Best diet and foods for you, according to TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic approach to health and wellness that has been refined for thousands of years. It encompasses various modalities, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy. In TCM, food is seen as medicine and plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and harmony in the body. If you want to know more about five communities across the world where people regularly live to 100 in good health, watch the Netflix series called The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner. You’ll find many TCM principles practiced by these communities.

Understanding the TCM Approach to Diet

Our digestive systems can only cope with so much before they start to struggle with the overload. Eat or drink too much of the wrong stuff, and you end up with liver and kidney problems, heart disease, obesity, and the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Western diets often exceed the recommended 2000 calories per day –soaring to 4000 calories in certain countries like the US. The problem is that a juicy little fast food burger contains loads of calories; however, it only takes a couple of minutes to devour, leaving a person still feeling hungry. Slow foods with a low glycaemic index that take longer to chew with more fiber will leave you feeling fuller on far fewer calories, and you’ll be able to eat a more significant portion.

 The TCM approach to diet is not a one-size-fits-all plan – it considers factors such as age, constitution, climate, and lifestyle when making dietary recommendations. We need to keep the various systems within our bodies in harmony, like an orchestra playing together without any one instrument overpowering another.

The Importance of Listening to Your Body’s Signals

One of the fundamental principles of TCM is the importance of listening to your body’s signals. Cravings for certain foods may indicate a deficiency or imbalance in the body, while aversions may indicate excess or intolerance.

Emotional eating is a common phenomenon, with specific emotions influencing food choices. For example, stress can lead us to overindulge in comfort foods like ice cream or chocolate cookies, while sadness may result in a complete loss of appetite. A TCM practitioner may spend a considerable amount of time asking questions and establishing your current eating patterns to better understand your motivations and your relationship with food before working out a diet plan with you.

The Five Elements, Yin and Yang

In TCM, the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) each correspond to specific organs and have  their own set of characteristics.

 For example, the Wood element is associated with the liver and gallbladder and is characterized by growth and flexibility. Foods supporting the Wood element include leafy greens, sour fruits, and those rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The Fire element is associated with the heart and small intestine and is characterized by warmth and joy. Foods that support the Fire element include bitter greens, red fruits, and foods rich in antioxidants. By understanding these relationships, TCM can provide specific dietary recommendations, as each person is unique.

Regarding diet, TCM emphasizes balancing Yin and Yang through food choices. For example, Yin foods are cooling and nourishing, while Yang foods are warming and energizing. Combining these correctly leads to a feeling of vitality.

The Role of Qi in Digestion and Nutrition

In TCM, Qi (pronounced “chee”) is often described as vital energy or life force. It is responsible for all physiological functions, including digestion and nutrition. When Qi is flowing smoothly, you feel healthy. However, when Qi becomes stagnant or deficient, health issues can arise. Qi building foods include whole grains, legumes, and root vegetables. On the other hand, processed foods, sugar, and excessive caffeine can deplete Qi.

The Best Foods for Your Body Type

TCM has three body types: Yin, Yang, and Balanced. Each body type has its own set of characteristics and dietary recommendations. Yin body types tend to be more sensitive and prone to coldness. They benefit from warming foods such as ginger, cinnamon, and soups. Yang body types, on the other hand, tend to be more active and have a faster metabolism. They benefit from cooling foods such as cucumber, watermelon, and salads. Balanced body types have a harmonious balance of Yin and Yang and can enjoy a wide variety of food.

The Benefits of Eating Seasonally

Seasonal foods naturally align with your needs and can support your overall health. For example, in the summer, cooling foods such as watermelon and cucumber help to balance the season’s heat. In the winter, warming foods such as root vegetables and soups provide nourishment and support.

Seasonal eating:

• encourages us to eat a diverse range of foods
• supports local agriculture
• minimizes storage and transportation of out-of-season crops worldwide
• saves you money as seasonal food is cheap and plentiful
• provides the nutrition you need when you need it – for example, when cold and flu season starts in winter the oranges are ripe and ready with their shot of vitamin C. In the heat of summer, watermelon provides a cooling and refreshing snack.

Practical tips for incorporating TCM Principles into Your Daily Diet

Incorporating TCM principles into your daily diet doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are five tips to help you get started:

1. Eat mindfully: Take the time to savor and appreciate your food. Chew slowly and pay attention to the flavors and textures. Never eat while at your computer, watching TV, or playing video games!

2. Choose whole, unprocessed foods: Opt for foods as close to their natural state as possible. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

3. Cook with intention: Use cooking methods that preserve the natural flavors and nutrients of the food. Steaming and stir-frying are good options.

4. Listen to your body: How do different foods make you feel? If something doesn’t agree with you, note it and adjust your diet accordingly. For example, although coconut milk is healthy, it is rich and can give some people indigestion.

5. Seek professional guidance: If you need help incorporating TCM principles into your diet, consider consulting a qualified TCM practitioner.

Common Dietary Imbalances and How to Correct Them

In TCM, several common dietary imbalances can lead to health issues. These include excessive consumption of cold or raw foods, overconsumption of sweet or greasy foods, and irregular eating habits. If you’re experiencing digestive issues like bloating or indigestion, avoid cold or raw foods and focus on warming and cooked foods instead. If you’re prone to sweet cravings, try incorporating more bitter or sour foods into your diet for balance. And if you have fallen into a pattern of irregular eating habits, make it your mission to plan regular mealtimes.

TCM is a holistic approach to health. It considers not just diet but also other factors such as exercise, sleep, and emotional well-being. Whether you want to address specific health concerns or improve your overall well-being, TCM-inspired eating habits can be a valuable tool on your journey to optimal health.