Dampness is one form spleen deficiency syndrome takes. Therefore, the strategies that combat spleen deficiency are the primary tool for combating dampness as well. However, there are some differences between the two.
While highly rich foods such as avocado, and certain meats are very important for classic Spleen Qi deficiency conditions, the quantities of these foods should be restrained for people who suffer from dampness due to their undesired “stickiness”. The following list is of foods that have the known capability to expel dampness.
Particularly Recommended
Jobs Tears
Pearl Barley – contains gluten, so if gluten is not advised for you, it should be avoided
Fenugreek
Watermelon Seeds
Cardamom
Citrus peel infusion or zest
Cinnamon
Clove
Ginger
All types of mushrooms, particularly black mushrooms
Papaya
Recommended:
If you eat bread, it should be rye bread
Basil
Dill
Parsley
Scallion
Leek
Rice
Turnip
Kohlrabi
Bamboo shoots
Alfalfa
Lettuce
Celery
Amarant
Adzuki bean
Seaweed
Green tea
Olives (a few, not too many!)
Foods to Avoid
White sugar and products rich in sugar
All foods with high glycaemic index
Fried or Greasy Food
M.S.G
Fresh milk, and particularly impure milk. Milk needs to be organic and grass fed.
Fatty cheese
Industrialized food
Fatty meat cuts
Tropical fruits, especially the very sweet ones like mango.
Lifestyle
Eat slowly. Be mindful as you eat
Make sure you have some movement within the two hours after your meal -walking will do
Chew your food thoroughly
Avoid big meals at all cost
Do not eat 2 hours before you go to bed. No night visits to the fridge!!!
Avoid skipping breakfast
Do not eat foods you do not like