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Autumn has arrived, but the weather is still mainly hot and humid; the term “autumn tiger” refers to this period.
From now on, your diet should gradually transition to build a good foundation for the approaching cold of autumn and winter. Summer emphasizes “growth,” while autumn emphasizes “harvest,” so dietary attention is needed starting now.
Dietary considerations for the beginning of autumn:
1
Eat honey, avoid ginger.
Honey has the effect of moistening and nourishing the lungs, which is essential for protecting the lung’s yin in autumn.
On the other hand, one should avoid or reduce consuming spicy and barbecued foods, including chili, Sichuan pepper, cinnamon, ginger, green onion, and alcohol, especially ginger.
These foods are considered heaty and lose moisture during cooking, leading to increased internal heat after consumption, aggravating the dry conditions of autumn’s impact on the body.
For example, ginger has a warning in ancient medical texts: “Do not eat ginger in autumn for a year.”
There was also an effective dietary remedy in ancient times that suggested “morning saltwater, evening honey soup.” Drinking some saltwater in the morning and honey water in the evening is actually a good health-preserving practice throughout the year, especially suitable after the beginning of autumn, and is a simple remedy for beauty and constipation relief during this season.
In addition to honey, one can also consume more sesame, almonds, and other foods, which not only strengthen the spleen and stomach but also nourish the lungs and moisten the intestines, helping to prevent the dryness caused by autumn. Common symptoms like dry cough, dry throat, loss of skin luster, and constipation can also be alleviated.
2
Eat “fruits,” avoid “melons.”
There is a saying that “autumn melons spoil the stomach.” Melons are mostly cold in nature, and the elderly, children, and those with weak digestive systems can easily upset their stomachs if they consume too much. During autumn, the corresponding phenomena will appear, showing as dryness, which manifests in symptoms such as dry mouth, dry cough, itchy skin, and constipation.
However, some “fruits” can be consumed more liberally.
Pears can moisten the lungs, help eliminate phlegm, and are highly recommended as a fruit in autumn.
Apples are rich in various vitamins and potassium, beneficial not only for cardiovascular disease patients but also helpful in stopping diarrhea.
Peaches are moderately warming and suitable for most people, nourishing the body, while also containing a lot of gelatin, which helps absorb moisture in the intestines and remove waste, effectively preventing constipation.
Grapes can help prevent fatigue, benefit qi, nourish blood, strengthen bones, aid digestion, and promote urination.
In addition to these, it is important to pay attention to the following dietary details:
Avoid
Overindulgence
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that autumn is the transitional period between summer and winter, with temperatures shifting from hot to cold. Health preservation should shift from “nourishing yang” to “nourishing yin.” During this time, it’s essential to maintain health, with dietary restrictions; one should not eat and drink excessively.
As autumn arrives, due to pleasant weather and an abundance of food, people often overeat. Excessive calorie intake will convert to fat accumulation, leading to weight gain.
In autumn, pay attention to moderation in your diet, and do not indulge in great feasting.
Avoid
Spicy and cold foods
In autumn, one should also eat less of highly stimulating, spicy, and drying foods, such as hot peppers.
Additionally, one should avoid the accumulation of damp and heat. Foods with strong aromas have dispersing functions, so it is advised to consume mildly aromatic foods like celery.
