[KoK! Health] The Unwelcome Spring Visitor 'Chungonjeung' Arrives Again... "Seasonal Foods Help"

When warm spring days arrive, people often feel easily fatigued, have decreased concentration, and experience a drop in energy. Spring can cause fatigue due to changes in hormone and neurotransmitter secretion triggered by weather and temperature fluctuations. Additionally, increased outdoor activities and the resulting boost in the body's energy metabolism are among the causes of spring fatigue.

If your body feels heavy as if carrying a great weight, and you find yourself nodding off and feeling sluggish after lunch, you should suspect the unwelcome visitor of spring, "chunggonjeung" (spring fatigue). Chunggonjeung is a temporary symptom caused by the body's inability to adapt to seasonal changes. It refers to the fatigue symptoms of feeling lethargic and sleepy as winter passes and spring arrives. The causes include imbalances in the body's rhythm due to seasonal changes, increased activity and stress, and deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamins. It is a temporary maladaptation experienced during the process of changing biological rhythms as activity levels increase. Symptoms of drowsiness or lethargy usually disappear naturally within 1 to 3 weeks.

Post-lunch drowsiness, known as "sikgonjeung" (postprandial somnolence), occurs because blood is concentrated in the stomach for digestion, reducing the blood flow to the brain. Overeating especially can cause sleepiness. The more you eat, the more blood is directed to the stomach, leading to insufficient oxygen supply to the brain. Major symptoms include fatigue, decreased concentration, loss of appetite, indigestion, and dizziness. If these symptoms persist for more than a month, conditions such as liver disease, thyroid disorders, diabetes, or depression may be suspected, so medical consultation is necessary.

Im Ji-seon, a family medicine specialist at H Plus Yangji Hospital, explained, "If fatigue symptoms naturally improve over time, it can be considered simple chunggonjeung and appropriate preventive care is sufficient. However, if symptoms persist for more than six months, chronic fatigue syndrome should be suspected." She added, "Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome may include memory decline, sleep disturbances, sore throat, headaches, as well as shoulder stiffness and muscle pain."

The causes of chronic fatigue syndrome are diverse, including depression, neurohormonal abnormalities, stress, various infections, and nutrient deficiencies. After diagnosis, treatment can be done through antidepressants, small amounts of nutrient supplementation, and lifestyle corrections. Specialist Im said, "For prevention, it is good to ensure sufficient sleep, regular and moderate exercise, adequate intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and elimination of factors that worsen fatigue such as alcohol, smoking, and excessive coffee consumption."

Consuming a variety of seasonal spring foods is also a good preventive measure. Frequently eating foods rich in vitamin B1 can help with fatigue recovery. Eating various spring greens can boost vitality, aid in fatigue recovery, reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation and appetite, and enhance immunity.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.