TCM Stomach Nourishment—Reduce Food Intake and Avoid Coldness
Introduction: A person's health is rooted in stomach qi. Internal injury to the spleen and stomach gives rise to a hundred illnesses, which highlights the importance of nourishing the stomach. TCM methods for stomach nourishment include: reducing food intake, avoiding excessive coldness, and eating Chinese yam. Therefore, the focus of stomach nourishment lies in diet. This is especially important for those under high work pressure, with many social engagements, and irregular lifestyles.
A health survey shows that up to 90% of people have abnormal gastroscopy results, ranking first among all diseases. Most middle-aged people suffer from stomach ailments to varying degrees, especially gastric ulcers. As one ages, the mucous membrane naturally begins to atrophy and thin, leading to a state of chronic gastritis. In this sense, nourishing the stomach in middle age is an urgent matter.
Best Season for Regulation: Long Summer. During the Long Summer of the summer season (according to the solar calendar, July-August), one should nourish the spleen and stomach. The Long Summer governs transformation, including ripening and digestion, making it an excellent period for the spleen and stomach to digest and absorb nutrients.
Regulation Methods: Reduce food intake, avoid excessive coldness, and eat Chinese yam
After the age of 40, one should gradually reduce food intake. Overeating not only affects gastrointestinal function and increases blood lipids, but long-term overconsumption can also lead to memory decline and premature aging of the brain.
Secondly, the spleen and stomach fear "coldness" the most. Therefore, it is advisable to eat fewer cold foods and consume food that is close to body temperature, which is beneficial for the maintenance of the spleen and stomach.
In addition, individuals with a weak spleen and stomach can eat more Chinese yam, Atractylodes macrocephala, and Gordon euryale. These foods can be used to stew meat or cook congee. Some seasonal beans, such as green beans, snow peas, and hyacinth beans, are also excellent foods for nourishing the spleen and stomach.