Can you eat goose meat during the dog days of summer?
Generally speaking, it is acceptable to consume goose meat in moderation during the hottest days of summer (the "dog days"), as it typically does not lead to increased dampness in the body. However, excessive intake at one time should be avoided. The specific analysis is as follows:
Goose meat has a neutral nature and offers benefits such as nourishing the stomach, relieving thirst, invigorating qi, and tonifying deficiency. Eating goose meat in moderation during the dog days can not only supplement nutrition and help strengthen physical constitution, but also alleviate symptoms such as general fatigue caused by spleen deficiency, thus aiding the body's recovery to a healthy state. Therefore, consuming goose meat during the dog days is permissible.
However, it should be noted that goose meat is relatively high in calories. Overconsumption should be avoided to prevent digestive issues such as indigestion, abdominal pain, or bloating.
During the dog days, sun protection is essential when going outdoors. In terms of diet, spicy, raw, and cold foods—such as chili peppers, crabs, and oysters—should be avoided. Meals should primarily consist of warm or hot foods to prevent invasion of cold pathogens. Additionally, prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments should be minimized, as this may hinder the body's ability to expel dampness. Moderate physical activity is recommended.