Does your gut, brain, or energy feel “off”?

The issue at hand may be something called dampness. And we’re not talking about clothes getting damp in the rain. We’re talking about dampness inside the body.

Read on to learn what it is, what causes it, and how to reverse it naturally...

The idea of “dampness” in the body originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and can result in digestive issues, a lack of energy, brain fog, and more (1).

Dampness arises when the body retains water. According to TCM, moisture and humidity can collect in the body and make you feel weighed down. It’s like experiencing the downsides of a hot, humid day, but within your body rather than outside.

This water retention happens for one of three reasons: 1) Being too sedentary, 2) Having digestive issues related to the spleen (which controls your body’s fluids), or 3) Eating too many foods that contribute to dampness.

Excess dampness in the body often results in the buildup of phlegm, mucus, and candida (a type of fungus). And when left untreated, physical ailments can arise (think: congestion, indigestion, fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, leaky gut, and more).

The symptoms of dampness are similar to symptoms of exhaustion, burnout, and other lifestyle stressors:

• Achy joints
• Brain fog
• Changes to your weight
• Digestive issues
• Lack of energy
• Loss of motivation or vitality
• Phlegm
• Sinus pain or pressure

Many of the foods that contribute to body dampness have a moist, phlegmy texture. Like…

• Dairy (2)
• Egg whites
• Tofu
• Oils
• Fats
• Bananas
• Avocados

And other common foods like…

• Fried or greasy food
• Refined sugar (3)
• Wheat products
• White flour products
• Dried fruit
• Spicy peppers
• Roasted peanuts
•  
• Raw vegetables and vegetable juices
• Salads
• Fermented foods, in excess
• Pork
• Cold beverages
• Alcohol

Beyond these trigger foods, overeating can contribute to body dampness as well. Curbing overeating doesn’t mean trimming your meals to unsustainably small sizes. Instead, practice listening to your body, enjoying every bite of what you eat, and stopping when you’re full.

The following list of foods helps manage dampness in the body…

• Fruits like lemons, plums, pears, cherries, grapefruit, pumpkin, and squash
• Vegetables like asparagus, celery, carrots, onions, and garlic
• Root vegetables like radishes
• Starchy vegetables like corn
• Legumes like peas, chickpeas, and beans
• Meats like pasture-raised chicken, grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon, and tuna
• Bone broth
• Grains like barley, rice, and oats
• Nuts like walnuts

In addition to the foods above, the following herbs can ease body dampness, too…

• Cardamom
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Orange peel
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Thyme
• Turmeric

NativeTip: Opt for several small portions throughout the day rather than a few large meals (4). This may help your digestive system stay more regular and process moisture more easily.

Traditional Chinese Medicine suggests that when it comes to fighting dampness in the body, your diet makes a difference. There are certain foods that can help you tackle dampness, but the most powerful diet change you can make is adding certain supplements to your routine…

Probiotics consist of billions of tiny microorganisms or “good bacteria.” Probiotics help regulate the digestive system, which may help prevent moisture from accumulating in your gut (5). You can find probiotics in certain foods, but the easiest way to ensure that you’re getting enough is through a quality probiotic supplement, like NativePath Probiotic.

Turmeric is lauded for its benefits as both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory—helping to aid in circulation while offering other health benefits (6). In the ancient Indian healing system of Ayurveda, turmeric is considered a warming spice, which means that it’s believed to help clear dampness. If you take turmeric as a supplement, make sure the capsules also include black pepper to help activate the turmeric’s benefits. NativePath Turmeric Capsules blend turmeric with black pepper extract to ensure you’re getting maximum benefits.

Protein plays dozens of important roles in the body, including balancing fluids and aiding in digestion (7, 8, 9). This may help keep food and energy moving throughout your digestive system, which could help ward off stagnant moisture in the body. One great way to ensure you’re getting enough protein daily is with a supplement like NativePath Collagen Powder. In addition to the basic proteins you need, you’ll be getting a daily dose of collagen to support healthy skin, hair, and joints!

Dampness in the body doesn’t need to slow you down for long. A combination of healthy eating, purposeful exercise, and supplementing with healthy natural ingredients can get you on the right track to a balanced body. Try adding NativePath Probiotics, Turmeric Curcumin, and Collagen protein powder to your daily routine to swiftly and simply reduce body dampness.