As the saying goes, "An early start to autumn brings a chill; a late start brings sweltering heat." Summer has passed and autumn has arrived. Folklore holds that the time of the start of autumn is related to whether the weather is cool or humid. If the start of autumn is in the morning, the weather will be relatively cool; if it's in the evening, the weather will be quite humid. This sweltering heat, often described as "scorching hot," is also known as "Autumn Tiger."
According to folk sayings, the weather may cool down significantly after the start of autumn. Of course, this prediction can vary by region, so everyone should pay attention to local weather changes. Special attention should be paid to the weather during the last period of the hottest days of summer (the end of the hottest period of summer) from the start of autumn to August 22nd.
I. Dryness-induced cold is the first illness to occur after the start of autumn.
Besides the common cold symptoms such as headache, sore throat, and nasal congestion, a significant difference in wind-dryness colds is the "dryness." The throat is dry, the throat feels tight, and even the cough is a dry cough without phlegm. Dryness is a primary symptom of a cold in its early stages, and if it is not addressed by moisturizing and hydrating the body promptly, the condition will worsen.
Unfortunately, Dr. Yang Guohua, Chief Physician of the Department of Internal Medicine at Wangjing Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, also caught a cold. Upon hearing the question about wind-dryness-related colds, he quickly shared his experience: Dietary recommendations focus on nourishing yin and moisturizing dryness, eating plenty of crisp and refreshing fruits and vegetables, such as pears, lotus root, grapes, and water chestnuts. Avoid watermelon, as it is too cooling and can easily trigger diarrhea if consumed after the start of autumn.
Besides fresh fruits and vegetables, another dried fruit that's excellent for moisturizing the lungs is almonds. The Compendium of Materia Medica lists three main benefits of almonds: moisturizing the lungs, clearing indigestion, and dispersing stagnation, with moisturizing the lungs being the first. Eating about 10 grams of almonds daily can help prevent colds caused by wind-dryness to some extent. Sweet almonds are particularly effective at relieving dryness and moisturizing the lungs; they can be eaten as a snack or ground into powder with rock sugar and drunk. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that rock sugar has the effects of moisturizing the lungs, relieving coughs, clearing phlegm, and reducing internal heat.
If you find grinding almonds too troublesome, you can simply buy almond milk or almond syrup, or buy ready-made almond tea powder to make your own.
2. Supplement with vitamins after the start of autumn.
Supplementing with vitamins B1, B2, and niacin: Increased water intake and sweating in hot weather lead to the easy loss of B vitamins. Vitamin B1 is responsible for converting carbohydrates in food into glucose, which provides the energy needed for brain and nervous system function. Without it, the body lacks energy, leading to lethargy. Vitamin B2 is also responsible for converting energy; it helps proteins, carbohydrates, and fats release energy. Acid, also known as vitamin B3, works with vitamins B1 and B2 to metabolize carbohydrates. A deficiency in niacin can cause anxiety, restlessness, and irritability.
Supplementing with Vitamin C: In hot weather, the loss of water-soluble vitamins due to excessive sweating, especially Vitamin C, is rapid. The demand for Vitamin C is higher in summer and autumn than in winter. Therefore, when feeling tired in the heat, you should supplement with Vitamin C to relieve fatigue.
Third, on the day of Autumn's Arrival, one should eat mandarin fish and perch.
It's best not to eat more than 100 grams of mandarin fish at a time. People with asthma or hemoptysis should avoid it. Sea bass, on the other hand, is suitable for everyone. Women who care about their appearance can add fresh lemon when cooking sea bass; the tartness of the lemon is very appetizing, and lemons are rich in vitamin C, which can also enhance skin whitening effects.
Mandarin fish and sea bass are popular dishes, both known for their few bones, tender flesh, and easy digestibility. While both are considered excellent sources of nutrition, their effects differ.
As autumn begins, mandarin fish and perch have grown plump and robust, their bodies brimming with the richest nutrients. Mandarin fish, also known as flower carp, was praised as "water piglet" by Li Shizhen, a Ming Dynasty physician, meaning its flavor is as delicious as pufferfish; some even compare it to dragon meat from heaven, illustrating its truly exceptional taste. Therefore, mandarin fish has always been considered a top-grade fish. Besides its delicious flavor, mandarin fish also possesses many special health benefits.
Wang Yi, director of the Department of Diet Therapy and Nutrition at Guang'anmen Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, told reporters that the famous ancient Chinese medical text, *Dietary Therapy Materia Medica*, records that mandarin fish is beneficial to the spleen and stomach, and can replenish deficiencies. Therefore, mandarin fish is very suitable for people who are weak, thin, or have poor digestion, as it can enhance spleen and stomach function and replenish qi and blood. It is especially suitable for the elderly, as it can replenish deficiencies without causing digestive problems. For postpartum women, eating mandarin fish can help eliminate lochia.
Let's talk about the perch, which, along with the Yellow River carp, Yangtze River shad, and Taihu Lake silverfish, is known as one of the "Four Famous Fish." Because perch prefers to live in the confluence of fresh and saltwater, its flesh is very firm and has a tender, smooth texture. Director Wang Yi explains that perch has the effects of calming the fetus, nourishing the liver and kidneys, and strengthening the spleen and stomach. Therefore, people with chronic gastritis, spleen deficiency, or indigestion can choose perch for dietary therapy.
