After the Start of Autumn, don't rush to "fatten up" for winter
After the Start of Autumn, preventing heatstroke and removing dampness remain the main themes of health preservation. At the same time, it's important to nourish the spleen and stomach, and don't rush to "fatten up" for winter.
Nourishing the spleen and stomach is key
Although the Start of Autumn signifies the beginning of autumn, Beijing has just passed the Minor and Major Heat periods, and the temperature hasn't yet entered autumn. Sauna-like days and thunderstorms are still common, and the weather is muggy and hot. Therefore, it's still necessary to focus on preventing heatstroke and removing dampness, nourishing the spleen and stomach, and preventing gastrointestinal diseases.
After a summer of "ordeal," many people's spleen and stomach functions are relatively weak. Therefore, avoid eating foods that are too strongly flavored, and don't overeat or consume excessive amounts of cold or hard-to-digest foods. Foods that are good for strengthening the spleen and stomach include Job's tears, lotus seeds, lentils, and winter melon.
Prepare for the "retirement" of your cooling mats
Experts point out that the common saying "spring sleepiness, autumn fatigue, and summer naps" refers to the fatigue of autumn being a continuation of summer sleepiness. The best way to combat autumn fatigue is through moderate exercise. Although the "dog days" of summer are approaching after the Start of Autumn, the muggy weather is still quite common, but the heatwaves have subsided somewhat, and the temperatures in the morning and evening are relatively lower. Therefore, you can exercise appropriately in the morning and evening, such as by walking, practicing Tai Chi, or swimming. Be careful not to overdo it, as this can make you feel more fatigued.
After the Start of Autumn, don't overindulge in the cold. Prolonged exposure to air conditioning or fans, or sleeping on a cooling mat on relatively cool nights, can lead to problems like local soreness and diarrhea. Diseases such as arthritis, cervical spondylosis, periarthritis of the shoulder, and herniated discs can easily relapse due to exposure to cold.
Meat supplements should be taken in moderation
After suffering through the hot summer, many people who had a poor appetite during the "bitter summer" find their appetite gradually improving after the Start of Autumn. Consequently, they start to "fatten up" for winter, either actively or passively; some elderly people are particularly keen on doing this. However, experts remind people not to rush to "fatten up." At this time, a person's gastrointestinal function is still weak and has not yet recovered. Eating too much meat and other high-protein foods will increase the burden on the digestive system and affect its function. Therefore, meat consumption should be moderate. It's best to wait until the weather truly cools down before increasing your intake of meat.