How to use diet to nourish and regulate spleen deficiency
Spleen deficiency is usually caused by factors such as insufficient sleep, overexertion, endocrine disorders, depression, or liver dysfunction. It can be managed and regulated through dietary supplementation with foods like cardamom porridge, leek juice, clove-braised pears, mandarin fish, and chicken. If discomfort persists, prompt medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Causes
1. Insufficient Sleep
Chronic lack of sleep can easily impair spleen function, leading to spleen deficiency. It's important to maintain at least 8 hours of sleep daily.
2. Overexertion
Prolonged physical strain without adequate rest may lead to spleen deficiency. Daily routines should emphasize a balance between work and rest to avoid excessive fatigue.
3. Endocrine Disorders
Endocrine imbalances caused by low immunity or emotional stress can impair the body's metabolic capacity, resulting in spleen deficiency. Symptoms may include acne and menstrual irregularities. Patients should follow medical advice and may be prescribed medications such as Xiaoyao Pills, Wuji Baifeng Pills, or Flavonoid Capsules for treatment.
4. Depression
Depression, often triggered by psychological stress or environmental changes, can impair the digestive and transformative functions of the spleen and stomach, causing spleen deficiency. Common accompanying symptoms include loss of appetite and insomnia. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as Doxepin Hydrochloride Tablets, Amitriptyline Hydrochloride Tablets, or Clomipramine Hydrochloride Tablets to improve symptoms.
5. Liver Dysfunction
Liver dysfunction may be related to genetic factors or unhealthy lifestyle habits. It continuously depletes qi and blood, impairing spleen and stomach functions and triggering spleen deficiency. Symptoms may include insomnia and weight loss. Under a doctor’s recommendation, medications such as Compound Glycyrrhizin Tablets, Polyene Phosphatidylcholine Capsules, or Feili Ganning Tablets may be used to alleviate symptoms.
2. Dietary Supplementation
1. Cardamom Porridge
Cardamom porridge has the effect of warming the middle burner and harmonizing the stomach, making it suitable for treating spleen deficiency, nausea, and poor appetite. The warm nature of cardamom warms the spleen and stomach and enhances digestive function. Its components stimulate gastric juice secretion, increase appetite, aid digestion, and thereby improve digestive issues caused by spleen deficiency.
2. Leek Juice
Leek juice is effective for treating stomach pain due to stagnant blood, especially in individuals with both spleen-stomach weakness and blood stasis. Nutrients in leek juice promote blood circulation, resolve blood stasis, and reduce stomach pain. Additionally, leeks enhance intestinal motility, helping to relieve constipation associated with spleen deficiency.
3. Clove-Braised Pear
Clove-braised pear helps generate body fluids, moistens dryness, reverses rebellious stomach qi, and stops vomiting. It is primarily used for individuals with spleen-stomach weakness who experience alternating chills and heat or stomach yin deficiency with vomiting. Clove warms the middle burner and suppresses upward rushing qi to relieve vomiting, while pear clears heat, generates fluids, and alleviates dryness and thirst. Together, they effectively improve stomach discomfort and dry mouth caused by spleen deficiency.
4. Mandarin Fish (Guìyú)
Mandarin fish is sweet in taste and enters the spleen meridian. It benefits the spleen and stomach and nourishes qi and blood, making it ideal for those with spleen-stomach deficiency. Rich in high-quality protein and various nutrients, it nourishes the spleen and stomach and strengthens digestive function. It also replenishes qi and blood, helping to improve conditions such as qi and blood deficiency caused by spleen deficiency.
5. Chicken
Chicken is warm in nature and enters the spleen meridian. It tonifies the center and boosts qi, making it especially suitable for individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency and symptoms of fatigue. As a nutrient-rich food, its protein is easily absorbed and utilized by the body, enhancing strength and reducing fatigue. Its warming property also supports the spleen and stomach, promoting digestive function.
In summary, the above foods are all beneficial for regulating spleen deficiency. Consuming them regularly can effectively alleviate various symptoms caused by spleen deficiency. Additionally, individuals with spleen deficiency should maintain regular eating habits, avoid overexertion, and adopt healthy lifestyle routines to support recovery of spleen and stomach function. If symptoms persist or worsen, timely medical attention is advised.