Spleen and stomach weakness is a condition caused by congenital spleen deficiency, improper diet, emotional factors, or imbalance between work and rest, leading to the functional decline and insufficiency of the spleen. As the spleen plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of food, almost all gastrointestinal diseases can manifest with or be accompanied by a spleen deficiency syndrome. It is often caused by dietary imbalances, overwork or excessive rest, or a prolonged illness leading to a weakened body. The spleen is responsible for transporting nutrients from food, distributing fluids, and controlling blood. When the spleen is deficient, its transportation function is impaired, which can lead to malnutrition, the accumulation of dampness and phlegm due to improper fluid distribution, or symptoms such as bleeding.
It is advisable to consume foods that tonify the spleen qi, foods that are neutral in nature and sweet or sweet-warm in flavor, and foods that are nutritious, easy to digest, and provide gentle nourishment. Avoid foods that are cold in nature and can damage the spleen qi, foods that are rich, greasy, and can hinder the spleen's transportation function, and foods that promote qi circulation and resolve stagnation, which can easily deplete the spleen qi.
Recommended Foods
1. Staple Foods and Legumes: Japonica rice, indica rice, corn, Job's tears, sweet potato, tofu, etc.
2. Meat, Eggs, and Dairy: Beef, chicken, rabbit meat, dog meat, beef tripe, pork tripe, mandarin fish, black-boned chicken, etc.
3. Vegetables: Lotus root, chestnuts, Chinese yam, hyacinth bean, cowpea, carrot, potato, onion, oyster mushroom, etc.
4. Fruits: Grapes, red dates, peach, apricot, etc.
Dietary Restrictions
Avoid foods that are cold in nature and can damage the spleen qi, foods that are rich and greasy and can hinder the spleen's transportation function, and foods that promote qi circulation and resolve stagnation, which can easily deplete the spleen qi. Examples: Bitter melon, winter melon, kelp, crab, duck, etc.
Sample Meal Plan
Breakfast: Japonica rice, lotus seeds, goose meat, such as lotus seed congee with goose meat and cold-dressed goose meat.
Lunch: Japonica rice, corn, lamb tripe, green pepper, carrot, such as rice, boiled corn, stir-fried lamb tripe with green pepper, and shredded stir-fried carrots.
Dinner: Pumpkin, japonica rice, Chinese yam, beef, carrot, potato, such as pumpkin rice, beef stew with Chinese yam, and a potato and carrot soup.