Late Summer Health: 3 Things to Eat, 3 Things to Do, 3 Things to Avoid, Welcoming a Healthy Autumn and Winter
Late Summer Health: 3 Things to Eat, 3 Things to Do, 3 Things to Avoid, Welcoming a Healthy Autumn and WinterThe autumn breeze is refreshing, and the summer heat is gradually fading. In a blink of an eye, we have entered the late summer season, the final stage of the three hottest summer months
Late Summer Health: 3 Things to Eat, 3 Things to Do, 3 Things to Avoid, Welcoming a Healthy Autumn and Winter
The autumn breeze is refreshing, and the summer heat is gradually fading. In a blink of an eye, we have entered the late summer season, the final stage of the three hottest summer months. Although the hottest days are coming to an end, the late summer season remains a crucial moment for health preservation. It serves as a transition between summer and autumn, a crucial juncture where proper body adjustment can directly influence health during the autumn and winter months. As the ancient saying goes, "If you don't nourish your body in autumn, you will surely get sick in winter." Late summer health is vital for a healthy autumn and winter.
So how can we seize this precious opportunity for health preservation in late summer and prepare for the coming autumn and winter? The ancients summarized the wisdom of health preservation with "3 things to eat, 3 things to do, and 3 things to avoid," a valuable legacy amassed over centuries that embodies profound life philosophies.
I. 3 Things to Eat: Nourishing Body and Mind, Welcoming Autumn's Cleansing
Dietary adjustment is particularly important during late summer. As the ancients said, "Food therapy is better than medicine." Choosing food wisely not only provides the body with essential nutrients but also enhances physical fitness, bolstering resistance to the approaching cold season.
1. Duck Meat: Nourishing Yin and Stomach, a Late Summer Delicacy
"Duck meat nourishes yin, and eating it in late summer can nourish the stomach and produce saliva." Duck meat is cool in nature, sweet and salty in taste, and enters the spleen, stomach, lung, and kidney meridians. It possesses the effects of nourishing yin, nourishing the stomach, promoting urination, and reducing swelling. In the scorching late summer, moderate consumption of duck meat can replenish nutrients and relieve discomfort caused by the hot weather.
I still remember vividly how my grandmother would always cook a pot of old duck soup during late summer. The rich aroma still lingers in my memory. She used to say, "A bowl of this soup will keep you healthy in autumn and winter." Although I didn't understand the reasoning then, after drinking the soup, I always felt lighter and more energetic.
Modern scientific research has also confirmed that duck meat is rich in protein, B vitamins, and vitamin E, which are crucial for strengthening the immune system and resisting the cold weather in autumn and winter. Therefore, during late summer, don't hesitate to enjoy some duck meat, building up your body's energy reserves to face the challenges of autumn and winter.
2. Lotus Root: Clearing Heat and Moistening Dryness, a Late Summer Treasure
"Emerging from the mud without being stained, washing in the clear stream without being touched by the fragrance," is not only a praise for the noble character of lotus root but also a recognition of its ability to clear heat and moisten dryness, nourish the heart, and calm the mind. Lotus root is cool in nature, sweet in taste, and enters the heart, spleen, and stomach meridians. It possesses the effects of clearing heat and producing saliva, cooling blood and dispersing stasis, invigorating the spleen, and stimulating appetite. In late summer, as the weather transitions from hot to cool, moderate consumption of lotus root can help the body adapt to temperature changes and reduce discomfort associated with seasonal shifts.
There's a folk saying, "Everything about the lotus is a treasure, and autumn lotus is the most nourishing." During late summer, stewing or stir-frying lotus root is a perfect choice. Its crisp texture not only delights the taste buds but also nourishes the body.
Modern nutritional studies have found that lotus root is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which are beneficial for promoting intestinal peristalsis and enhancing the immune system. So, during late summer, consider incorporating more lotus root into your diet, promoting a healthier body and welcoming the arrival of autumn.
3. Mung Beans: Detoxifying and Clearing Heat, a Late Summer Gem
Mung beans, a traditional health food in late summer, have long been recognized by the ancients for their ability to detoxify, clear heat, relieve summer heat, and quench thirst. The "Compendium of Materia Medica" records, "Mung beans, although their effectiveness in reducing swelling and treating acne is similar to red beans, they surpass them in their power to relieve heat and detoxify." This highlights the significance of mung beans during late summer.
Mung beans are cold in nature, sweet in taste, and enter the heart and stomach meridians. They possess the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, relieving summer heat, and promoting urination. In late summer, when the weather remains hot, moderate consumption of mung beans can help the body eliminate damp heat and lessen discomfort caused by the sweltering weather.
I remember one late summer when I caught a cold due to excessive cooling. My mother made me a bowl of mung bean soup, which not only brought me a sense of comfort but also alleviated my cold symptoms. She chuckled, "Mung beans are the treasure of late summer, capable of counteracting all kinds of toxins!"
Modern scientific research has confirmed that mung beans are rich in protein, dietary fiber, and various vitamins, which are beneficial for enhancing the immune system and promoting metabolism. Therefore, during late summer, consider enjoying more mung beans or mung bean products like mung bean cakes and mung bean porridge, helping the body detoxify and cool down, welcoming the arrival of autumn.
II. 3 Things to Do: Adjusting Body and Mind, Welcoming Autumn's Challenges
Beyond dietary adjustments, there are several essential things to do during late summer, which can help us better adapt to seasonal changes and lay a solid foundation for autumn and winter.
1. Moderate Exercise: Strengthening Body and Mind, Welcoming Autumn and Winter
While the weather remains warm in late summer, moderate exercise is indispensable. As the ancients said, "Running water does not rot, and the hinges of a door do not wear out." This signifies that only by maintaining bodily vitality can we resist external attacks.
During late summer, opt for light forms of exercise like walking, jogging, or yoga. These activities can promote blood circulation and enhance the immune system, preparing us for the cold weather of autumn and winter.
I remember one late summer when I went hiking with some friends. Despite the heat, the mountain scenery lifted our spirits. After the climb, I felt lighter and more energetic, even my breathing felt smoother.
Modern scientific research also confirms that moderate exercise strengthens the immune system and improves cardiovascular function. So, during late summer, consider incorporating more exercise into your routine, cultivating a healthier body to face the challenges of autumn and winter.
2. Maintaining a Regular Sleep Schedule: Conserving Energy, Worry-Free Autumn and Winter
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is crucial during late summer. The ancients said, "Work from sunrise to sunset, and rest from sunset to sunrise." This suggests that aligning ourselves with nature's rhythms is essential for maintaining health.
During late summer, strive for sufficient sleep and avoid staying up late or overworking. Be mindful of regular meal times and avoid overeating or excessive alcohol consumption.
I have a personal lesson to share. One late summer, due to a busy workload, I pulled several all-nighters. As a result, my body became weak in autumn and winter, and I frequently caught colds. Since then, I have paid special attention to maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and my health has significantly improved.
Modern scientific research has also discovered that regular sleep habits are vital for strengthening the immune system and improving overall physical fitness. Therefore, during late summer, consider adjusting your sleep schedule to allow the body enough rest and recovery, preparing for the arrival of autumn and winter.
3. Keeping a Positive Mood: Contentment Brings Well-being, Healthy Autumn and Winter
Maintaining a cheerful mood is also essential during late summer. As the ancients said, "A smile can take away ten years of age." This suggests that a happy heart is fundamental to good health.
During late summer, try engaging in activities that relax the mind, such as listening to music, reading books, or drawing. These activities can alleviate work stress and create a more joyful and relaxed state of mind.
I have a little trick myself. Whenever I feel anxious or stressed from work, I find a quiet spot and listen to some soothing music. This not only calms my mind but also helps me focus better on my work.
Modern scientific research has also found that positive emotions can significantly enhance the immune system and improve overall physical fitness. Therefore, during late summer, consider doing more things that bring you joy, allowing the body and mind to fully relax and recover, welcoming the arrival of autumn and winter.
III. 3 Things to Avoid: Preventing Harm, Safeguarding Autumn and Winter
In addition to the things we should do to nourish our bodies and mind in late summer, there are several things we need to avoid. These things can potentially harm our health and affect our well-being during autumn and winter.
1. Avoid Overcooling: Prevent Cold Invasion, Easy Illness in Autumn and Winter
While the weather remains warm in late summer, overcooling is a strict no-no. The ancients said, "Dampness in autumn will lead to cough in winter." This suggests that overcooling during late summer can cause illness in autumn and winter. Therefore, during late summer, we should avoid excessive cooling. For instance, minimize extended periods in air-conditioned environments
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