How to treat excessive dampness in the body

Jul 14, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have noticed that my tongue coating is thick, my body is prone to swelling, and I generally feel that my body has excessive dampness. I would like to ask, what is the best way to treat excessive dampness in the body?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
In traditional Chinese medicine, dampness is believed to be caused by improper diet, unhealthy lifestyle habits, or constitutional factors. The following are some methods to improve dampness in the body: 1. Dietary Regulation: Avoid greasy foods, sweets, cold beverages, and raw or cold foods, as these can easily promote dampness. Eat more foods that strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness, such as red beans, coix seed, Chinese yam, winter melon, and bitter melon. Drinking coix seed tea or preparing a soup with red beans and coix seed is also a good choice. 2. Regular Lifestyle: Maintain good daily routines, go to bed early and wake up early, avoid excessive fatigue, help regulate body functions, and reduce the accumulation of dampness. 3. Moderate Exercise: Appropriate physical activities such as walking, yoga, swimming, or tai chi can promote blood circulation, aid in sweat excretion, and thereby reduce dampness. 4. Herbal Regulation: If symptoms are severe, seek help from a TCM practitioner who may prescribe herbal formulas that strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness. Note that if symptoms persist or affect quality of life, timely medical attention should be sought.