Dampness is a condition that can be caused by several factors, including diet, lifestyle and environment. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dampness is often seen as a type of pathogenic factor that can lead to illness. While there are many different ways to treat dampness, one approach is to avoid foods that are considered damp-producing. Coffee is one such food.
While coffee itself does not cause dampness, it is often consumed in excess and can contribute to an overall imbalance in the body. In TCM, it is believed that coffee stimulates the liver and increases yang energy, which can lead to an accumulation of heat and dampness in the body. Excess coffee consumption can also disrupt the digestive system and cause problems like indigestion, diarrhea and constipation.
For people who are prone to dampness-related illnesses or who already have a buildup of dampness in their bodies, cutting back on coffee (or eliminating it altogether) may help to reduce symptoms and promote healing. If you're not sure whether coffee is affecting your health, try eliminating it from your diet for a few weeks to see if you notice any difference.