Autumn is the most suitable season for nourishing the body, as it helps to regulate vital energy, discard the old, and renew. Therefore, even light supplementation can yield the effects of preventing illness and prolonging life. Those who are prone to chronic cardiopulmonary diseases in winter should especially focus on nourishment in autumn. For those with a weak constitution, who often catch colds, or who suffer from coughs and asthma, autumn is the best time to replenish their bodies and build up their strength.
For autumn supplementation, one should choose mild and gentle tonics that are nourishing but not harsh, and prevent dryness without being greasy. Foods with these properties include water bamboo, pumpkin, lotus seeds, longan, black sesame, red dates, and walnuts. Patients with a weak spleen and stomach, or indigestion, can consume lotus seeds, Chinese yam, and hyacinth beans to strengthen and nourish the spleen and stomach.
Autumn often brings symptoms of "autumn dryness," such as a dry mouth and chapped lips. It is advisable to choose foods that nourish, moisten, benefit the middle jiao, and replenish qi. Such foods include tremella (silver ear fungus) and lily. Tremella contains carbohydrates, fats, proteins, as well as phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and calcium, and has the beneficial effects of nourishing yin, moistening the lungs, nourishing the stomach, and promoting the production of body fluids. After soaking in water until soft, it can be boiled until tender, sweetened, and consumed. It has a good effect on treating and preventing "autumn dryness." Lily also has the effects of nourishing lung yin, moistening dry lungs, and clearing the heart to calm the mind.
Autumn is an excellent season for the elderly and those with chronic illnesses to engage in nourishing dietary therapy, and it is also a good time for healthy individuals to supplement their diet through food. Through dietary supplementation, one can maintain a healthy physique and vigorous energy, thereby achieving the goals of reducing illness and delaying aging.