Can individuals with spleen deficiency drink more water?

If spleen deficiency and dampness are not promptly addressed, they may cause certain harm to the body and even contribute to the development of various diseases. Therefore, it is important to recognize the common manifestations of spleen deficiency and dampness. So, can individuals with spleen deficiency drink more water?

Can individuals with spleen deficiency drink more water?

Individuals with spleen deficiency are generally advised against excessive water intake, as weakened spleen and stomach function impairs the transportation and transformation of fluids and food. If water cannot be fully metabolized, it may accumulate in the body and transform into pathological dampness, leading to fluid retention.

First, herbal formulas such as Shen Ling Bai Zhu Wan (Ginseng and Polyporus Powder), Jian Pi Wan (Spleen-Strengthening Pills), Gui Pi Wan (Restore the Spleen Pills), Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Wan (Costus Root and Sand仁 Six Gentlemen Pills), Er Chen Wan (Two-Ingredient Damp-Resolving Pills), and Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Pills) may be used. Additionally, herbs such as dried tangerine peel (Chen Pi), Poria (Fu Ling), lotus leaf (He Ye), and corn silk (Yu Mi Xu) can be steeped in water for daily consumption.

Second, maintain a light, easily digestible diet; avoid excessive consumption of cold, raw, or sticky foods. Incorporate high-fiber vegetables such as celery, radish, and cabbage into meals. Third, engage regularly in moderate outdoor physical activity, which helps enhance metabolism and promote the resolution of dampness.

Spleen deficiency with dampness can be systematically regulated through daily dietary habits and emotional management. Diet plays a key role in both spleen deficiency and dampness accumulation. Patients may benefit from consuming foods known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness—such as watermelon, bitter melon, Chinese yam (Shan Yao), hyacinth bean (Bian Dou), loofah, winter melon, and lotus leaf congee. According to TCM theory, chronic spleen deficiency often results from prolonged anxiety or excessive mental stress, which damages the spleen.

Patients are advised to minimize intake of spicy and stimulating foods in daily life and cultivate healthy eating habits. Wishing you optimal health and well-being!