Introduction: Every year, the Midsummer is the peak time for summer heat and dampness. If one does not pay attention to health during this period, many diseases will take root during the Midsummer, and when winter comes, the body will feel exceptionally uncomfortable. Especially now, with improving living conditions, people’s physical activity is decreasing. Therefore, the constitutions of many middle-aged and elderly people are not as good as before. The Midsummer every year is the “most important” time for summer health maintenance. There are many taboos during this period that we must understand. For example, tomorrow is the Midsummer, reminding middle-aged and elderly people to remember: “1 not too happy, 2 not too big, 3 not overeating, 4 not tight.” As long as you are cautious, I believe everyone can pass through the hottest 20 days of the year in good health.
1 Not Too Happy: Avoid extreme emotions
During the Midsummer, due to the hot weather, cardiovascular stress is relatively high. It is important to control your emotions at this time. Remember not to be overly happy or sad because extreme emotions can accelerate blood circulation and cause certain damage to the heart. Whatever happens, stay calm. If something particularly happy occurs, you can enjoy it in your heart. If something unpleasant happens, you can watch a movie, play games, or have barbecue to relax.
Avoid conflicts with others during the Midsummer because the hot weather can easily lead to irritability. Engaging in conflicts may result in physical altercations. To avoid unnecessary trouble, endure and let bygones be bygones.
2 Not Too Big: Avoid drinking water excessively
During the Midsummer, many people tend to drink water in large gulps when thirsty, or some can finish a whole bottle of water in one go. However, this practice is incorrect. Ingesting a large amount of water causes the blood to become dilute and increases blood volume rapidly. Individuals with poor heart conditions may experience myocardial infarction. Many people suffer heart attacks during the Midsummer due to excessive water consumption.
When drinking water during the Midsummer, try to sip it slowly. Opt for lukewarm water instead of chilled water. Abrupt contact of the stomach with cold items can lead to rapid contraction, which is detrimental to gastric health. Sipping lukewarm water in small amounts is best for the stomach and helps quench thirst.
3 Not Overeating: Avoid eating only fruits and vegetables
During the Midsummer, the hot and humid climate may reduce appetite for many individuals. Some people may eat fruits, vegetables, boiled noodles, or plain porridge just to satisfy a meal. However, during the Midsummer, as yang energy depletes rapidly in the body, inadequate food intake can lead to a deficiency in yang energy, resulting in decreased immunity and low spirits. Therefore, during the Midsummer, it is important to have regular meals and include around 100 grams of meat in each meal to nourish the body.
There are considerations when eating fruits and vegetables during the Midsummer. Try to consume fewer cold or hot natured varieties. Avoid excessive consumption of fruits and vegetables like pears, bitter gourd (cold-natured) and mango, fennel (hot-natured). Apples, bananas, peaches, lettuce, taro, and lotus roots are preferable choices.
4 Not Tight: Avoid keeping windows tightly closed for long periods
During hot weather, many people keep their windows closed while using air conditioning at home, without opening them for long periods. However, this habit is incorrect. Ventilate the room for about 5 minutes every 6 hours. Prolonged lack of ventilation not only deteriorates indoor air quality but also breeds various bacteria. People with weak immunity staying in poorly ventilated spaces for extended periods are not only prone to illness but may also suffer from poor blood circulation. Therefore, during the Midsummer, remember to ventilate the room regularly.
Additionally, if you haven’t cleaned the air conditioner filter during the Midsummer, make sure to clean it. After a year of use, the air conditioner filter accumulates a lot of dust and bacteria. Failure to clean it for an extended period not only pollutes the room air but also increases the air conditioner’s energy consumption.
Tomorrow is the Midsummer. Remember: “Avoid extreme emotions, excessive water intake, eating only fruits and vegetables, and keeping windows tightly closed for long periods.” As long as you are cautious, I believe everyone can pass through the hottest 20 days of the year in good health! If this article has been helpful to you, please follow and like. This is the greatest support for me. Hu Shifu will continue to share more cooking tips and health practices in the future. Thank you for watching.
