Illustration by Gong Yanbing, Chief Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor at Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
Produced by | Sohu Health
Author | Liu Jiabi
Editor | Yuan Yue
As autumn arrives, many people begin to prepare for the “autumn nourishment.” At a recent press conference held by the National Health Commission, Gong Yanbing, Chief Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor at Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, reminded everyone that blindly “nourishing” in autumn may harm the spleen and stomach, and it is important to maintain a reasonable diet structure and balanced nutrition when “nourishing.”
Why is there a saying about “nourishing” in autumn?
Dr. Gong Yanbing explained that “nourishing in autumn” refers to the practice of consuming high-protein and high-fat foods, such as fish and meat, as the autumn season begins. On one hand, it compensates for the deficiencies caused by the hot summer, poor appetite, and significant physical exertion. On the other hand, it aims to enhance immunity to resist the impending cold winter, in line with the traditional Chinese medicine philosophy of “autumn harvest and winter storage.”
How to avoid blindly “nourishing” in autumn?
Due to an improved standard of living, most people’s nutrition is currently sufficient, and there may even be cases of nutritional excess. Consuming too much high-protein and high-fat food may increase the risk of diseases such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, and coronary heart disease.
Therefore, supplementation should focus on light nourishment rather than excessive nourishing. It is important to maintain a reasonable diet structure and balanced nutrition during “nourishing.” In addition to meat, one should also consume fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy, grains, and beans. When choosing meats, in addition to lean pork, one can also eat beef, chicken, duck, fish, and shrimp, but the quantity must be controlled.
Moreover, “nourishing in autumn” should also consider individual health status. If one’s health is very weak, then it is indeed suitable to supplement nourishment during the early autumn season; however, if one already suffers from obesity, hyperlipidemia, or other underlying health conditions, it is advisable to be cautious with “nourishing.”
