Damp-heat constitution, this condition manifests as the coexistence of dampness and heat in the body. External factors, such as humid climate or living conditions, can lead to external dampness invasion; while internal dampness is often related to digestive system issues, showing the body’s inability to effectively metabolize water. At the same time, in traditional Chinese medicine theory, “heat” refers to a kind of heat manifestation, and stagnant dampness may eventually transform into damp-heat, with symptoms including greasy face, acne-prone skin, dry and bitter mouth, morning bad breath, sticky stools, and yellow urine.
Continuous damp and hot living environment, or preference for sweets, greasy foods, and frequent alcohol consumption, can all contribute to the formation of a damp-heat constitution in individuals. The characteristics of this constitution are significant: first, the overload of dampness affects the elimination of internal heat, indirectly promoting the development of acne; second, the prominent “heat” manifestation, which can be seen as easily irritable and impatient emotions, is also related to toxin accumulation caused by dietary habits. People with a damp-heat constitution often tend to be overweight, have slow movements, feel greasy on the face, and are prone to skin problems.
Adjusting diet is key for damp-heat constitution. Firstly, avoid pungent, dry-heat, greasy, and strongly nourishing foods, such as alcohol, animal organs, chili peppers, etc., while limiting the intake of warm and hot foods. Secondly, reduce the consumption of sweets and salty foods, maintain a balanced diet, avoid overeating and hunger states, quit smoking and limit alcohol, and reduce the consumption of carbonated beverages.
It is recommended to increase the intake of cooling foods and fruits, such as Job’s tears, melons, leafy green vegetables, lotus root, mung beans, kelp, etc., as they help in clearing heat, detoxifying, and reducing dampness and heat. Moderately choose foods like crucian carp, rabbit meat, winter melon, luffa vegetables, as well as cantaloupe, oranges, and other fruits, all of which can help improve damp-heat constitution.
Specifically, winter melon promotes diuresis and reduces swelling, onions aid in digesting phlegm, water celery clears heat and promotes diuresis, corn clarifies turbidity and promotes urination, purslane disperses blood stasis and reduces swelling, lentils benefit the spleen and eliminate dampness, mung beans detoxify and promote urination, and crucian carp benefits the spleen and eliminates dampness. Through a balanced diet, damp-heat constitution can be effectively regulated, promoting overall health.
