The Spleen is an organ in the upper far left part of the abdomen, to the left of the stomach.
The Spleen plays multiple supporting roles in the body. It acts as a filter for blood as part of the Immune system. Old red blood cells are recycled in the Spleen, and platelets and white blood cells are stored there. The Spleen also helps fight certain kinds of bacteria that cause Pneumonia and Meningitis.
Spleen conditions include an enlarged spleen, a ruptured spleen, a low platelet count (Thrombocytopenia) and sickle cell disease. People with sickle cell disease need immunizations to prevent illnesses their Spleen helped fight.
About 10% of people have a small extra Spleen. This causes no problem and is considered normal.
The Spleen is a fragile organ that plays an important role is n maintaining Energy, good Digestion and stable Body weight. We need to protect our Spleen.
Non-dietary Remedies:
- Eating Slowly and Mindfully : Taking the time to relax during mealtimes and properly chewing food reduces the amount of work that the digestion organs must do in order to break down food. Relaxing the mind and body during meal times activates ‘Rest and Digest’ parasympathetic nervous system, which optimizes the body’s ability to slowly digest foods.
- Sleep : Sleep is important because it is only when you are at rest does your body repair and rejuvenate. So please get into a sleep routine and sleep well.
- Meditation and Deep Breathing : Helps the body relax, and prevents mental exhaustion and burn out, reducing stress.
Dietary Remedies:
- Foods to Avoid : The majority of Gastrointestinal disorders, result from a weak Spleen. Spleen is powered by heat so avoid Cold foods (Frozen foods, Icy Drinks, Cucumber, Bitter Melon, Lettuce, Grapefruit and Raw Foods – they deplete the Spleens ‘Fire’) and Damp foods (Dairy products, Refined Sugars and Sweets). As these smother the digestive process, so are best avoided.
- Foods to Nourish the Spleen : Foods to nourish the spleen, must be cooked or had at room temperature. Sesame, Pumpkin or Sunflower seeds, Legumes, Vegetables, small amounts of lean Meats, Figs, Coconuts, Grapes, Dates, Potatoes/ Sweet potatoes, Brown rice, Oats, Rice, Ginger and Spring onions are among the best foods for the Spleen.
- Raw Ginger : Having some raw Ginger before or during meals and adding warm spices such as Black pepper, Cardamom and Cinnamon to food helps increase the Spleens ability to digest food properly.
- Eat frequent Meals : Providing the body with energy in the form of food energy every few hours or so, prevents blood sugar crashes and weakness. Eat small, frequent, well balanced meals for your Spleen.
- Hydration : Hydrate well. Have 35 ml of water per kilo of body weight. This will help the digestion process and prevent fatigue.
Hope these remedies are beneficial for your Spleen.
All the best and Happy healing from Naturally Dimpi!!