Love Ice Cream & Smoothies? Here’s What TCM Wants You to Know

As the weather warms up, it’s completely natural to crave cooling foods like ice cream, smoothies, and iced drinks. Let’s be honest—I love a good ice cream on a sunny day too! But from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, having too many cold and damp-inducing foods can impact digestion, hormonal balance, and fertility more than we might realise.

Why Does TCM Caution Against Cold and Damp Foods?

In TCM, we compare digestion to a fire—it needs to stay warm to work properly. This digestive fire, linked to the Spleen and Stomach, helps break down food and transform it into vital energy (Qi). When we overload our system with cold or damp foods, it can weaken this fire, leading to bloating, sluggish digestion, loose stools, fatigue, and even conditions like phlegm build-up or joint pain.

But digestion isn’t the only thing affected. A sluggish digestive system can also interfere with hormonal health. The Spleen is key in producing Qi and Blood, both of which are essential for a healthy menstrual cycle and fertility. Cold and damp foods can lead to damp accumulation, which in TCM terms, can contribute to hormonal imbalances like irregular cycles, PCOS symptoms, or a feeling of heaviness and stagnation in the body.

Why Do Some People Seem to Handle These Foods Just Fine?

Ever wonder why some people can drink iced coffee year-round and eat raw salads every day without any issues? It all comes down to individual constitution. Some people naturally have a stronger digestive fire and can tolerate cold foods better. Others (especially those who often feel cold, have weak digestion, or experience irregular periods) are more sensitive to dampness and cold, making them more prone to symptoms when consuming these foods regularly.

If you’re someone who already struggles with bloating, fatigue, or cycle irregularities, being mindful of your food temperature and nature can make a huge difference in how you feel.

Common Cold & Damp-Inducing Foods

Raw salads & leafy greens (especially in excess)
Smoothies & ice-cold beverages
Dairy products (ice cream, yogurt, cheese)
Sugary and processed foods
Tropical fruits (bananas, mangoes, pineapples—cooling in nature)

How to Enjoy Warmer Weather Without Overloading on Cold & Damp

The key here isn’t total avoidance—it’s balance! You don’t have to ditch ice cream forever (I certainly won’t), but small adjustments can help keep your digestion and hormones happy.

Simple Adjustments:

Let smoothies sit for a few minutes before drinking so they aren’t ice-cold, and add warming spices like ginger or cinnamon.
Room-temperature or warm water instead of iced drinks can help prevent digestive stagnation.
Cook or lightly steam vegetables instead of eating them raw all the time.
Swap ice cream for warm fruit-based desserts, like baked apples with cinnamon or stewed pears.
If you do have dairy, opt for warming additions like adding honey or spices to yogurt-based dishes.
Pair cold foods with something warm—for example, enjoy your ice cream but sip on a herbal tea afterward to balance things out.

A Balanced Approach

This isn’t about strict rules—it’s about feeling good in your body. If you’re feeling sluggish, bloated, or dealing with hormonal imbalances, consider reducing the amount of cold and damp foods you consume. But if you’re feeling great, there’s no need to stress over the occasional iced coffee or smoothie!

By making small, mindful adjustments, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—embracing the warm weather while still supporting your digestion, hormones, and overall well-being.