Functions of Each Organ in the Five Zang and Six Fu Organs and Necessary Nutrients (Food) - Five Zang (3) Spleen

In this article, I will touch upon the role of the spleen and the necessary nutritional sources for it.

I have experience working in the beauty industry and hold qualifications (AEA Senior Esthetician and Japan Cosmetic Licensing Level 3).
I am writing this article in the hope of sharing useful information based on the knowledge I have gained through my experience.

Since I am writing this as part of a major theme on the Five Zang and Six Fu organs, I would be very happy if you could check out the articles on all the organs!

This time, I have written about the role and necessary nutrients of one of the Five Zang organs,the "spleen".

<<The Role of the Spleen>>

The spleen is quite obscure, so you might wonder what it actually does, but it is actually an important organ for ensuring that fresh blood continues to flow through the body and for keeping the body resistant to infectious diseases.

Its roles can be broadly divided into three functions:

・Blood cell destruction
・Immune function
・Blood storage.

It destroys old and unnecessary red blood cells in the blood (strictly speaking, destruction means that the blood sent to the spleen is filtered within it, and only unnecessary red blood cells are removed. The removed red blood cells are then consumed as foreign matter by immune cells called macrophages),

it creates antibodies to eliminate microorganisms that cause infectious diseases such as pathogens, bacteria, and fungi when they enter the body,

and it stores new blood.
This stored blood is used when bleeding occurs and a large amount of blood (platelets) is needed, or when oxygen is required during exercise, etc.

<<Foods Necessary for the Spleen>>

Actually, the term "Five Zang and Six Fu" is a concept from Eastern medicine and Kampo (traditional Japanese herbal medicine),and it differs significantly from the concept ofinternal organs (Western medicine) that we simply know as knowledge.

In Western medicine, there are various types of organ systems classified by function, such as the circulatory system, endocrine system, and lymphatic system.
While the spleen is considered part of the lymphatic system in Western medicine because it governs immunity, it is classified as part of the digestive system in Eastern medicine because it works in tandem with the stomach.
It is said that the role of the spleen is to digest and absorb nutrients from food and drink processed by the stomach, and to transport them throughout the body along with fluids.

From a Western medical perspective, for the spleen to be healthy,it is essential to have clean blood and high immunity, so I think it is good to refrain from greasy foods and get moderate exercise to increase metabolism.
To keep the blood clean, I believe that nutrients such as[unsaturated fatty acids], which I mentioned in the article about the heart, are necessary.

What is the perspective of Western medicine?

It is said that people with high immunity tend to have higher body temperatures.
They also seem less likely to catch colds.
I often hear that low body temperature increases the probability of getting cancer, and it seems that having a cold body is not good for anything.

In other words,high immunity = strong spleen = high body temperature
. Since a cold body is a major enemy, it is important not to let it get cold. For that purpose, as I will mention a little later,refraining from cold foodsis important.

By the way, in Eastern medicine, it is said thatgrains, foods related to the earth, and yellow foodsmake the spleen healthy.

Pumpkin, winter melon, taro, yam, carrot, corn, soybeans, apples, bananas, pork, and rice
are recommended for the spleen.

Also, in Eastern medicine, the spleen is considered a pair with the stomach, so just as the stomach is highly sensitive to foods that are hard to digest, irritants, cold foods, and greasy foods, the spleen also struggles with these. Please try to avoid them as much as possible.

How was it?
Since it is difficult to explain the spleen's functions from the perspective of Western medicine, I have intentionally written this from the viewpoint of Eastern medicine!
For your reference!!

This has been a long post, but thank you for reading.
I would be happy if those interested would also take a look at my posts on other organs and skincare!