Middle-aged women with spleen deficiency may experience the following symptoms:

1. Fatigue and weakness: Spleen deficiency can lead to insufficient Qi and blood, causing feelings of fatigue and weakness, even with adequate rest.

2. Loss of appetite: As the spleen governs transformation and transportation, spleen deficiency may result in decreased appetite, disinterest in food, or postprandial abdominal distension and indigestion.

3. Weight changes: Spleen deficiency may lead to weight gain, especially accumulation of abdominal fat, and may also result in edema.

4. Pale or sallow complexion: Due to insufficient Qi and blood, individuals with spleen deficiency may appear pale or sallow, lacking a healthy complexion.

5. Abnormal bowel movements: Spleen deficiency may lead to loose stools, diarrhea, or constipation.

6. Tongue abnormalities: Individuals with spleen deficiency may have a swollen tongue with tooth marks on the edges and a thick, greasy coating.

7. Decreased immunity: Spleen deficiency can affect the body's resistance, making individuals more susceptible to colds and other illnesses.

8. Irregular menstruation: For women, spleen deficiency may affect menstruation, leading to reduced menstrual flow or irregular cycles.

9. Poor sleep quality: Spleen deficiency may result in decreased sleep quality, leading to insomnia or vivid dreams.

10. Emotional fluctuations: Spleen deficiency may be associated with emotional fluctuations such as irritability, anxiety, or depression.

Should individuals with spleen deficiency avoid consuming cold foods?

Yes, according to traditional Chinese medicine theory, individuals with spleen deficiency should avoid consuming cold foods. This is because the spleen dislikes dampness and thrives on dryness. When the spleen is deficient, its digestive function weakens. Intake of cold foods further damages the spleen's Qi, exacerbating spleen deficiency symptoms. Cold foods include but are not limited to:

Cold beverages: such as iced water, smoothies, and ice cream.

Raw and cold fruits and vegetables: such as watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, pears, and oranges.

Cold dishes: such as cold salads and sashimi.

Refrigerated foods: directly taken from the refrigerator at a low temperature.

Individuals with spleen deficiency should opt for warm, easily digestible foods such as cooked fruits, warm soups, and congee. Additionally, they can consume foods that support spleen health, such as Chinese yam, coix seed, and red dates. Paying attention to warm and suitable food choices can help alleviate spleen deficiency symptoms and improve spleen and stomach function.

Do individuals with spleen deficiency tend to have a heavier dampness in their body?

Indeed, individuals with spleen deficiency are prone to experiencing heavy dampness. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, the spleen is primarily responsible for transforming and transporting water and dampness in the body. When spleen function is compromised, ineffective transformation and transportation of bodily fluids can lead to internal dampness, resulting in symptoms such as heaviness in the head and body, limb soreness, sticky mouth, chest tightness, poor appetite, skin rashes, lower limb edema, difficult urination, and sticky or loose stools.

To address dampness caused by spleen deficiency, various methods can be employed, including:

Dietary adjustments: Choosing light, easily digestible, and dampness-resolving foods such as Chinese yam, poria, coix seed, and red beans.

Emotional management: Maintaining a positive emotional state and avoiding emotional fluctuations that may impact liver Qi and subsequently affect the spleen and stomach.

Regulated lifestyle: Maintaining a regular daily routine and avoiding staying up late can aid in the recovery of the spleen and stomach.

Moderate exercise: Engaging in outdoor activities in moderation can promote the generation of Yang Qi and help eliminate dampness.

Traditional Chinese medicine treatments: Using Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, and cupping therapy can help tonify the spleen and resolve dampness, thereby regulating the spleen and stomach.

Thus, individuals with spleen deficiency are indeed prone to experiencing heavy dampness. However, through adopting a balanced lifestyle and utilizing traditional Chinese medicine methods, this condition can be effectively improved.