Does eating too many tomatoes cause excessive dampness in the body?

Aug 08, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, whether eating too many tomatoes can lead to excessive dampness depends on individual circumstances. Eating tomatoes in moderation usually does not cause excessive dampness, but for individuals with weak spleen and stomach function, excessive consumption may worsen internal dampness. In daily diet, tomato intake should be controlled, and those with poor spleen and stomach function may choose to eat cooked tomatoes to reduce the cold stimulation to the digestive system.

Generally speaking, whether eating too many tomatoes can lead to excessive dampness depends on individual circumstances. Eating tomatoes in moderation usually does not cause excessive dampness, but if the spleen and stomach are weak, excessive consumption might worsen internal dampness. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the spleen and stomach functions are normal, moderate tomato consumption will not cause an accumulation of dampness. Tomatoes are slightly cold in nature and rich in vitamins, moisture, and dietary fiber, which can provide nutrition to the body and promote intestinal motility. Normal consumption does not burden the spleen and stomach or lead to dampness accumulation.

When the spleen and stomach are weak, excessive tomato consumption might exacerbate dampness. Individuals with weak spleen and stomach have reduced digestive function, and the cool nature of tomatoes may impair the spleen and stomach's yang energy, affecting their function of transforming and transporting dampness, thus making it difficult for dampness to be expelled from the body. This may lead to discomforts such as bloating and loose stools.

During daily consumption of tomatoes, one should control the quantity. Those with poor spleen and stomach function can choose to eat cooked tomatoes to reduce the cooling effect on the spleen and stomach. At the same time, combining tomatoes with spleen-strengthening foods such as yam and pumpkin, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in appropriate exercise can help maintain spleen and stomach function and prevent excessive dampness accumulation.