As summer approaches, people’s bodies undergo natural changes, especially sweating constantly. Usually, our sleep time also becomes particularly short because the nights are shorter in summer. During the day, the body consumes a lot of energy due to the summer temperature, which takes away part of our energy. Additionally, our activities or work also deplete our energy. At this time, we need various ways to help maintain our physical strength and provide energy for the body. Diet is the most important point; when people feel particularly tired, they want to eat. However, in summer, eating should be done with caution, as some people are prone to excessive internal heat. Let’s explore together which foods should be eaten sparingly in summer to avoid excessive internal heat.
【1】Snake Meat
When it comes to snake meat, people often feel scared, especially women who may be repulsed by the idea. However, some people enjoy eating snake meat, believing it has a great taste. Some individuals especially like to consume snake meat in summer, thinking that it has a cooling property and can help relieve heat, thereby preventing diseases. Different snakes have different properties, and not all snake meat is cooling. Importantly, most snakes may contain trace amounts of toxins, so one should not eat snake meat casually.
Especially in rural areas, some people catch snakes in the mountains and cook a delicious snake meat dish without understanding the snake’s properties. This practice is harmful as consuming toxic snake meat can lead to unexpected health issues. Most snakes with cooling properties are water snakes, while snakes with warming properties include pythons, king cobras, cobras, and pit vipers. Therefore, it’s crucial to be cautious when consuming warming snake meat in summer, especially for individuals with a tendency towards heatiness.
【2】Alcohol
Alcohol has a long history in China and is a common beverage consumed during meals and celebrations. Some people even treat beer as water and drink it regularly, especially in summer when social gatherings often involve alcohol. However, excessive alcohol consumption in summer can be detrimental to health. Summer’s hot climate can speed up blood circulation, leading to increased blood flow and vessel dilation due to alcohol intake.
Therefore, drinking too much alcohol in summer can negatively impact health and exacerbate physical conditions due to decreased appetite. Excess alcohol consumption can suppress digestive functions and harm internal organs, particularly in individuals with a heaty constitution. It’s essential to avoid excessive alcohol consumption, especially during summer.
【3】Nuts
Nuts are a common snack known for their great taste, but they are high in calories, which may deter individuals seeking to lose weight. Nuts can be divided into seed and tree nuts. Seed nuts include pumpkin seeds, watermelon seeds, peanuts, and sunflower seeds, while tree nuts include almonds, chestnuts, gingko nuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, and walnuts. During summer, it’s advisable to consume nuts in moderation as processed nuts on the market often have reduced vitamin content. Excessive nut consumption can lead to heatiness and dryness, as well as phlegm accumulation in some individuals.
Moreover, nuts are high in calories, and overconsumption can lead to internal heat, resulting in heatiness. When purchasing nuts, it’s recommended to choose unpeeled and unopened nuts, despite being harder to peel, as they contain fewer additives and bacteria, promoting better health.
【4】Chilled Foods
In summer, chilled foods like watermelon and beverages are popular. While they provide temporary relief from the heat, frequent consumption can have adverse effects on health. Chilled foods can stimulate the mouth and may cause salivary gland disorders and gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly in individuals with existing digestive issues. Excessive intake can lead to loss of appetite and diarrhea. It’s essential to consume moderate amounts of cooling foods and balance with warm foods to aid in cooling. Parent should avoid storing excessive ice cream in the fridge as children are particularly susceptible to indulging despite the detrimental effects.
In conclusion, during summer, it’s crucial to be cautious as the following four types of foods should be consumed sparingly to avoid adverse health effects that can lead to internal heat. Especially with cooling foods, it’s easy to disregard caution. Overeating these foods can stimulate the digestive tract, causing damage, so caution is advised. One should not indulge excessively in cold drinks for momentary comfort. This is especially critical for elderly individuals with weakened digestive systems and children in their developmental stages. Children’s organs are still developing and sensitive, making them prone to stimulation.
