By love-89.com Dr. Jing Cheng, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, advises caution when it comes to consuming certain fruits during the fall and winter months. She points out that fruits like dragon fruit and watermelon tend to be more cooling in nature, and it’s important to monitor their intake to prevent potential health issues, particularly for individuals with weak digestive systems or those prone to diarrhea.
Recently, a woman named Lin experienced persistent diarrhea after consuming an excessive amount of dragon fruit. A diagnosis by Dr. Cheng revealed that the cooling properties of the dragon fruit were the cause of her discomfort. She emphasizes that in addition to dragon fruit, other common cooling fruits such as kiwi, pears, coconuts, and strawberries should also be approached with caution, especially for those with a deficiency in their spleen and stomach.
Dr. Cheng highlights that while these fruits are nutritious, overindulgence can lead to digestive problems, including diarrhea. Specifically, she notes that dragon fruit and watermelon are particularly strong cooling fruits, and their consumption should be carefully limited during the colder months. She recommends that even individuals with normal digestive functions should avoid eating large quantities at once, suggesting that half a fruit is a more suitable portion.
For those who are prone to digestive issues or have a weak spleen and stomach, Dr. Cheng advises opting for warmer or neutral fruits. Examples of warmer fruits include longan, peaches, mangoes, lychees, jujubes, and cherries, while neutral options include apples, papayas, blueberries, lemons, and grapes. She also cautions against consuming chilled fruits, as this can exacerbate their cooling effects and lead to adverse health outcomes.
As we transition into autumn and winter, the dry weather can lead to symptoms of dryness, such as dry skin and parched mouths. Dr. Cheng suggests incorporating foods that have moisturizing properties, such as pears, sugarcane, white fungus, and lotus root. She particularly recommends autumn lotus root for its excellent nourishing effects that help soothe the lungs and alleviate dryness. In line with traditional Chinese medicine’s principle of “adapting to the seasons,” Dr. Cheng emphasizes the importance of adjusting one’s diet according to seasonal changes. During the dry autumn months, she advises focusing on nourishing yin, promoting blood health, and moistening the lungs, while limiting spicy foods to prevent excessive dispersal of lung qi. Instead, she suggests incorporating sour foods such as spinach, apples, olives, and pomegranates, which can help regulate lung energy and benefit overall health.