Spring is a time of abundant Yang energy, which extends into the coming summer, making people prone to "internal heat". Not knowing how to relieve this internal heat is very frustrating. So, what are the symptoms of internal heat? And what are the best foods to clear it in the summer?
Common Symptoms of Internal Heat: The Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Liver, and Kidneys Are All Affected
Heart Fire
There are two types: deficiency fire and excess fire. Deficiency fire is characterized by low-grade fever, night sweats, vexation, and dry mouth. Excess fire is manifested as recurrent mouth ulcers, swollen and painful gums, dry mouth, scanty and dark urine, and irritability.
Lung Fire
Primarily表现为 dry cough with little sputum, blood in sputum, sore throat, hoarseness, tidal fever, and night sweats.
Stomach Fire
There are two types: deficiency fire and excess fire. Deficiency fire is characterized by a slight cough, reduced appetite, constipation, abdominal bloating, a red tongue with little coating. Excess fire manifests as discomfort in the upper abdomen, a dry and bitter mouth, hard and dry stools, and a yellow, greasy tongue coating.
Liver Fire
People who are easily agitated are often described as having "excess liver fire". In fact, this condition is also associated with the following symptoms: dry mouth and throat, a bitter taste in the mouth, bad breath, headache, dizziness, dry eyes, unstable sleep, a feeling of stuffiness and heat in the body, and a thick tongue coating.
Kidney Fire
Primarily表现为 dizziness and vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss, hair loss and loose teeth, restless sleep, heat in the palms, soles, and chest, emaciation, and aching in the lower back and legs.
Clearing Fire Is Urgent: A Collection of Fire-Clearing Foods
The problem of internal heat has plagued many people. If not managed properly in daily life, its effects and damage to the body can be significant. So, what are the fire-clearing foods?
Watermelon: Watermelon is cooling in nature. Eating it does not cause internal heat or vexation, and it is rich in potassium salts to replenish what is lost through excessive sweating. However, do not leave watermelon in the refrigerator for more than 3 hours.
Tomatoes: Although available year-round, tomatoes are most abundant, sweetest, and most nutritious in the summer. They can also clear heat and detoxify, and pacify the liver to reduce fire.
Bitter Melon: For generations, renowned physicians have regarded bitter melon as the best food for clearing summer heat, reducing internal fire, and alleviating irritability.
Soybeans: While nourishing Yin and reducing inflammation, soybeans also replenish the large amount of protein lost due to high temperatures.
Strawberries: Strawberries are not only delicious but also have medicinal value. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, they are considered effective for clearing fire, able to relieve summer heat, reduce fever, and alleviate vexation.
Green Tea: In the summer, we sweat a lot and the body's fluids are depleted, making it a good time to drink green tea. Green tea is bitter and cold in nature, with functions to clear heat, relieve summer heat, detoxify, reduce fire, reduce dryness, quench thirst, generate fluids, and strengthen the heart and mind. With a sweet and fragrant flavor and a hint of bitterness, it is rich in vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. Drinking it can both relieve summer heat and add nutrition.
Mung Beans: Mung beans are sweet and cold in nature, affecting the Heart and Stomach meridians. They have the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, relieving summer heat, and promoting urination. The *Compendium of Materia Medica* records: Eating boiled mung beans can reduce swelling and Qi, clear heat and detoxify, relieve summer heat and thirst, harmonize the five organs, calm the spirit, replenish vital energy, and nourish the skin. Mung bean powder can counteract various toxins, treat sores and swellings, and heal scalds. The skin of the mung bean can clear heat toxins and remove cloudiness from the eyes. However, it should be noted that mung beans should not be boiled for too long, as this can destroy organic acids and vitamins, reducing their detoxifying effect. Also, because mung beans are cooling, children with a weak spleen and stomach should not eat too many; moderation is key.
Kelp: Kelp not only helps clear accumulated internal heat but also combats physical exhaustion from excessive sweating. Kelp can be eaten cold in a salad or in a soup. Beef and kelp soup is especially suitable for summer, but children with hyperthyroidism should not eat kelp.
Light Nourishment from Meat and Eggs: In the summer, the principle of "light nourishment" should be followed to clear summer heat and transform dampness. The diet should consist of fresh, palatable, mild, easily digestible, and nourishing but not greasy foods. You can choose lean pork, duck, rabbit, white-cut chicken, salted duck eggs, and freshly steamed fish, which are rich in high-quality protein to increase protein intake. Cooking methods should mainly be steaming and cold dressing to stimulate the appetite.
Using food to help regulate your body is absolutely safer and healthier than using some health supplements. Therefore, for those who are prone to internal heat, I hope you can scientifically choose these foods in your daily life to achieve the most effective heat-clearing and detoxifying benefits.