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In the hot summer, the eating habits of middle-aged and elderly people are particularly important, because the body temperature is easy to rise during this period, and the consumption of body fluids is accelerated. As a traditional drink to cool off, herbal tea is widely used in many families.
Herbal tea is usually composed of a variety of herbs, such as chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, prunella, etc., all of which have the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and calming the liver. However, for middle-aged and elderly people, there is a certain difference between the hypothetical and actual effects of moderate consumption of herbal tea.
Although herbal tea has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, different herbal ingredients also mean different pharmacological effects. Chrysanthemum has the effect of dissipating wind and clearing heat, calming the liver and brightening the eyes, and is suitable for headaches, red eyes and other symptoms.
Honeysuckle has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and dissipating stasis, and is suitable for fever, sore throat and other diseases. Therefore, when middle-aged and elderly people choose herbal tea, they need to choose the right formula according to their physique and current health status.
Middle-aged and elderly people usually have weak gastrointestinal function, and long-term or large consumption of herbal tea containing bitter cold properties may affect the transportation function of the spleen and stomach, resulting in indigestion, loss of appetite and even diarrhea.
In addition, the licorice that may be added to some herbal teas, although it can neutralize the bitter cold of some herbs, for patients with high blood pressure or heart disease, the sodium glycyrrhizate contained in licorice may cause sodium and water retention and increase the burden on the heart.
The metabolic function in the body of middle-aged and elderly people slows down, and the liver and kidney function are also relatively weakened, and some ingredients in herbal tea may have an additional burden on the liver and kidney. In particular, some medicinal materials with strong heat-clearing and detoxification effects, such as Coptis chinensis, rhubarb, etc., if these ingredients are not properly blended, may affect the liver and kidney function, and even cause corresponding side effects.
For middle-aged and elderly people, drinking herbal tea should be kept in moderation and avoid dependence or excess. Before drinking, it is best to consult a doctor or pharmacist to choose the appropriate type and amount of herbal tea according to your health condition and constitution. In daily life, it is more important to adjust the physique through a balanced diet and appropriate lifestyle habits to achieve the purpose of preventing diseases before they occur.
As a traditional heat-relieving drink, herbal tea is not only to quench thirst, but also has some special benefits for middle-aged and elderly people. However, these benefits are not widely known, and care needs to be taken to achieve their maximum effectiveness when using them in the right proportions and in moderation.
As we age, the body's endocrine and metabolic functions gradually weaken, and the ability to regulate body temperature will also decline accordingly. The herbs in herbal teas, such as honeysuckle and chrysanthemum, have a great heat-clearing effect and can help the body dissipate heat by increasing sweat evaporation, thus keeping body temperature stable in hot weather.
In addition, certain ingredients in herbal teas, such as Prunella vulgaris, also have the potential to boost immunity. Middle-aged and elderly people are more susceptible to bacterial and viral attacks due to the natural decline of their immune systems. Prunella vulgaris has the properties of clearing heat and detoxifying, which can enhance the body's resistance to external pathogens to a certain extent and reduce the chance of infection.
Lotus leaf is a common ingredient in herbal tea, which can not only clear away heat and relieve heat, but also contain certain alkaline components, which have been shown to have the effect of regulating blood lipids and lowering blood pressure. For middle-aged and elderly people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, moderate consumption of herbal tea containing lotus leaves can be used as an auxiliary way for daily health care.
However, herbal tea is not a panacea, and its effects are closely related to the person's physique and current health status. For example, herbal teas containing ingredients such as rhubarb and coptis chinensis, although they have a strong heat-clearing effect, may also irritate the stomach and intestines, leading to discomfort such as diarrhea.
Therefore, when choosing herbal tea, middle-aged and elderly people should not blindly pursue a strong heat-clearing effect, but should selectively distinguish its ingredients to avoid unnecessary burden on the body.
It is very important to understand the properties and compatibility principles of various herbs in herbal tea, although honeysuckle and chrysanthemum have the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, honeysuckle is more suitable for the initial cold and fever, while chrysanthemum is more suitable for headache, dry eyes and other symptoms caused by strong liver fire.
When middle-aged and elderly people use herbal tea, it is best to make personalized choices and adjustments according to their specific constitution and symptoms under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners.
In summer, middle-aged and elderly people need to pay special attention to their diet and drink choices, because although certain drinks can bring a cooling sensation in the short term, they may be detrimental to health in the long run. Especially during the summer heat, when the body temperature is high, the body is more susceptible to discomfort, and choosing the right drink is especially crucial.
While carbonated drinks can quench thirst quickly and provide a temporary cooling sensation, they contain high amounts of sugar and artificial additives such as coloring and preservatives, which may increase health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity when ingested over a long period of time.
Many packaged fruit juices claim to contain a high percentage of fruit juice, but in reality, they often contain high concentrations of fructose syrup or other sweeteners, which can quickly raise blood sugar and increase the risk of insulin resistance.
Long-term consumption of these beverages in large quantities may not only lead to weight gain, but may also exacerbate the condition of diabetes. In addition, the acidic components in packaged juices may also cause erosion to teeth, especially for middle-aged and elderly people who already have oral health problems.
High-caffeinated beverages, including some fortified coffee and energy drinks, should also be avoided. Although caffeine can temporarily improve mental state, it has a greater burden on the heart, especially for middle-aged and elderly people with a history of heart disease.
High doses of caffeine intake may cause an increased heart rate, increase blood pressure, and may even trigger angina or other heart events. In addition, caffeine has a diuretic effect, and excessive intake can easily lead to dehydration, especially for middle-aged and elderly people who need to replenish more water in the hot summer.
Alcoholic beverages should also be consumed in moderation in the summer, and although moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages such as wine may help cardiovascular health, excessive alcohol consumption can increase the burden on the liver and increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition, alcohol has a strong diuretic effect and can easily lead to dehydration, which is a great challenge for the thermal regulation and cardiovascular load of middle-aged and elderly people.
When choosing summer drinks, middle-aged and elderly people should give priority to water or homemade low-sugar drinks, such as homemade fruit and vegetable juice or weak tea, which can not only effectively replenish water, but also avoid unnecessary sugar and chemical additives, which are more in line with the requirements of a healthy life.
What do you think about summer tea for the elderly? Welcome to discuss in the comment area!
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[1] A Study on the Association between Tea Drinking Behavior and Cognitive Dysfunction in the Elderly in Mainland China, Qi Ran., Modern Preventive Medicine, 2023-03-25