After the May Day holiday, the weather gradually turns hotter, and summer arrives in the blink of an eye. Having endured so many summers, many friends are familiar with symptoms like summer fatigue, loss of appetite, dizziness, irritability, chest tightness, insomnia, and restlessness. These signs indicate the onset of summer malaise.
The primary cause of summer malaise is the intense heat—high temperatures, high humidity, and oppressive summer heat—which affects our digestive system. When the stomach and intestines are troubled, the various symptoms of summer malaise emerge. Therefore, to avoid summer malaise, it is essential to nourish the spleen and stomach.
Summer is peak season for cold beverages. After enduring scorching temperatures, many crave ice-cold drinks, chilled watermelon slices, or evening barbecues paired with ice-cold beer. Combined with constant indoor air conditioning, these habits severely damage our digestive systems.
In reality, the best beverage for summer is warm boiled water. While it may not instantly relieve the heat, it is the most effective thirst-quencher. Chilled watermelon and ice-cold beer can be enjoyed, but moderation is key—avoid replacing meals with icy watermelon or drinking beer like water.
To alleviate summer fatigue, incorporating bitter-tasting foods into your diet can be beneficial. Bitter flavors help dispel summer heat and dry dampness, aiding in the restoration of digestive function.Bitter foods include bitter melon, bamboo shoots, bitter tea, and lotus seed hearts. Additionally, incorporate heat-dispelling foods like mung beans, winter melon, chrysanthemum greens, crucian carp, water chestnuts, and shepherd's purse.
Beyond dietary adjustments, daily habits require corresponding changes. Adopting these practices can alleviate summer fatigue symptoms:
1. Establish a nap routine
Summer days are longer than nights, and the heat often disrupts nighttime sleep. A short afternoon nap helps refresh the mind and ensure adequate rest. However, be mindful not to nap for too long—ideally keep it under half an hour. Avoid napping in drafty areas or directly under air conditioning to prevent catching a chill.
2. Limit Air Conditioning and Allow Moderate Sweating
Many people declare they "owe their lives to air conditioning" in summer, turning it on at the slightest warmth and staying indoors all day. These habits are detrimental to summer health.Avoid turning on the AC too early, as this can cause symptoms like cold lower back and knees, fatigue, and headaches. Prolonged exposure to air conditioning can also trigger various AC-related illnesses. Therefore, it's important to go outside more often and allow yourself to sweat moderately, as this is beneficial for your health.
3. Opt for light, easily digestible meals
Avoid raw, cold, and spicy foods in summer. Your appetite is already affected by the heat, and constantly consuming sweet treats and sugary drinks does more harm than good. Focus on light, easily digestible meals like porridge and soups, eating smaller portions more frequently.
4. Bathe with lukewarm water
Though many crave coolness in summer heat and opt for cold showers, cold water actually increases body heat rather than lowering it. The optimal approach is bathing with water slightly below body temperature—this effectively cools you down while benefiting overall health.
5. Stay hydrated and wear breathable clothing
Summer is a season of heavy sweating. Non-breathable clothing traps heat, while inadequate hydration leads to dehydration. Opt for lightweight, breathable cotton garments that facilitate perspiration, and drink plenty of water to replenish fluids.