In the autumn and winter, the wards in my usual clinic are crowded with patients who are unwell due to blind supplementation. With the arrival of the cool breeze, tonic has become an important topic for many families. From chicken broth to deer antler velvet, there are a wide variety of "wellness" products on the market, each of which claims to strengthen the body and resist the cold. However, not everyone is suitable for this type of supplement, and blindly following the trend is often counterproductive and even harmful to health. Let me share a true story of a case I encountered last winter. Mr. Li, 50 years old, has always thought that "more supplements are better", and began to consume a large number of supplements every autumn and winter, especially mutton and ginseng soup, hoping to improve his immunity and resistance. Last year, he started his tonic program as usual, but a few weeks later, Mr. Li began to experience dizziness, insomnia, and elevated blood pressure. He came to my clinic and as soon as I learned about his eating habits, I immediately told him to stop all supplements and adjust his diet. After a period of observation and adjustment, Mr. Li's symptoms gradually eased, and he felt more relaxed and healthy than ever.
The general concept of tonic and the analysis of scientific perspective
In autumn and winter, the cold weather makes many people choose "tonic" to strengthen their physique and resistance. Tradition holds that by consuming certain foods and herbs at this time, people can "replenish qi and blood" and "enhance yang energy". Common tonic ingredients include ginseng, deer antler velvet, Siwu soup, etc., which are all popular supplements. However, from a scientific point of view, tonic is not a one-size-fits-all thing. Modern medical research supports that everyone's physical condition and needs are different, and therefore, the selection and use of supplements needs to be more personalized and prudent. Scientific studies have shown that excessive or inappropriate supplementation may lead to increased burden on the body, for example, high-protein or high-fat supplements may increase the burden on the kidneys and digestive system. First of all, we need to understand the attributes of different supplements and the people who are suitable for them. For example, although ginseng has a good qi-replenishing effect, it may cause problems such as irritation and increased blood pressure for people who are already hot.
Similarly, some yin-nourishing herbs, such as goji berries, are good for improving eye fatigue, but excessive consumption may lead to an increase in the burden on the liver. In addition, the timing and method of tonic are also very critical. For example, in winter, it is important to take into account the cold climate and the decrease in the amount of activity of the individual, and choose foods that provide enough energy without causing excess calories in the body. Proper tonic should be closely linked to the season, climate and health of the individual. The concept of scientific tonic emphasizes balance and moderation. A reasonable meal plan should include a variety of nutrients and not rely solely on certain so-called "supplements". Healthy eating habits, such as eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, ensuring adequate protein and moderate intake of fats and carbohydrates, are the best ways to supplement. In addition, maintaining a moderate amount of physical activity is also an important means to maintain good health and improve immunity.
A guide to proper tonics
In autumn and winter, the body's metabolic rate changes, and the resistance may decrease. At this time, many people choose to take tonics to enhance their physique and immunity. However, the right way to take supplements is essential to achieve this. Here are some practical tips for scientific supplementation to help you enjoy the fall and winter seasons while staying healthy. 1. Identify your physique: The most important step before taking a tonic is to understand your physique. Different people are suitable for different tonic methods and ingredients. For example, people with a hot constitution should not eat too much warm foods such as mutton and chili peppers, while people with a cold constitution can increase these foods in moderation. Taking a fitness test or consulting a medical professional can help you better understand your physical condition. 2. Choose the right ingredients: Tonic doesn't mean eating a lot of high-fat, high-calorie foods. Choose foods that are nutritious and suitable for your body type. Common healthy tonic ingredients include: red dates and wolfberries: suitable for most body types, helping to nourish blood and beauty, and enhance immunity. Walnuts and black sesame seeds: high-quality plant protein and good ingredients for brain health, suitable for brain workers. Chicken & Fish: Provides high-quality protein that is easy to digest and absorb.
3. Pay attention to the time and method of tonic: the tonic should not be excessive, and you should also avoid forced tonic when you are unwell. The best time to take supplements is usually when you are in good shape, such as in the morning or after lunch. In addition, the way of tonic is also important, choose foods that are relatively healthy to cook, such as steaming and boiling, and avoid fried or overly greasy foods. 4. Integrate tonic with daily diet: Reasonable tonic is part of daily diet and should be combined with daily diet to maintain nutritional balance. Increasing your intake of vegetables and fruits, as well as adequate intake of fiber, vitamins and minerals, can help improve the effectiveness of your supplementation. 5. Avoid misunderstandings: Avoid common misunderstandings in tonic, such as a large amount of tonic with a single ingredient, and ignoring the scientific nature of dietary matching. At the same time, especially for the elderly and children, the tonic should be more cautious and avoid overdose, so as not to cause gastrointestinal burden or other health problems.