Five tips to boost spleen function

THE SPLEEN is a fragile organ that plays an important role in maintaining internal energy, good digestion and a stable body weight. It is an essential resource that should be nourished with warming foods.

Avoid cold foods Foods that are too raw or too cold – excessive quantities of raw vegetables or food straight from the refrigerator – should be avoided.

In particular, green salad and raw vegetables with a high water content can facilitate swelling and the accumulation of cellulite.

Avoid sugar and fat Excessive sugar, which overworks the pancreas, is not good for the spleen. It is important to avoid foods that are ‘damp’ such as alcohol, fat, fast sugars and excessive quantities of dairy products.

Avoid erratic eating patterns The spleen is sensitive to erratic eating habits and can be weakened by skipping breakfast, copious or late dinners, and snacking.

Eat more whole grains and pulses Moderate quantities of cereals and pulses sustain good spleen function.

Rice, wheat, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, lentils, dried beans, chickpeas and peas of all kinds should be eaten every day. They can be accompanied by generous portions of vegetables, and sensible portions of meat or fish.

With regard to vegetables, give priority to earthy, sweet, seasonal, yellow- and orangecoloured roots and vegetables ( above) like carrots, parsnips, squash, potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Remember to unwind If the spleen fails to respond to a good diet, it may be overburdened by stress, insufficient exercise, excessive worry, illness, or a climate or environment that is too damp.

The main symptoms of poor spleen function include indigestion, cold limbs, fatigue, loose stools, and edema. – AFP-Relaxnews