
3. Coix seed
Coix seed can promote blood circulation and water metabolism in the body, acting as a diuretic and reducing swelling. It is a good detoxification method to boil coix seed until soft, and add a little sugar according to personal taste. It is a natural skincare product for whitening the skin.
4. Millet
Millet does not contain gluten and does not irritate the intestinal wall. It is a gentle fiber that is easily digested, making it suitable for detoxification meals. Millet porridge is very suitable for detoxification. It has the effect of clearing heat and diuresis, and it is rich in nutrients and helps with whitening.
5. Red beans
Red beans can increase intestinal peristalsis, reduce constipation, and promote urination. You can stew red beans in an electric cooker before going to bed, soak them in water, and drink the sugar-free red bean soup the next day to effectively promote detoxification.
6. Carrots
Carrots are helpful in improving constipation and are rich in beta-carotene, which can neutralize toxins. Fresh carrots have a better detoxification effect because they can clear heat, detoxify, moisturize the intestines, and promote bowel movements. You can make carrot juice and add honey and lemon juice, which is refreshing, thirst-quenching, and beneficial for detoxification.
7. Chinese yam
Chinese yam can regulate the digestive system, reduce subcutaneous fat deposition, prevent obesity, and enhance immune function. Eating it raw has a good detoxification effect. You can cut peeled Chinese yam and pineapple into small pieces, blend them into a juice, and drink it. It has the function of strengthening the stomach and intestines.
8. Burdock
Burdock can promote blood circulation and metabolism, and has the effect of regulating intestinal function. The dietary fiber it contains can retain water and soften stool, helping with detoxification and relieving constipation. You can make burdock tea and drink it anytime for long-term use.
What are the symptoms of dampness?
1. Head: When dampness first invades the body, the head is usually the first area to be affected. You may experience a heavy and dull feeling in the head, as if wearing a cloth; a heavy and uncomfortable feeling in the body, with limbs feeling heavy as if carrying a heavy load. In addition, there may be symptoms such as fever, slight sensitivity to cold and wind, and clear runny nose, which are signs of external dampness. Getting rid of dampness and invigorating the spleen is a hot topic for women and middle-aged and elderly people in winter.
2. Joints: If dampness has already invaded the joints, there may be certain symptoms such as joint pain, heaviness, and difficulty in flexing and extending the joints due to poor circulation of qi and blood.
