Why does one experience excessive internal heat (fire)?

Causes of excessive internal heat (Shanghuo): 1. Improper diet: Long-term excessive consumption of fried, smoked, spicy, or greasy irritating foods may lead to excessive internal heat and trigger symptoms of Shanghuo. For example, frequent consumption of chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and similar foods may cause excessive internal heat and result in symptoms such as sore throat and swollen tonsils. 2. Emotional factors: Prolonged anxiety, depression, or high stress levels may also lead to excessive internal heat. For instance, excessive irritability or emotional agitation may cause excessive heart fire or liver fire. 3. Irregular lifestyle: Poor lifestyle habits such as frequent late nights and insomnia with excessive dreaming may damage the body's yin fluids, leading to imbalance between yin and yang and subsequently triggering symptoms of excessive internal heat. 4. Underlying diseases: Certain diseases, such as gastric ulcers and enteritis, may affect digestion and contribute to the occurrence of symptoms associated with excessive internal heat. Patients with concerns are advised to seek timely medical consultation.