Dampness is a common health problem with a wide impact, potentially leading to discomfort and health issues, closely related to weight gain and bad breath. Adjusting diet can help dispel dampness, promote weight loss and detoxification, keeping us away from dampness troubles. So, what are the signs of excessive dampness?
In the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, excessive dampness often causes heaviness in the body, fatigue, accompanied by dizziness and headaches. It can disrupt the normal functioning of the spleen and stomach, leading to digestive issues such as lack of appetite. In severe cases, dampness obstructs the flow of qi and blood, causing qi and blood deficiency, poor blood circulation, and laying the groundwork for diseases.
Self-testing tips for dampness include: observing the tongue coating for thickness, greasiness, yellow or white color; paying attention to bowel movements, such as loose stools or constipation; and noting bodily sensations like persistent muscle pain, weakness, which could be signs of dampness affecting the body.
Next, let’s introduce several foods that help dispel dampness, promote weight loss, and detox:
– Coix seeds: diuretic and anti-inflammatory, rich in protein, vitamin B1, B2, suitable for making porridge with red beans, Chinese yam or soup with mung beans, red dates. – Mung beans: strengthen the spleen and dispel dampness, containing protein, carbohydrates, and minerals, can be cooked into porridge with rice or stewed with meat. – Bitter gourd: heat-clearing and detoxifying, rich in vitamin C, potassium, suitable for stir-frying, soup making, or cold dishes. – Winter melon: diuretic and anti-inflammatory, contains plant protein, dietary fiber, commonly used in stir-fries, soups, or stews. – Oats: intestine-moistening and blood pressure-lowering, dietary fiber and protein promote intestinal health, can be made into oat milk porridge, adding fruits and nuts for flavor. – Lotus leaf tea: heat-clearing and diuretic, rich in flavonoids, can be easily brewed, can be enhanced with lemon or honey for taste. – Tangerine peel tea: qi-regulating and digestion-promoting, contains volatile oils, beneficial for digestion and dispelling dampness, can be made into tea by soaking in water, also can be mixed with honey or tea leaves.
It is important to consider individual constitution when using dietary therapy, avoiding excessive or improper combinations. Those with serious illnesses or special conditions should follow medical advice. Maintaining a balanced and varied diet, along with moderate exercise and adequate rest, is the key to maintaining long-term health.
