As the end of summer quietly approaches, today marks the arrival of the “end of heat” in the 24 solar terms of the lunar calendar, signaling the official end of the hottest period of the year. At this critical moment of transition from summer to autumn, all things in nature begin to change subtly, and the human body needs to adapt to the seasonal changes, adjust daily routines to achieve inner and outer harmony, and embrace the health of autumn. Today, let’s explore the wisdom of health preservation after the “end of heat” and remember the key principles of health preservation: “1 avoid, 3 don’t do, avoid 4 things, and include 5 essential foods.”
### 1 avoid: Avoid exploring deep mountains and forests
After the end of the heat, although the summer heat is fading, the forests still retain moisture, and the temperature difference between morning and evening increases, which can easily lead to colds or rheumatic diseases. During this time, it is advisable to avoid exploring deep forests or camping to prevent being accidentally exposed to damp coldness that could harm your health. If outdoor activities are necessary, choose sunny and well-ventilated areas, and take measures to keep warm to prevent catching a chill.
### 3 don’t do:
**1. Avoid consuming cold drinks excessively**
After the end of the heat, although it may feel cool, the body’s yang energy has not completely contracted. Consuming cold drinks or iced foods at this time can harm the spleen and stomach yang energy, leading to digestive issues like diarrhea and abdominal pain. Therefore, focus on warm foods, consume moderate amounts of warm water to promote metabolism and nourish the body.
**2. Avoid staying up excessively late**
Autumn is the time to nourish Yin, while staying up late depletes Yin fluids. After the end of the heat, gradually adjust your sleep schedule to ensure an adequate amount of sleep, which helps organs to rest and repair fully, boosts immunity, and prepares energy reserves for the autumn and winter seasons.
**3. Avoid immediate exposure to cold after intense exercise**
Moderate exercise is a crucial aspect of autumn health, but after exercise, it is important to avoid immediate exposure to air conditioning or taking cold showers. At this time, when the body’s pores are open and vulnerable to cold air, wait for sweat to dry naturally before taking appropriate cooling measures.
### Avoid these 4 things:
**1. Avoid excessive emotional outbursts**
Autumn emphasizes restraint, therefore emotionally maintaining a calm and stable state to avoid extreme emotions and anxiety is important. Engage in relaxing activities such as walking, reading, or listening to music to regulate emotions and maintain a positive mood.
**2. Avoid spicy, greasy foods**
Autumn is dry, and overconsumption of spicy, greasy foods can worsen internal dryness leading to conditions such as feverish sensations and constipation. Opt for light, moisturizing foods like lily bulbs, tremella mushrooms, lotus seeds to nourish the lungs and moisten dryness.
**3. Avoid wearing thin clothes**
After the end of heat, there is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening, so it’s essential to add layers for warmth, especially around the abdomen, back, and feet to prevent colds. Choose light, breathable garments with good insulation properties to match autumn weather conditions and protect overall health.
**4. Avoid neglecting environmental hygiene**
Autumn is a peak season for bacteria and viruses, so maintaining cleanliness and hygiene at home is crucial. Regularly ventilate living spaces, reduce the growth of germs. Additionally, pay attention to personal hygiene, wash hands frequently, wear masks to prevent respiratory diseases.
### Include these 5 foods:
**1. Eat lotus roots**
Lotus root is a seasonal vegetable in autumn, known for its cooling properties, benefiting the spleen, and aiding digestion. It can be eaten raw or cooked, such as in lotus root rib soup, or sliced in salads, adding flavorful choices to autumn meals.
**2. Eat pumpkin**
Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, supporting spleen and stomach health, and boosting energy. Prepare dishes like pumpkin porridge, pumpkin cakes for both delicious and healthy options.
**3. Eat tremella fungus**
Tremella, known as the “poor man’s bird’s nest,” has benefits such as nourishing yin, moistening the lungs, and stomach. Suitable for consumption during dry autumn, combine with lily bulbs, lotus seeds to create desserts or soups, offering sweetness and nourishment.
**4. Eat pears**
Pears are the kings of autumn fruits, known for their heat-clearing, phlegm-reducing, and moistening properties. Eat them fresh or cook them into pear soup to relieve autumn dryness symptoms like coughs and throat dryness effectively.
**5. Eat black sesame seeds**
Black sesame seeds are rich in fats, proteins, minerals, and vitamins, known for nourishing the liver and kidneys, enriching essence and blood, and moisturizing intestines to relieve dryness. Prepare foods like black sesame paste, black sesame cakes as excellent nutritional supplements during autumn.
Overall, the key to autumn health preservation after the end of heat is to adapt to natural rhythms, adjust daily habits and diet structure, following the principles of “1 avoid, 3 don’t do, avoid 4 things, and include 5 essential foods,” to achieve physical and mental harmony, embracing the health of autumn. Let us welcome each morning and evening of this golden autumn season in the best state possible.
