Preventing Weight Gain: Smart Pairing with Whole Grains
As autumn approaches, the air becomes drier, and the reduction in perspiration coupled with longer sleep durations can lead to fat accumulation in the body, making weight gain a concern for many, particularly men. This increase in body fat is not only unsightly but also poses significant health risks such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis—conditions that can be particularly dangerous for those already struggling with obesity.
To maintain a healthy weight, it's essential to focus on a balanced lifestyle that includes a proper sleep routine and an increased intake of fruits and vegetables for better digestion. Men should consider opting for low-calorie whole grains like corn, sweet potatoes, potatoes, barley, and various beans when planning their meals.
In addition to whole grains, integrating seafood and high-protein foods such as sea cucumbers can be beneficial. Regularly practicing hot sitz baths, taking vitamin supplements, and engaging in physical exercise can significantly boost the immune system and enhance disease resistance. However, it’s crucial to avoid using hot water above 40℃ for sitz baths to prevent possible damage to sperm.
Combating Aging: Hydration and Urination
As temperatures drop in autumn, the body's energy naturally shifts towards storing internal warmth, which calls for a focus on "nurturing and conserving" during this season. This philosophy extends to sexual health, emphasizing the importance of "resting the mind and nurturing the spirit." Recent clinical data from hospitals like Renji Hospital and the First People's Hospital reveal a concerning trend: the rise in patients experiencing sexual dysfunction alongside prostate issues.
Professor Bai Ying-tang highlights that lack of personal hygiene and unhealthy lifestyles often lead to urinary tract infections, which in turn can exacerbate conditions affecting the prostate. The fibrous capsule surrounding the prostate makes it difficult for medications to penetrate effectively, complicating treatment for prostatitis. He advises that with the drier autumn climate leading to decreased urination, maintaining hydration becomes essential to clear the urinary tract, thereby preventing potential illnesses. Individuals should drink plenty of water and urinate frequently, and if symptoms such as urgency, pain, or difficulty arise, they should seek medical advice promptly.
Combating Dryness: Morning Salt Water and Evening Honey
As the air becomes increasingly dry in autumn, traditional Chinese medicine warns of "autumn dryness harming the lungs," which can increase the incidence of respiratory ailments like rhinitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, asthma, and bronchiectasis. It is widely recognized that during autumn and winter, while the body should preserve yin, neglecting this aspect can lead to excess heat within—often referred to as "fire" by the general populace.
To effectively combat autumn dryness, Director Xia Zhong-jian from the rectal and anal surgery department suggests a simple yet effective routine: drinking salt water in the morning and honey water at night. Consuming a glass of salt water on an empty stomach can help retain moisture in the body, as plain water tends to be lost quickly. A pinch of salt mixed into water minimizes water loss. Additionally, honey boasts numerous health benefits, such as heat-clearing, detoxifying, and moisturizing properties, making it particularly effective in preventing and alleviating conditions like lung diseases, hypertension, hemorrhoids, atherosclerosis, and neurasthenia.