Tiredness: Diet Guidelines for Spleen Qi Deficiency
You may have experienced this at some point: tiredness after eating, fatigue, no appetite, loose stools. All signs of qi deficiency. Logically one would think since we get our energy from food, if we eat more food we would get more qi. But that is not the case in this situation, the issue here is not properly absorbing the food we are eating. Some Western medical syndromes associated with qi deficiency are adrenal fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, etc.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the organs that harvest and produce qi are the Lung and Spleen (respiration and digestion). The Kidney and Heart also play a role in the production of qi but our focus this post will be on the Spleen and qi from food.
The Spleen is responsible for our appetite and absorption of nutrients, which differs from Western medicine where absorption of nutrients is a function of the intestines. The Spleen can become weak for various reasons and impede the absorption of nutrients and the conversion of nutrients to qi.
As you start to tonify the Spleen function, generally you want food to be warm and cooked so that the Spleen does not have to work as hard to extract the nutrients. Begin by eating simple carbohydrates like white rice or congee (rice porridge) and cooked vegetables (steamed or blanched to maintain the nutrients with caution not to overcook). Other habits to incorporate as you build up strengthen in the Spleen include eating smaller meals more often and at regular times and avoid working while eating.
As your body gets stronger, you want to consume complex carbohydrates (sweet potatoes, legumes, whole wheat, etc.) which will keep your qi/energy levels at a sustained level. A sustained energy level is equivalent to a steady blood sugar in Western terms. Vegetables can be eaten raw but it is still best to eat them blanched or steamed. It is prudent to avoid eating while stressed, in a rush or distracted as this can weaken the Spleen once again.
Reference:
Maclean, Will, and Jane Lyttleton. Clinical Handbook of Internal Medicine Volume 2: The Treatment of Disease with Traditional Chinese Medicine. Pangolin Press, 2002.
