What are the manifestations and symptoms of spleen and stomach deficiency?

Sep 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, when the spleen and stomach are weak, the body may experience abnormalities in digestion, energy levels, complexion, bowel movements, and food tolerance. The main manifestations include weakened digestive function, easy fatigue, sallow complexion, abnormal bowel movements, and poor tolerance to raw, cold, or greasy foods. To manage spleen and stomach weakness in daily life, it is important to maintain regular eating habits and choose warm, easily digestible foods.

Generally, when the spleen and stomach are weak, the body may exhibit abnormalities in aspects such as digestive function, energy levels, complexion, bowel movements, and dietary tolerance. The main manifestations mainly include weakened digestion, easy fatigue and weakness, sallow complexion, abnormal bowel movements, and poor tolerance to raw, cold, or greasy foods. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Weakened digestive function: Spleen and stomach weakness can lead to reduced ability to digest and absorb food. After eating, individuals often experience symptoms such as abdominal distension, belching, and loss of appetite. Some people may also feel that food stays in the stomach for too long, causing a sensation of fullness and indigestion.

2. Easy fatigue and physical weakness: The spleen and stomach are responsible for transforming food into qi and blood, providing energy for the body. When the spleen and stomach are weak, insufficient qi and blood are produced, leaving the body inadequately nourished and prone to fatigue and weakness. For example, individuals may feel physically drained and mentally sluggish after routine activities.

3. Sallow complexion: Adequate qi and blood are directly reflected in the complexion. Spleen and stomach weakness leads to reduced production of qi and blood, causing the face to lose its rosy luster and appear sallow or pale. The skin may also become rough and lose its elasticity.

4. Abnormal bowel movements: Weakness of the spleen and stomach can impair the intestines' transformation and transportation functions. Common symptoms include loose, unformed stools or increased frequency of bowel movements, with undigested food particles possibly present in the stool. Some individuals may experience difficulty with bowel movements and dry, hard stools due to weakened transformation and transportation by the spleen and stomach.

5. Poor tolerance to raw, cold, or greasy foods: Individuals with weak spleen and stomach often have insufficient yang energy in these organs, resulting in very low tolerance for raw, cold, or greasy foods. Consuming such foods can easily cause discomfort like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea, as they further burden the spleen and stomach and damage their yang energy.

In daily life, to improve spleen and stomach weakness, it is important to maintain regular eating habits, choose warm, easily digestible foods, and avoid overeating or excessive dieting. Additionally, engaging in gentle exercises like walking or tai chi can help stimulate spleen and stomach activity and improve digestive function.

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