What Foods Are Good for Improving Digestion and Removing Dampness?

Generally, excessive dampness in the body is often caused by a preference for cold and raw foods or living in a damp environment. Dampness can lead to spleen dysfunction, resulting in symptoms such as loss of appetite, difficulty waking up, and fatigue. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness. Foods that can strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness mainly include millet, glutinous rice, shiitake mushrooms, jujube, and dried tangerine peel.

1. Millet, also known as foxtail millet, is named for its small grains and is one of the "five grains" in ancient China. Millet is rich in nutrients such as B vitamins, amino acids, protein, carbohydrates, carotenoids, vitamin E, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium. It is commonly used to make porridge and has good regulatory effects on symptoms such as insomnia, weak spleen and stomach, loss of appetite, and post-illness debility. However, millet is cool in nature, especially old millet, so people who are sensitive to cold should not consume it excessively.

2. Glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice, is rich in nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins B1/B2, starch, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and nicotinic acid. It is a type of nourishing food. Glutinous rice porridge is excellent for warming and nourishing the stomach qi. It can improve symptoms such as spleen and stomach deficiency, poor appetite, and diarrhea. However, glutinous rice is sticky and high in sugar content, so people with diabetes and those with poor digestive function should consume it sparingly.

3. Shiitake mushrooms, also known as flower mushrooms or winter mushrooms, are one of the four treasures of the mountains and have the reputation of the "Queen of Plants". Shiitake mushrooms are rich in protein, low in fat and carbohydrates, and contain various vitamins, amino acids, and trace elements. They have the effects of strengthening the spleen and stomach, anti-aging, and nourishing qi and blood. According to the Compendium of Materia Medica, shiitake mushrooms "benefit the stomach and intestines, resolve phlegm, and regulate qi."

4. Jujube is considered warm in nature and enters the spleen and stomach meridians in traditional Chinese medicine. It is rich in various vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, and trace elements. It has the effects of nourishing blood and calming the nerves, strengthening the spleen and stomach, and replenishing qi and the middle burner. However, it should be noted that jujube is high in sugar content and has a hard skin, so excessive consumption can lead to indigestion. People with a hot constitution and diabetics should also avoid eating jujube.

5. Modern medical research has confirmed that dried tangerine peel contains nutrients such as aromatic volatile oil, vitamins, carotenoids, bitter substances, limonoids, pectin, and flavonoids. It can promote the secretion of digestive juices, eliminate intestinal gas, and has the effects of strengthening the spleen and regulating qi. Additionally, it can also suppress coughing and eliminate phlegm.