If you have symptoms like shortness of breath, listlessness, fatigue, a low voice, excessive sweating, poor appetite, and a sallow complexion, you might be suffering from Qi deficiency. What should you eat for Qi deficiency? The best foods to nourish Qi and blood are common vegetables found in your daily life. Below, we introduce 5 foods to help you nourish your Qi and blood and become healthier with every meal…
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is often called a treasure, delicious no matter how it's cooked and can be made into a variety of dishes. In winter, many people love steamed pumpkin, pumpkin noodles, or pumpkin porridge, all of which are great choices. People with a Qi-deficient constitution benefit from warming and tonifying foods, and pumpkin is excellent for toning the middle Qi. It can also aid digestion and enhance your resistance to colds, as well as alleviate stomach discomfort.
Onion
Onions can be a bit spicy when cooked, but they are a great remedy for promoting digestion and removing dampness. They help reduce indigestion; for instance, if you feel you have low stomach motility, you can eat some onions. Thus, they are an excellent food for those with a Qi-deficient constitution. Or, if you feel a cold coming on, you can eat a cold salad of onions and wood ear mushrooms, or stir-fry them—both are very delicious!
Ginger
People with Qi deficiency tend to be sensitive to cold and have a weaker ability to withstand harsh cold. Ginger is a warming spice that can also be used to make ginger tea to warm the body. When used in cooking, it not only adds flavor but can also relieve headaches and fevers, or a lack of appetite and bloating.
Taro
Taro is not commonly eaten in the north, but it is an excellent food for nourishing the liver and strengthening the spleen. If you have irregular bowel movements, it can help with constipation and also regulate your digestive system. Taro is especially loved by people in Guangzhou. It can be mashed or added directly to soups, and it goes well with chestnuts and pork ribs!
Purple Sweet Potato
The sweet potatoes in Shanghai are different from those in the north; or rather, sweet potatoes in the south tend to be softer and moister, not as tasty as the northern ones. Personally, living in Shanghai, I prefer purple sweet potatoes and have grown accustomed to their texture. Purple sweet potatoes can also help with conditions of both Qi and blood deficiency. They strengthen the spleen and stomach and help nourish kidney yin deficiency. They are suitable for people with low stomach acid.