How to Determine if You Have Dampness in Your Body?
Firstly, here are some signs that may indicate the presence of dampness in the body:
- Slow onset of symptoms, with a lingering and prolonged course of illness.
- Main symptoms include loss of appetite, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, decreased urine output, yellowing of the complexion, edema, greasy and thick tongue coating, and soft pulse.
- Laboratory tests generally show normal ranges for various indicators, with no significant organic changes.
Secondly, let's define what internal dampness is. Internal dampness is a pathological condition characterized by stagnation of water and dampness in the body due to deficiency of spleen and kidney yang, which impairs the function of transporting and metabolizing fluids. The symptoms include loss of appetite, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, decreased urine output, yellowing of the complexion, edema, pale tongue with moist coating, and soft and slow pulse. Treatment involves strengthening the spleen and warming the kidneys to promote the elimination of dampness.
Thirdly, let's discuss the harms caused by dampness:
- Dampness can affect a person's skin, appearance, and body shape. When the body is afflicted with dampness, the skin is often the first to be affected, becoming oily, with large pores and a dull, yellowish complexion. In severe cases, it can lead to the formation of spots and pimples. I have often observed that some women, who were originally beautiful, have had their beauty destroyed by dampness, which is truly unfortunate. Dampness can also cause weight gain, even in thin individuals. Some people who have long been troubled by dampness may experience rebound weight gain despite their efforts to lose weight, resulting in a gradual increase in body weight over time.
- Dampness can contribute to the development of over 140 different diseases.
Lastly, dietary adjustments can be helpful in managing dampness. It is advisable to consume a light and balanced diet. Alcohol, milk, and greasy, rich foods are not easy to digest and can cause gastrointestinal distress and inflammation. Sweet and fried foods can produce excessive peroxides in the body, further aggravating inflammatory responses. According to traditional Chinese medicine, cold foods, iced drinks, and cool fruits and vegetables can stagnate the digestive and absorptive functions of the gastrointestinal tract, and should therefore be consumed in moderation.