What causes dampness in the body?

Generally, dampness accumulation in the body may be caused by long-term exposure to a damp environment, frequent consumption of greasy and sweet foods, spleen deficiency with excess dampness, damp-heat accumulation in the spleen, or cold-dampness blocking the spleen. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under a physician's guidance. The specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Long-term exposure to damp environments: Staying frequently in damp places such as basements or rooms during the rainy season makes it easier for external dampness to invade the body, leading to dampness accumulation internally. It is important to maintain a well-ventilated living environment, use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity, minimize outdoor activities during rainy weather, and promptly change damp clothes after going outside.

2. Frequent consumption of greasy and sweet foods: Regular intake of fried foods, cakes, milk tea, and other greasy and sweet foods increases the burden on the spleen and stomach, impairing the body's ability to metabolize dampness and leading to internal accumulation of dampness. Dietary adjustments are necessary, including increased consumption of dampness-resolving foods such as wax gourd, coix seed, and red beans, while reducing intake of greasy and sweet foods.

3. Spleen deficiency with excess dampness: Often caused by irregular eating habits and excessive fatigue, weakened digestive function of the spleen and stomach leads to impaired elimination of dampness, which may result in symptoms such as fatigue and sticky stools. Patients may follow medical advice to take medications such as Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Polyporus Powder), Jian Pi Wan (Spleen Strengthening Pills), or Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan (Atractylodes and Cardamom Pills) for treatment.

4. Damp-heat accumulation in the spleen: Often caused by external contraction of damp-heat or consumption of spicy and greasy foods, damp-heat obstructs the spleen and stomach, affecting dampness metabolism, and may lead to symptoms such as bitter taste in the mouth, abdominal distension, and dark yellow urine. Patients may follow medical advice to take medications such as Ge Gen Qin Lian Wan (Kudzu Root and Coptis Pills), Yin Zhi Huang Oral Liquid (Capillary Wormwood and Yellow栀Oral Solution), or Long Dan Xie Gan Wan (Dragon胆Liver-Draining Pills) for treatment.

5. Cold-dampness blocking the spleen: Often caused by excessive consumption of cold foods and prolonged exposure to cold-damp environments, cold-dampness impedes the function of the spleen and stomach, causing impaired digestion and symptoms such as cold pain in the abdomen, loose stools, and heaviness in the limbs. Patients may follow medical advice to take medications such as Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan (Processed Aconite Restoring the Middle Pill), Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan (Cardamom and Cyperus Spleen Nourishing Pill), or Wen Wei Shu Granules (Warm Stomach Granules) to alleviate symptoms.

In daily life, it is important to maintain moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or yoga, to promote blood circulation and eliminate dampness. At the same time, avoid staying up late and ensure sufficient sleep to support bodily recovery and reduce dampness accumulation.