In traditional Chinese medicine, dampness is considered the foremost of the six pathogenic influences, causing the most harm to the body and being the most difficult to eliminate. Nowadays, many people are in a sub-healthy state, mostly due to excessive internal dampness. People with excessive dampness in their bodies are not only prone to endocrine disorders but also to fatigue, weakness in the limbs, decreased appetite, obesity, and other symptoms; the dog days are also the golden period for removing dampness and dispelling cold.
If you have a heavy internal dampness, you might as well take this opportunity to expel the damp cold from your body. In addition, although the weather during the dog days is hot, the humidity in the air is also relatively high, making people more prone to sweating and opening up pores, which can make the body more susceptible to invasion by damp-heat. To reduce internal dampness, try to eat less of the three “moisturizing” foods during the dog days.
Pineapple
Pineapple is a tropical fruit that is abundant in the southern regions of our country. It has a delicious taste that many people enjoy, with a sweet and sour flavor. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, pineapple is effective in treating deficiency of vital energy, decreased appetite, and dull complexion. However, since pineapple is a damp-heat food, consuming it regularly can exacerbate internal dampness. Therefore, for friends with heavy dampness, it is best to eat pineapple sparingly.
Mango
Mango is also one of the tropical fruits that many people love to eat, especially with its rich aroma that makes people salivate uncontrollably. However, it is important to know that mango is a heaty food, and eating it excessively can easily cause internal heat. Therefore, it is best to consume less mango in summer to avoid worsening internal dampness.
Cold drinks
Summer is also a season for consuming cold drinks. Many people like to eat cold treats or ice cream to cool down and prevent heatstroke. After consuming them, the body’s temperature immediately drops, and people feel refreshed. However, for those with a weak spleen and stomach, it is best to consume fewer cold drinks, as it can burden the digestive system. Additionally, consuming too many cold drinks in summer can worsen internal dampness. If you already have heavy internal dampness, try to avoid cold drinks in summer and drink more warm water instead.
