Nutrition is Also about HOW to Eat

It is Not Just about What you Eat

Did you know that the nature or properties of the foods you eat, how you eat and your frame of mind, affects nutritional intake and ultimate wellness?

The stomach and spleen are paired in our TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) framework. Together these organs, along with the lung and small intestine system, provides the life-giving energy the body needs to feed and protect itself. Many imbalances and health issues according to TCM diagnosis, start with stomach and spleen issues. The spleen and stomach as well as the lung also play a large role in immunity in our traditional medicine. Western medical practitioners and naturopaths also believe many problems related to health, such as inflammation, allergies and autoimmune disorders, start with digestive problems.

According to TCM, the stomach and spleen are responsible for transformation and transportation of nutrients and fluids. The stomach likes dampness, warm temperatures and is affected by emotions. The stomach and spleen dominate muscle strength, control blood and transform dampness. Examples of symptoms related to issues with the spleen and stomach show up as pale colouring to the lips, yellowing of complexion and around the mouth, fatigue, diarrhea, easy bruising, prolapses, varicose veins, edema, nausea, digestive issues (bloating, gas, pain), lack of taste, heavy limbs and prolonged and irregular menstruation or bleeding.

The nature of the food is important. Overly spicy food or dry food can aggravate the stomach causing heat or yin deficiency problems. Cold or raw foods can cause stagnation with bloating, gas, flatulence or pain. If you already have a cold imbalance then it is OK to eat spicy foods. If you already have a heat imbalance then cold and raw is OK. The situation is different for every person. If you find you are ravenous for food at certain times of the day, chances are you have stomach heat. Food consisting of a warm, moist, neutral balance is best.

In terms of how you eat, it is important to chew well and eat meals at regular times. Don’t over-indulge, eat too fast, nibble, read while eating, eat too late at night, think about work, worry, or be sad or angry while eating. Emotional strain is a detriment to good digestion. A positive frame of mind is best. In particular, worrying, over thinking and over analyzing, even when not eating, can affect digestion over a long period of time and can lead to chronic deficiencies.

So my advice is to be mindful of your eating habits, maintain a balance of energetic food properties, temperature and moisture. Meal planning should be executed so that the combinations of flavors like hot and spicy with cool compensate for each other. Also select a variety of food groups and as always chew well, eat on a regular schedule and be happy when eating! Most of all be grateful for the food and all the plants and animals that nourish you.