2014年7月12日 星期六
2014年7月10日 星期四
蔬果汁有治療作用
蔬果汁有很好的改善體質作用，德國有一種果汁療法叫「葛森療法」，只憑喝果汁就治好了癌症，但過程非常嚴謹，故暫時把它歸作後話。目前正值炎夏，是喝各種蔬果汁的好時節，有位讀者來信分享經驗：
「當時體重大概有220磅（1.84米），差不多每天從早上到中午前，分階段飲1.5公升左右，配方如下：紅蘿蔔/番茄/蘋果/青瓜/紅菜頭+檸檬/杞子，其他生果隨意加入；有時會加苦瓜、西芹、西瓜、菠蘿或各種提子，加上水連皮及籽，打到渣也沒有。
喝了一年，我的身體有些細微的好變化，比如手指甲的凹陷地方變平了，而且比較紅潤（我母親的指甲分叉也好了很多），呼吸很順暢，整個人很精神，不易累，體重也輕了15磅左右，自我感覺很好，就是早上要去很多次洗手間。
問：我的果汁配方是否有相沖的地方？」
答：如果要兼顧「相宜」或者「相沖」，一杯蔬果汁中最好不要有超過四種，一次用兩至三種搭配相宜的蔬果，每天飲用兩杯或者以上（每杯約250ml）。每次用不同搭配效果會更好。但蔬果汁不能當水飲，一定要喝水，成年人每日飲水的建議量是六至八杯，即1.5至2升。這位朋友單單蔬果汁就飲用了1.5升，小心不要對腎臟造成負擔。其實每日也不需要喝八杯水，不是每人都適合。
「兩個月前開始，在飲果汁前再先喝一碗奇異果汁（一個半奇異果），發覺體重不斷增加及很不舒服，然後看了你的文章，說奇異果與紅蘿蔔和青瓜相沖，所以把紅蘿蔔減去，但保留了青瓜，同時間體重開始慢慢下降，自我感覺也OK。
問題：一、我的果汁配方是否連青瓜也應去掉？二、我的果汁配方是否對肝有害？我是乙型肝炎帶菌者，所有驗血指數皆正常，包括肝酵素。」
Michael又問，是否要把青瓜也去掉？青瓜PK奇異果，把維生素C打下去了，所以一杯蔬果汁中還是不要有超過四種，才可照顧到相宜或相沖的問題。
患有肝炎可以服用一個乳酪蔬果汁。
秘方一：蘋果半個、小番茄六個、純乳酪（低脂）兩湯匙、芹菜35克、小麥胚芽粉一湯匙、西生菜70克，放在一起，用攪拌機攪爛。
葡萄和小麥胚芽含豐富的維生素B族，肝臟的新陳代謝需維生素B族，所以必須吃粗糧，每日吃的白米已丟失了大量維生素B，十穀米中的維生素B族最豐富。還有一個護肝的簡易乳酪蔬果汁。
秘方二：20粒葡萄，純乳酪150ml，在攪拌機中打爛，不用加水，然後加入蜂蜜。
葡萄連皮連葡萄籽，要買有機無農藥的葡萄。青瓜可以清內熱，一般來說，蔬果都含有維生素C，但青瓜卻會破壞維生素C。
紅蘿蔔是除了蘋果以外，最多人榨汁的蔬果，但如果生吃，胡蘿蔔素無法被身體吸收，用油煮過、吃熟的才能被人體消化。番茄汁也很多人愛喝，但番茄和紅蘿蔔一樣，生番茄無法被人體吸收。
蔬果汁一做好就要馬上喝，否則會被氧化。蔬果汁的最大問題是，在榨汁或者被攪拌機打爛的過程中，有的攪拌機速度實在太厲害，纖維也會被打爛，有可能破壞了水果的纖維，纖維不足會導致便秘，所以要自己注意一下；高速榨汁機也會破壞蔬果中的酵素。
蔬果汁中可以加入芝麻、核桃、杏仁等，平衡一下蔬果的寒，當然可以加入薑汁，如果加入一茶匙冷榨亞麻籽油，保健治病作用更強大。
2014年7月8日 星期二
How to Increase White Blood Cell Count
Leukopenia, i.e., abnormal decline in white blood cells
(WBCs) in the body, can weaken your immune system, and make you vulnerable to a
range of infectious diseases. However, there do exist some measures to increase
WBC count, and these can help you strengthen your immune system and keep all
the infections at bay.
White blood cells, also referred to as leukocytes, are
important components of the human immune system. Normal white blood cell count
in adults is in the range of 4×109 and 1.1×1010 per liter of blood (4000 to
10,000 WBCs per microliter of blood), and any alteration in the same is usually
an indication of some problem in the body.
When the white blood cell count in the body falls below
3,500 WBCs per microliter of blood, it is referred to as Leukopenia. Symptoms
of this condition include fever, cramps, diarrhea, sore gums, sneezing, sore
throat, headache, etc. Leukopenia is basically the sign of a weak immune
system, which is vulnerable to various infectious diseases. Not just a person
suffering from this condition, but anybody whose WBC count is less than 4000
WBCs per microliter of blood has to take some steps to increase the white blood
cells in their body. The simplest way to bring the WBC count back to normal is
to make some changes to one's lifestyle and daily diet.
Importance of White Blood Cells
WBCs play a vital role in defending us against infections
and foreign particles. They are produced from hematopoietic stem cells, i.e.,
the multipotent cells located in the bone marrow, and are found all over the
body. White blood cells are grouped into different types, each of which is
assigned a particular task -
Neutrophils - Defend our body against bacteria
Eosinophils - Defend our body against parasites
Basophils - Function in allergic reactions
Monocytes - Kill bacteria and destroy damaged cells
Lymphocytes - Play an important role in producing antibodies
Even common cold can lead to fatal diseases, like pneumonia,
if the person's white blood cell count is extremely low, and that in itself
highlights their importance in our body.
How to Increase White Blood Cell Count?
Eat Healthy Foods
The best method to increase leukocytes is to include certain
foods -- vegetables, like broccoli, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, beet, asparagus,
cauliflower, etc., and fruits, like oranges, melons, strawberries, figs, etc.,
-- in your daily diet. These foods are known to help in increasing white blood
cells naturally. Other than fruits and vegetables, even dairy products, lean
meat, and fish contribute in production of white blood cells in the body.
Other recommended foods include garlic, yogurt, almonds,
green tea, ginseng, etc. All these foods provide certain nutrients which
contribute to the well-being of your immune system. Garlic, for instance,
contains a substance known as allicin, which doesn't just boost the production
of white blood cells, but also flushes out various microorganisms from the body.
Foods containing beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc,
selenium, etc., also help in increasing white blood cells. In fact, zinc is
widely considered one of the essential nutrients for proper functioning of the
immune system as it acts as a catalyst and stimulates the production of WBCs in
the body.
Eating healthy foods is one part, while restricting
unhealthy foods is other. You should restrict the intake of, or avoid, foods
which do more harm than good to your body. Sugar-rich foods and vegetable oils
with polyunsaturated fats, for instance, hinder the growth of white blood cells
and weaken your immune system, and therefore, are best avoided.
Ideally, your diet should not just include all the essential
nutrients required by the body, but should also ensure a proper ratio of these
nutrients. A 2:1 ratio, with 2 parts of fruits and vegetables and 1 part of
meat and fish, is your best bet.
Keep Yourself Active
Other than a proper diet, an active lifestyle is the key to
normal WBC count. Exercising doesn't just help you increase your WBC count, but
also strengthens the existing cells and boosts your immune system. Full-fledged
workout is definitely the best, but if you can't devote enough time for that,
you should at least make it a point to indulge in moderate physical activity
for half an hour a day. Walking is a convenient option as it can be
incorporated in your daily routine without much difficulty. Other options
include biking, swimming, physical sport, hiking, etc.
Spending hours in front of the computer and television is a
strict no for some obvious reasons. On the other hand, simple activities --
such as gardening, or taking your dog for a walk -- are a definite yes. Stress
is believed to be one of the major threats for the immune system. If such
cases, simple activities, like gardening, are bound to help you relax and
contribute to the overall well-being of your immune system.
Consult an Expert
You can also consult a dietitian, or a doctor, and resort to
white blood cell boosters and supplements. While these supplements would
definitely help you increase WBCs, there are chances that they might interfere
with some existing medical condition and cause more harm to your overall
health.
Certain medications are also responsible for decline of
white blood cells in the body. If you are using some prescribed medication,
like diuretics or antihistamines, discontinuing the use of these medications
will also show a significant rise in the WBC count. That, however, should only
be done after consulting a doctor.
A person undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for
cancer treatment can also suffer from leukopenia. In such cases, the doctors
usually recommend delaying treatment until the WBC count is back to normal. As
for white blood cell transfusion, it is possible, but the risks involved are
high and therefore, it is used only in rare cases.
Other than the aforementioned measures to increase the WBC
count, you will also have to take some precautionary measures, like maintaining
personal hygiene and being cautious in the company of people suffering from
contagious diseases, so that you don't contract any infectious diseases. A
vulnerable immune system is a very serious condition. If not treated in time,
there are high chances that it may lead to further complications, and even turn
out to be life threatening at times.
13+ Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar benefits are plentiful. Its wide-ranging uses (rivaling the number of uses of tea tree oil and other nifty natural helpers) include everything from curing hiccups to alleviating cold symptoms, and some people have turned to apple cider vinegar to help fight diabetes, cancer, heart problems, high cholesterol, and weight issues. Read on for more reasons to keep apple cider vinegar handy in your pantry.
Apple cider vinegar helps tummy troubles.
Sip some apple cider vinegar mixed with water. If a bacterial infection is at the root of your diarrhea, apple cider vinegar could help contain the problem, thanks to its antibiotic properties. What's more, some folk remedy experts contend that apple cider vinegar contains pectin, which can help soothe intestinal spasms. Try mixing one or two tablespoons into water, or clear juice like apple juice.
Apple cider vinegar cures hiccups.
Take a teaspoonful of apple cider vinegar; its sour taste could stop a hiccup in its tracks. One teen took the hiccup remedy further and created a lollipop that includes apple cider vinegar, which she says "cancels out the message to hiccup" by overstimulating the nerves in the throat responsible for the spasms.
Apple cider vinegar soothes a sore throat.
As soon as you feel the prickle of a sore throat, employ germ-busting apple cider vinegar to help head off the infection at the pass. Turns out, most germs can't survive in the acidic environment vinegar creates. Just mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup warm water and gargle every hour or so.
Apple cider vinegar could lower cholesterol.
More research is needed to definitively link apple cider vinegar and its capability to lower cholesterol in humans, but one 2006 study found that the acetic acid in the vinegar lowered bad cholesterol in rats. Also, a Japanese study found that half an ounce of apple cider vinegar a day lowered cholesterol in people who participated in the panel.
Apple cider vinegar prevents indigestion.
Sip before eating, especially if you know you're going to indulge in foods that will make you sorry later. Try this folk remedy: add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and drink it 30 minutes before you dine.
Apple cider vinegar clears a stuffy nose.
Next time you're stuffed up, grab the apple cider vinegar. It contains potassium, which thins mucus; and the acetic acid in it prevents bacteria growth, which could contribute to nasal congestion. Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink to help sinus drainage.
Apple cider vinegar aids in weight loss.
Apple cider vinegar can help you lose weight. Here's why: The acetic acid suppresses your appetite, increases your metabolism, and reduces water retention. Scientists also theorize that apple cider vinegar interferes with the body's digestion of starch, which means fewer calories enter the bloodstream.
Apple cider vinegar gets rid of dandruff.
On his website, Dr. Mehmet Oz recommends apple cider vinegar as a dandruff treatment. The acidity of apple cider vinegar changes the pH of your scalp, making it harder for yeast to grow. Mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water in a spray bottle, and spritz on your scalp. Wrap your head in a towel and let sit for 15 minutes to an hour, then wash your hair as usual. Do this twice a week for best results.
Apple cider vinegar clears acne.
Apple cider vinegar makes a great natural toner that can leave skin looking healthier. Its antibacterial properties help keep acne under control, and the malic and lactic acids found in apple cider vinegar soften and exfoliate skin, reduce red spots, and balance the pH of your skin.
Apple cider vinegar boosts energy.
Exercise and sometimes extreme stress cause lactic acid to build up in the body, causing fatigue. Interestingly, the amino acids contained in apple cider vinegar act as an antidote. What's more, apple cider vinegar contains potassium and enzymes that may relieve that tired feeling. Next time you're beat, add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar to a glass of chilled vegetable drink or to a glass of water.
Apple cider vinegar cuts down on nighttime leg cramps.
Leg cramps can often be a sign that you're low in potassium. Since apple cider vinegar is high in it, one home remedy suggests mixing 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon honey to a glass of warm water and drink to relieve nighttime leg cramps. Of course, by the time you walk to the kitchen to put the drink together, your cramp is likely to be history—but maybe that's the point.
Apple cider vinegar banishes bad breath.
If proper brushing and mouthwash doesn't do the trick, try the home remedy of using apple cider vinegar to control bad breath. Gargle with it, or drink a teaspoon (diluted with water if you prefer) to kill odor-causing bacteria.
Apple cider vinegar whitens teeth.
Gargle with apple cider vinegar in the morning. The vinegar helps remove stains, whiten teeth, and kill bacteria in your mouth and gums. Brush as usual after you gargle. You can also brush your teeth with baking soda once a week to help remove stains and whiten your teeth; use it just as you would toothpaste. You can also use salt as an alternative toothpaste. If your gums start to feel raw, switch to brushing with salt every other day.
Apple cider vinegar fades bruises.
Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties; dabbing or laying an apple cider vinegar compress on a bruise can help fade the discoloration.
Apple cider vinegar helps control blood sugar.
A few swigs of apple cider vinegar could help keep your blood sugar levels balanced, according to several studies that have shown a link between the two. One study of people with type 2 diabetes who weren't taking insulin found that taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed resulted in lower glucose levels by morning. Another study at the Arizona State University found that insulin resistant people who drank a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water before eating a high carbohydrate meal had lower blood sugar afterward. Scientists think the antiglycemic effect of the acid is the key.
http://www.rd.com/slideshows/apple-cider-vinegar-benefits/Dry Throat
Anyone can suffer from the complaint of dry throat that can be induced by weather changes or wind, but chronic dry throat is usually caused due the presence of a disease. Other symptoms that may accompany dry throat include cough, pain in the whole body, nasal drainage, loose stools, nausea, and vomiting and fever. Many home remedies are proved effective to treat dry throat.
Causes of Dry Throat
1. Dry Environment and Cold Air
Dry throat may very frequently occur due to living in a dry environment or due to cold air exposure. Both of these situations can cause dry and arid throat. Due to the use of indoor heaters, which makes the air inside the home dry, the condition of dry throat is noticed more during the months of winter.
2. Food/ Drink Intake
Everything you ingest has to travel through the throat. Hence, while looking at the causes of dry throat, it is important to examine what a person is eating or drinking. Dry throat is often associated with the consumption of diuretic substances such as caffeine and alcohol. These substances cause the body to lose increased amounts of water by increasing urination and makes the throat dry. Dry throat may also be caused as a side effect of a number of medicines.
3. Irritation
Irritation is also a very common cause of dry throat. Exposure to dry air can irritate the mucous membrane of the throat and causes loss of water. Irritation can also be caused by exposure to tobacco smoke, dust and other types of air pollution. In persons who develop dry throat due to irritation, the problem is worse in the morning.
4. Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Dry throat may also indicate the presence of an underlying illness such as obstructive sleep apnea, which is a type of sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing due to physical obstruction in the airways and also symptoms of snoring and fatigue.
5. Tonsils Problems
Problems in tonsils such as infections, tumors, abscesses or cancer may create swelling of the tonsils preventing the passage of saliva to the throat, hence leading to dryness in throat.
6. More Serious Medical Conditions
Dry throat may also occur due to various other illnesses such as allergies, hay fever, and laryngitis.
- A person suffering from hay fever or allergies also notices other symptoms of sneezing, runny nose and post nasal drip.
- Similarly, a person suffering from laryngitis has presence of dry cough, hoarseness and pain in throat apart from dryness in throat.
- Dry throat may also occur as a result of cancer of the salivary glands (a gland that secretes saliva and keeps the throat moist).
Remedies for Dry Throat
1. Try Herbal Tea
You can also try herbal tea to soothe your dry, scratchy throat as the ingredients present in herbal tea such as chamomile, sage, licorice root and eucalyptus have throat-soothing properties. Another pungent but soothing tea is prepared by simmering scallions and chives in hot water.
Video: Dry Cough Remedy using Slippery Elm Powder
2. Have Hot Drinks
You can relieve dry, scratchy throat by drinking hot liquids such as a cup of green tea or chamomile tea. Both of these teas are excellent to soothe the dryness and irritation in your throat. If your dry throat is also accompanied by cough, addition of a small amount of honey and lemon juice in your tea gives excellent results.
3. Drink Apple Cider Vinegar Mixture
Gargling is the best way to soothe a dry, itchy throat. You can mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and gargle your throat. This solution will help kill the bacteria that cause dryness in throat. To further boost the dryness relieving power of this mixture, add honey and sage to it.
4. Use a Humidifier
When dry throat is caused due to living in a dry environment, the best solution is to use a room humidifier. You can keep a room humidifier in your bedroom while sleeping at night.
5. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is also a good approach to tackle the problem of a dry throat. Water acts as a lubricant and moisturizes the dry air passages. You should drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. You can also suck hard candies and eat popsicles to soothe the irritation and moisten the throat.
6. Gargle with Salt Water
One of the best ways to soothe dry and irritated throat is to gargle with lukewarm salt water.
7. Practice Breathing Techniques
Dry throat may frequently develop in persons who breathe through their mouth during sleep. Practicing proper breathing techniques after consulting a sleep expert is important in relieving the symptoms of dry throat in such individuals.
8. Avoid Caffeine and Irritation Source
To prevent dry throat you should avoid beverages that contain caffeine as it can cause dehydration and further aggravate the condition. Moreover, exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, pollutants and chemical fumes should also be avoided.
Drink This EVERY Morning! - Lemon Juice & Apple Cider Vinegar
Start your day off right by drinking a glass of pure water mixed with 2 tablespoonfuls of lemon juice and 2 tablespoonfuls of apple cider vinegar each morning as the first thing you put in your body.
Below are just some of the many benefits of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar...
Lemon juice promotes a healthy digestion. Lemon tea has been a staple in most European countries after a huge meal since it has a natural ability to prevent heartburn.
Lemon juice will help increase immunity -- lemons are rich in vitamin C and this vitamin is known to increase the body's resistance to infections and illnesses since it strengthens the immune system.
Lemon juice has skin rejuvenating system -- vitamin C in lemons are also known to help improve the quality of skin; regular intake of lemon juice will help you keep your skin plump, healthy and moisturized inside and out. Lemons also have anti-aging properties; it is a handy source of antioxidants that can help prevent the damage of free radicals and hence will be able to fight aging.
Apple cider vinegar can aid in weight loss. For daily weight management, add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to 16 ounces of water. This concoction can be sipped throughout the day. Data shows some limited, yet significant, weight loss benefits from sustained daily intake of acetic acid (which is a main ingredient in apple cider vinegar).
In a 2009 study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, it was found that subjects that consumed acetic acid for 12 weeks experienced significant declines in body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference and triglycerides. Triglycerides contribute to the bad cholesterol that we want to avoid.
As part of balancing the body's pH, apple cider vinegar creates an overall detoxification of the body. Research shows that it can help stimulate cardiovascular circulation and help detoxify the liver.
This miracle vinegar helps to break up mucous throughout the body and cleanse the lymph nodes. Believe it or not, research suggests that apple cider vinegar can help with allergies because of its ability to reduce mucous and sinus congestion. When reducing the effects of allergies, it can also help stave off sinus infections and their related symptoms (sore throats and headaches).
This vinegar is rich in natural enzymes that can help rid your body of candida -- yeasts that are attributed to thrush in humans. Candida also is blamed for creating symptoms of fatigue, poor memory, sugar cravings, and yeast infections.
Though it might seem like an oxymoron to treat stomach acid with an acid-containing vinegar, there is research suggesting that apple cider vinegar works by correcting low acid, hence reducing heartburn. Natural remedy experts say you should begin to feel relief very shortly after taking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar followed by a glass of water. Note that apple cider vinegar will not give relief if you have an ulcer.
Below are just some of the many benefits of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar...
Lemon juice promotes a healthy digestion. Lemon tea has been a staple in most European countries after a huge meal since it has a natural ability to prevent heartburn.
Lemon juice will help increase immunity -- lemons are rich in vitamin C and this vitamin is known to increase the body's resistance to infections and illnesses since it strengthens the immune system.
Lemon juice has skin rejuvenating system -- vitamin C in lemons are also known to help improve the quality of skin; regular intake of lemon juice will help you keep your skin plump, healthy and moisturized inside and out. Lemons also have anti-aging properties; it is a handy source of antioxidants that can help prevent the damage of free radicals and hence will be able to fight aging.
Apple cider vinegar can aid in weight loss. For daily weight management, add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to 16 ounces of water. This concoction can be sipped throughout the day. Data shows some limited, yet significant, weight loss benefits from sustained daily intake of acetic acid (which is a main ingredient in apple cider vinegar).
In a 2009 study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, it was found that subjects that consumed acetic acid for 12 weeks experienced significant declines in body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference and triglycerides. Triglycerides contribute to the bad cholesterol that we want to avoid.
As part of balancing the body's pH, apple cider vinegar creates an overall detoxification of the body. Research shows that it can help stimulate cardiovascular circulation and help detoxify the liver.
This miracle vinegar helps to break up mucous throughout the body and cleanse the lymph nodes. Believe it or not, research suggests that apple cider vinegar can help with allergies because of its ability to reduce mucous and sinus congestion. When reducing the effects of allergies, it can also help stave off sinus infections and their related symptoms (sore throats and headaches).
This vinegar is rich in natural enzymes that can help rid your body of candida -- yeasts that are attributed to thrush in humans. Candida also is blamed for creating symptoms of fatigue, poor memory, sugar cravings, and yeast infections.
Though it might seem like an oxymoron to treat stomach acid with an acid-containing vinegar, there is research suggesting that apple cider vinegar works by correcting low acid, hence reducing heartburn. Natural remedy experts say you should begin to feel relief very shortly after taking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar followed by a glass of water. Note that apple cider vinegar will not give relief if you have an ulcer.
2014年7月2日 星期三
夏天「養生秘法」 —— 多吃薑
中醫謂「冬吃蘿蔔，夏吃薑，不用醫生開藥方。」這中醫名言意謂夏天多吃生薑最能養生，但很多人不知自己是否適合吃生薑，及吃生薑是否要去皮，本文詳述。年前筆者應韓國全南大學之邀，隨香港大學黎活仁教授大隊前往南韓麗水，在其東亞研究所發表中國廣西巴馬「世界長壽之鄉」之瑤族草藥、瑤浴、生薑等為「養生之寶」多年研究。巴馬為世界公認「長壽之鄉」，其長壽之因值得探討，本欄今後會間斷地續講。
生薑，據《神農本草經》載：「（生薑）溫中止血，出汗，逐風」。中醫認為，生薑性味辛溫，入肺、脾、胃經，有解表散寒、溫中止嘔、化痰止咳、祛痰、祛寒、 補氣、平喘等作用。
中國自古就有「冬吃蘿蔔，夏吃薑」的養生習俗， 其主要原因有四：
二、防治腸胃炎：夏季，細菌生長繁殖異常活躍，容易污染食物而引起急性腸胃炎，適當吃些生薑或用乾薑加沸水沖泡後飲之，能起到防治作用。
三、祛除風寒：夏季常用電扇空調，易受風寒，引起傷風感冒，喝點薑糖水（生薑30克切片，加適量紅糖煎水），有助驅逐體內風寒，暑熱和風熱感冒則不宜飲用。
四、健脾胃：夏季常食寒涼食物，致使脾胃寒涼之氣過盛，出現頭昏、心悸及胸悶噁心等症狀，食用生薑有助溫煦脾胃，以防止增加病症。
是否要「去皮」
很多人在食用生薑時，不知道是否需要去皮，筆者現將重點歸納如下。中醫認為，生薑味辛、性溫，有發表健胃、止嘔解毒等功效，而生薑皮味辛、性涼、具有行水、消腫的作用，故「留薑皮則涼，去薑皮則熱」。通常情況下，生薑皮最好不要去掉，可以保持生薑藥性的平衡，充分發揮生薑的整體功效。
以下情況需要讀者注意：
一、脾胃虛寒者，或在食用苦瓜、冬瓜、芹菜、薏米、蜆、綠豆芽、大閘蟹、螃蟹等寒涼性菜肴時，應去掉薑皮。
二、患風寒感冒，喝生薑紅糖水可緩解，此時生薑就最好去皮，生薑皮有礙生薑充分發揮其辛溫解表的作用，且有止汗的作用，違背風寒感冒發汗的治療法則。
三、用生薑來治療脾胃虛寒引起的嘔吐、胃痛等不適時，薑皮也應去掉。
四、治療水腫的食療方用生薑時，不去皮，因薑皮有「利水」的功效。
五、有便秘、口臭、口腔潰瘍等體內有「熱」的症狀時，只用生薑皮，既可充分發揮薑皮的利水功效，又可避免熱性的生薑加重病情。
夏季「吃薑禁忌」
有意食薑養生者，可在做菜時，適量加入薑絲，也可在早晨起床後，先飲一杯水，再將生薑切成薄片，取四至五片用開水燙過之後，放入口中，含十至三十分鐘後咀嚼咽下。但使用生薑有以下四大問題需要注意：
一、因中醫謂「晚吃薑，如砒霜」，但筆者卻特別指出，人的體質有寒熱之別，熱盛的人，無論白天、晚上都不宜吃薑，寒盛的人，常有怕冷的表現，飲薑湯有助驅寒。當然，也不建議常「晚吃薑」。
二、陰虛火旺、目赤內熱者，患有癰腫瘡癤、肺炎、肺膿腫、腎盂腎炎、糖尿病、痔瘡、肺結核、胃潰瘍、膽囊炎等疾病的人，不宜長期食用。
三、腐爛的生薑會產生黃樟素（Safrole），可以導致肝細胞的變性、壞死，誘發肝癌、食道癌等。
四、生薑味辛性溫，屬熱性食物，有口乾、煩渴、汗多等症狀者，不宜多食。
李思齊
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