Dietary Therapy Plans for Elderly Diseases in Winter
Winter is a crucial time for the elderly to engage in dietary supplementation and therapy to prevent disease onset.
For elderly individuals with bronchial asthma, supplementation should begin before winter. Chew 1 to 2 walnuts and 1 to 2 slices of ginger slowly each time. This helps moisten the lungs, relieve asthma, stop coughing, and prevent recurrence of bronchial asthma.
Reports indicate that long-term consumption of boiled radish and eggs can effectively prevent and treat bronchial asthma. Preparation: Purchase 1500 grams of red radish around the Winter Solstice, trim ends, wash thoroughly, cut into 3 mm thick slices using a clean, oil-free knife, string them, and dry for storage. Each time, use 3 dried radish slices, 1 egg, and a small handful of mung beans. Boil together in a pot with water for 30 minutes until beans are soft. Consume by peeling the eggshell and eating the egg, radish, beans, and soup together. Take once daily for 30 consecutive days.
Elderly individuals with hyperlipidemia may frequently consume black sesame and mulberry paste. Preparation: Use 60 grams of black sesame, 60 grams of mulberries, 10 grams of sugar, and 30 grams of rice. Wash each ingredient separately, grind them into powder using a mortar. Place 3 bowls of clean water in a clay pot, bring to boil, add sugar, wait for it to dissolve and re-boil, then gradually add the powdered mixture, stirring until it forms a thick paste. Consume as a food.
For elderly individuals with coronary heart disease, use 10 grams each of white and black fungus. Soak in warm water, wash, add water and a small amount of rock sugar, steam for 1 hour, then consume. For those with hypertension, use 6 grams of black fungus, 50 grams of persimmon cake, and an appropriate amount of rock sugar, boil until soft and consume to lower blood pressure.
"Winter Epidemic" (Dongwen) is a common condition among the elderly in winter. In TCM, "Dongwen" refers to symptoms similar to colds, such as wind-cold cough, fever, and headache. To prevent Dongwen, besides maintaining regular diet and lifestyle, elderly individuals should frequently consume radish. Radish has functions of eliminating food stagnation, transforming phlegm, detoxifying, and promoting qi descent. If internal dryness from Dongwen causes mouth sores or ulcers, slice radish and co-boil with fresh pear slices, add rock sugar, and consume. Regular intake clears internal heat and nourishes yin to heal sores. For wind-cold cough, use one radish, drill a hole in it, fill with honey, roast over fire until warm, and consume daily. For hoarseness due to cough, crush fresh radish, mix with a little ginger juice, and consume.