Seven Taboos in Autumn Adjustment upon Start of Autumn
The saying goes: "No illness throughout summer, but three parts of weakness." With the arrival of Start of Autumn, although mornings and evenings are cool, the "Autumn Tiger" still roams fiercely, making people prone to fatigue and lethargy. According to the TCM principle of "nourishing yang in spring and summer, nourishing yin in autumn and winter," autumn supplementation is essential. However, supplementation must not be arbitrary—seven taboos must be observed:
First taboo: No illness, yet supplementing anyway. Overuse of fish liver oil can cause poisoning; long-term glucose intake leads to obesity, increased blood cholesterol, and heightened risk of cardiovascular disease.
Second taboo: Confusing deficiency and excess. Although health preservation isn’t as strict as treatment, dietary choices should still distinguish between cold and heat types. Those with cold constitution feel cold, prefer warmth, have cold limbs, pale tongue, excessive saliva, loose stools, clear urine, pale tongue, and deep fine pulse. Those with heat constitution have hot palms and soles, dry mouth, bitter taste, bad breath, constipation, short red urine, red tongue, and rapid pulse. Misjudging cold and heat and using inappropriate medicinal diets risks "adding fuel to the fire."
Third taboo: More is better. Excessive intake of any supplement is harmful. Overconsumption of ginseng and deer antler products can cause abdominal distension and loss of appetite; excessive vitamin C intake may lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Fourth taboo: Believing all supplements must be meat-based. Animal foods are excellent supplements, but they are hard to digest. Long-term or excessive intake burdens the digestive system, especially in elderly people with weakened digestion. A light diet is not lack of nourishment—vegetables are equally vital.
Fifth taboo: Substituting medicine for food. Medicinal supplementation is inferior to dietary supplementation. Relying solely on drugs while ignoring food is unscientific. Common foods like walnuts, peanuts, red dates, broad beans, and lotus root are also excellent supplements.
Sixth taboo: Emphasizing intake over elimination. While focusing on supplementation, one must also prioritize the expulsion of bodily waste, reducing retention and absorption of "intestinal toxins." Advocating timely and smooth bowel movements alongside supplementation.
Seventh taboo: Constantly taking the same supplement. Some people favor one particular supplement and stick to it indefinitely—this is detrimental to health. Adjustments should be made based on circumstances; don’t follow one supplement endlessly.