What should one pay attention to in terms of diet and health after the Cold Dew solar term? Cold Dew marks the turn of the weather to cold and the arrival of late autumn. Nutrition experts remind the public that during this period, attention should be paid to preventing autumn dryness, and dietary conditioning should focus on nourishing yin and moistening dryness. It is advisable to consume honey frequently and eat less spicy food. During this time, one should eat more moist and soft foods such as sesame seeds, glutinous rice, japonica rice, and dairy products. At the same time, increase the intake of chicken, duck, beef, pork liver, fish, shrimp, jujubes, and Chinese yam to enhance physical fitness.
What should one pay attention to during Cold Dew? If the "White Dew" solar term marks the transition from hot to cool weather, with the summer heat not yet completely gone, one can see dew glistening in the morning. Then, the "Cold Dew" solar term is a symbol of the weather turning cooler, marking the transition from cool to cold weather. The dew is icy and shines coldly, as the saying goes, "Cold Dew, cold dew, cold dew everywhere."
What should one pay attention to during Cold Dew? Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes in its seasonal health preservation, "nourish yang in spring and summer, and nourish yin in autumn and winter." Therefore, during the autumn season, it is essential to take care of the body's yang energy. When the climate turns cold, it is precisely when the body's yang energy converges and yin essence is stored internally. Therefore, the focus should be on nourishing yin essence. In other words, autumn health preservation cannot deviate from the principle of "nourishing the收敛 (shōu liàng)."
What should one pay attention to during Cold Dew? Since ancient times, autumn has been known as the golden autumn. In the Five Elements, the lung belongs to metal, so the lung's qi corresponds with the qi of the golden autumn. "During the time of metal autumn, dryness prevails." At this time, the pathogenic qi of dryness can easily invade the body and consume the lung's yin essence. If not properly conditioned, the body may experience a series of autumn dryness symptoms such as a dry throat, dry nose, and dry skin. Therefore, the dietary conditioning during the late autumn season should focus on nourishing yin and moistening dryness (the lungs). The ancients said: "The dryness of autumn is suitable for eating sesame to moisten dryness." At this time, one should consume more moist and soft foods such as sesame seeds, glutinous rice, japonica rice, honey, and dairy products. At the same time, increase the intake of chicken, duck, beef, pork liver, fish, shrimp, jujubes, and Chinese yam to strengthen the body; eat less pungent foods such as chili, ginger, onions, and garlic, because excessive consumption of pungent foods can damage the body's yin essence.
In addition, what else should one pay attention to during Cold Dew? When the weather is cool in autumn, one's daily routine should also be adjusted accordingly. In my years of clinical practice, I have found that every time the weather turns cold, the number of patients with cerebral thrombosis increases. Analysis of the reasons suggests a connection with the colder weather and increased sleep time, because when a person is sleeping, blood flow slows down, making it easier for thrombi to form. Go to bed early to conform to the storage of yin essence; wake up early to conform to the舒达 (shū dá) of yang energy. To prevent the formation of thrombi, it is recommended that everyone follow the solar terms, adjust their conditioning according to the time, and ensure health!