Seven Taboos for Adjusting Health at Start of Autumn
Common saying: "No illness in summer, but three parts weak." With 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 random—seven taboos must be observed:
First taboo: No illness, yet supplementing anyway. Overuse of fish liver oil may cause poisoning; long-term use of glucose leads to obesity, increased blood cholesterol, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Second taboo: Confusing real and false deficiencies. Although health preservation isn't as strict as treatment, dietary choices should still distinguish between those who are cold-prone and those who are heat-prone. Cold-prone individuals feel cold, prefer warmth, have cold hands and feet, pale tongue, excessive saliva, loose stools, clear urine, pale tongue, and deep, fine pulse. Heat-prone individuals have hot palms and soles, dry mouth, bitter taste, bad breath, hard stools, short red urine, red tongue, and rapid pulse. Misjudging cold or heat and using inappropriate tonics may worsen the condition.
Third taboo: More is better. Excessive intake of any tonic can harm health. Overconsumption of ginseng and deer antler products may cause bloating 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-based foods are excellent tonics, but they are hard to digest. Long-term or excessive consumption burdens the digestive system, especially in elderly people with weakened digestion. A light diet is not lack of nourishment—vegetables are equally important.
Fifth taboo: Replacing food with medicine. 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 roots are also excellent tonics.
Sixth taboo: Emphasizing intake over elimination. While focusing on supplementation, one must also pay attention to waste elimination, reducing retention and absorption of intestinal toxins. Advocating timely and smooth bowel movements alongside supplementation.
Seventh taboo: Constantly taking the same supplement. Some people prefer one specific tonic based on personal taste, which is detrimental to health. Adjustments must be made according to circumstances—never stick to one supplement indefinitely.