"Which Vegetables Are Optimal for Strengthening a Weak Spleen and Stomach?"

Spleen and Stomach Deficiency

The concept of spleen and stomach deficiency encompasses a broad range of syndromes within traditional Chinese medicine, including qi deficiency of the spleen, spleen's inability to control blood, yang deficiency of the spleen, yang deficiency of the stomach, and cold deficiency affecting both spleen and stomach. Among these, qi deficiency of the spleen serves as the fundamental type, referring to inadequate qi within the spleen. Symptoms associated with spleen and stomach deficiency can manifest as bodily swelling, poor mental condition, pale complexion, and so forth. Individuals with such deficiencies should prioritize dietary considerations. Let's explore which vegetables are beneficial for addressing spleen and stomach deficiencies.

Vegetables Recommended for Spleen and Stomach Deficiency

For those enduring chronic cold deficiency of the spleen and stomach or experiencing cold-related symptoms like stomachaches, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, incorporating foods with pungent and warm properties is advisable. Examples include onions, ginger, leeks, garlic, and pepper. Additionally, red dates, Chinese yam, lentil beans, and lotus seeds are recommended for those with spleen and stomach deficiencies. For those with excessive stomach heat, consuming foods that are dry and cold, such as pears, lotus roots, sugarcane, and honey, is suitable. Meanwhile, patients with qi stagnation may find relief from eating more radishes, chayotes (佛手瓜), kumquats, or seasoning made from tangerine peels.

Dietary Supplementation

(1) Red Date Millet Porridge: Combine red dates and millet. Wash the millet and lightly roast it over low heat until slightly yellow. Then, add water and red dates, bringing to a boil over high heat before simmering into a porridge. This is ideal for those with spleen deficiency accompanied by indigestion and anorexia.

(2) Lotus Seed and Chinese Yam Porridge: Gather lotus seeds, Chinese yam, and japonica rice. Peel and discard the lotus seed cores, then add the Chinese yam and japonica rice, cooking them into a porridge. This porridge suits those with spleen and stomach deficiencies who are thin and have a poor appetite.

(3) Radix Adenophorae, Ophiopogon japonicus, and Lentil Bean Porridge: Use radix adenophorae, ophiopogon japonicus, lentil beans, and japonica rice. First, boil radix adenophorae and ophiopogon japonicus in water for 20 minutes to extract the juice. Subsequently, add this juice along with japonica rice and lentil beans to cook into a porridge. This porridge is beneficial for those with spleen yin deficiency, manifesting as hot palms and feet, and dry stools.

Daily Care

(1) Maintain a positive mindset and avoid emotional distress stemming from excessive fatigue, sorrow, sadness, fear, tension, and other stressors.

(2) Minimize mental exertion before meals, focus on eating, and take a brief rest after meals to foster healthy living habits.

(3) Stay warm, especially the abdomen. Regularly wearing a cotton bellyband can be helpful. Avoid sleeping outdoors during summer.

(4) Engage in regular exercise to bolster physical fitness. Practice internal qi cultivation, engage in health-promoting exercises, and learn tai chi.