What are the causes of spleen deficiency?

Aug 08, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

In general, spleen deficiency may be caused by factors such as irregular diet, excessive fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and others. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a physician's guidance. Daily management should focus on dietary regulation, avoiding both overeating and extreme hunger, and reducing intake of spicy or irritating foods. Maintaining emotional well-being and avoiding prolonged mental stress are also important.

Generally, spleen deficiency may be caused by factors such as irregular eating habits, excessive fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and others. It is recommended to seek timely medical advice, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a physician's guidance. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Irregular eating habits: Long-term overeating or excessive consumption of raw, cold, or greasy foods can overload the spleen and stomach's digestive functions, potentially leading to spleen deficiency. Adjust eating habits by having regular and moderate meals, reducing intake of raw, cold, and greasy foods, and consuming more spleen-strengthening foods such as yam and millet.

2. Excessive fatigue: Prolonged physical or mental exhaustion can impair the spleen's function, causing spleen deficiency. Arrange work and rest schedules reasonably, avoid overexertion, ensure adequate sleep, and engage in mild exercises such as walking or yoga.

3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Intestinal dysfunction can impair nutrient absorption, leading to spleen deficiency accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. Patients may take medications such as Bupi Yichang Pills, Bifidobacterium Tri-Live Capsules, or Trimebutine Maleate Tablets according to medical advice.

4. Chronic Gastritis: Chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa affects digestive function and, over time, can impair the spleen and stomach, causing spleen deficiency accompanied by stomach distension and poor appetite. Patients are advised to take medications such as Xiangsha Yangwei Pills, Shenling Baizhu Powder, or Yangwei Shu Capsules according to medical instructions to alleviate symptoms.

5. Peptic Ulcer Disease: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can affect digestion and absorption of food. Over time, this can damage the function of the spleen and stomach, easily causing spleen deficiency with periodic abdominal pain. Patients may take medications such as Hydrotalcite Chewable Tablets, Omeprazole Enteric-Coated Capsules, or Xiangsha Liujun Pills according to medical instructions to manage the condition.

In daily life, attention should be given to dietary regulation, avoiding extreme hunger or overeating, and reducing the intake of spicy and irritating foods. Maintaining a cheerful mood and avoiding long-term mental stress can help improve the function of the spleen and stomach and alleviate symptoms of spleen deficiency.

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Can men take Xiaoyao Pills?

If men remain under long-term stress and experience symptoms such as low mood, irritability, chest discomfort, distension and pain on both sides of the ribs, reduced appetite, and indigestion—indicative of liver qi stagnation accompanied by spleen deficiency—taking Xiaoyao Pills may help regulate liver function, invigorate qi, strengthen the spleen, and harmonize the stomach. However, dosage and duration of treatment must be followed as directed by a physician. Prolonged self-administration should be avoided to prevent additional gastrointestinal irritation due to the medicine's slightly cooling nature.

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What are the best and fastest medications for strengthening the spleen in cases of spleen deficiency?

Generally speaking, there is no such thing as "the best and fastest medicines for replenishing spleen deficiency." Spleen deficiency is often caused by factors such as irregular diet, excessive fatigue, and so on. Common symptoms include loss of appetite, abdominal distension, and loose stools. Patients may take medications such as Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan (Ginseng Spleen Strengthening Pills), Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Dioscorea and Atractylodes Powder), Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Spleen-Qi Tonic Pills), Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan (Saussurea and Hoelen Pill), and Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan (Processed Aconite Restoring Middle Pills) as directed by a physician.

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How to manage spleen deficiency with damp-heat?

To regulate spleen deficiency with damp-heat, methods generally include consuming spleen-strengthening and dampness-resolving ingredients, engaging in moderate exercise regularly, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, selecting appropriate Chinese patent medicines that strengthen the spleen and remove dampness, and controlling food portions. Ingredients such as Chinese yam (Shanyao) and Poria (Fuling) can be chosen, as they help strengthen the spleen and boost qi while also assisting in expelling damp-heat. These ingredients can be prepared as congee or simmered in soups. Long-term moderate consumption may improve indigestion caused by spleen deficiency with damp-heat.

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What medication should be taken for spleen deficiency with damp-heat?

In general, spleen deficiency with damp-heat (Pi Xu Shi Re) is a TCM condition caused by spleen Qi deficiency and internal accumulation of damp-heat. Common symptoms include abdominal distension, loose stools, heaviness and fatigue in the limbs, poor appetite, bitter taste and stickiness in the mouth, and yellow greasy tongue coating. Patients may take medications such as Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan, Ge Gen Qin Lian Wan, Qing Re Qu Shi Ke Li, and Jian Pi Wan under the guidance of a physician. A detailed explanation is as follows: