TCM Tips to Beat the Heat: Cooling Foods That Support Digestion

Adding cucumber slices to your water is a great way to stay cool in the heat!

Summer heat can lead to excess Yang, manifesting as irritability, dehydration, and digestive issues. In TCM, we approach this by incorporating cooling foods that also support digestion and respect the Spleen’s needs. Instead of raw salads or ice-cold smoothies, which can weaken Spleen Qi, try lightly cooked seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bok choy, and spinach.

Mung bean soup is a classic cooling remedy—great for clearing heat and supporting digestion. Fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and pear are hydrating and naturally cooling. Pair them with warming spices like ginger or cinnamon to balance their cold nature and protect digestion. Hydrating herbal teas—like mint, chrysanthemum, or hibiscus—help release trapped heat and keep fluids moving. Sip them throughout the day instead of ice water.

Avoid overly greasy or spicy foods, which can generate internal heat. Alcohol, caffeine, and excess red meat can also disturb internal balance during summer. Lastly, be mindful of meal timing. Eating large meals late at night taxes the Spleen and can lead to sluggishness. Try lighter dinners during hot months and eat your largest meal earlier in the day when your digestion is strongest. By nourishing your body with the right summer foods, you’ll stay energized, cool, and centered all season long.

It is also important to choose specific foods that work with your specific TCM pattern, which some people like to call your "constitution". We all have different health concerns and quirks that we consider "normal" for us. These different signs and symptoms actually fall into various TCM health patterns, which we use to determine which acupuncture points, herbs, and foods are appropriate to promote YOUR optimal health.

As always, we got you! Give us a call or book online to have one of our providers help you incorporate Traditional Chinese Medicine into your health plan!