The phlegm-damp constitution refers to a condition where the body’s organ functions are disordered, leading to the disruption of the movement of qi, blood, and body fluids, resulting in the accumulation of dampness and phlegm. This condition is often characterized by obesity, fullness in the abdomen, chest tightness, excessive phlegm, and a tendency to feel drowsy. So, how is the phlegm-damp constitution formed? How can it be adjusted?
How the Phlegm-Damp Constitution is Formed
1. Prolonged Sitting. Maintaining a seated position for extended periods, especially with a hunched back, can compress the lungs, leading to shallow breathing. If the air is polluted, such as exposure to secondhand smoke, this can result in insufficient oxygen in the body, slowing down metabolism and causing phlegm-damp accumulation.
2. Heavy Flavors in Diet. A preference for salty, sweet, and greasy foods can increase internal dampness and harm the spleen and kidneys, contributing to the phlegm-damp constitution.
3. Irregular Eating Habits. Irregular eating patterns, late-night snacking, excessive drinking, and overeating can damage the spleen and stomach, leading to the internal generation of dampness and phlegm.
4. Emotional Distress. Individuals who frequently feel angry or depressed may injure the liver, which in turn harms the spleen, resulting in phlegm-damp accumulation.
5. Invasion of Cold Dampness. Prolonged exposure to a humid climate or getting wet can allow dampness to invade the body, affecting the spleen and stomach, leading to the formation of phlegm-damp constitution.
6. Aging and Chronic Illness. The spleen and stomach of elderly individuals are generally weaker than those of younger people, making them more susceptible to phlegm-damp constitution.
7. Lack of Exercise. A sedentary lifestyle can hinder the smooth flow of qi and blood, reducing the spleen and stomach’s ability to transform and transport dampness, leading to phlegm-damp constitution.
Symptoms of Phlegm-Damp Constitution
1. Body Shape and Complexion: Individuals with phlegm-damp constitution often have a corpulent body shape, with a soft and full abdomen, and swollen limbs that leave indentations when pressed. They generally have a mild temperament, an oily and dull complexion, and may experience frequent drowsiness.
2. Tongue Appearance: The tongue of a person with phlegm-damp constitution is typically enlarged with a slippery and greasy coating, and may show teeth marks along the edges.
3. Lips and Extremities: Lips may appear pale, and individuals may sweat excessively without a desire to drink water. After sweating, their skin may feel cool, and they may experience numbness and joint pain, with many elderly individuals over 60 suffering from hearing loss.
4. Sensation and Sleep: They often prefer to curl up while sleeping, frequently feeling cold in the hands and feet, chest tightness, and excessive phlegm, leading to drowsiness.
5. Pulse Condition: The pulse is often slippery and soft.
6. Preferences: They tend to dislike exercise, prefer sleeping, enjoy rich and sweet foods, and find summer pleasant while struggling in winter.
7. Bowel Movements: Stools are often loose and frequent, with urgent bowel movements in the morning and up to three or four urinations at night, with clear and copious urine.
How to Adjust Phlegm-Damp Constitution
1. Enhance bodily functions through reasonable and effective exercise;
2. Avoid prolonged stays in overly humid environments, especially during rainy seasons, and take precautions to avoid dampness. Regularly check blood sugar, blood lipids, and blood pressure;
3. Individuals with excessive sleepiness should consciously control their sleep duration, gradually reducing it, and participate in outdoor activities to increase sunlight exposure;
4. Take hot baths to induce sweating; wear loose clothing made of moisture-absorbing fabrics to facilitate sweat evaporation and eliminate some internal dampness;
5. Pay attention to warmth. Low temperatures hinder the expulsion of internal dampness, making phlegm-damp symptoms more pronounced in cold weather;
6. Those with phlegm-damp constitution should also pay attention to their diet, opting for mild foods with lighter flavors, avoiding overeating and eating too quickly. Consume fresh vegetables and fruits, avoiding cold, sour, and astringent foods; include foods that strengthen the spleen and stomach and help transform phlegm and dampness; avoid overeating.
What to Eat for Weight Loss with Phlegm-Damp Constitution
1. Kelp: Salty and cold in nature, it enters the liver, stomach, and kidney meridians, helping to soften and dissipate masses, resolve phlegm, and promote diuresis, which can aid in weight loss. Some studies have shown that consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms of kelp per month can achieve ideal weight loss results for obese individuals.
2. Seaweed: Bitter, salty, and cold in nature, it enters the liver, stomach, and kidney meridians, particularly effective in resolving phlegm and softening masses, and acts as an appetite suppressant, alleviating insomnia caused by obesity.
3. Adzuki Beans: Sweet and sour, neutral in nature, they enter the spleen, heart, and small intestine meridians, providing good diuretic and detoxifying effects. Using adzuki beans for weight loss is particularly effective for obesity accompanied by edema.
4. Tea: One of the world’s three major beverages, it has effects of clearing the head, quenching thirst, resolving phlegm, aiding digestion, and promoting diuresis. In China, Pu-erh tea and Oolong tea are considered the most effective for weight loss, often referred to as weight loss tea.
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