Chinese Dietary Principles
In Chinese dietary therapy, the thermal nature of what we eat and drink are central to maintaining good digestive function and supporting our metabolism.
The basic idea is that our stomach functions at 36 degrees, so if we eat cold foods, our stomach needs to heat that food up to body temperature before it can start extracting the nutrients. By the time it’s done this, it’s often used up all its energy. As a result, instead of extracting the nutrients and metabolising this well, it tends to be too tired to absorb the nutrients as needed.
Smoothies are a great example of what is not going to support our digestion well. They are cold and also the ingredients are raw. Good in theory, but often not great in practice. Your digestive organs need to work extra hard to heat this up, and also break down the raw ingredients which can be likewise hard to digest.
Great examples of foods that do support the metabolism are warm and cooked dishes such as broths, soups, stews, congees, stir-frys, etc.
I often get asked about good examples of breakfasts foods. Eggs are fantastic! Try to incorporate veggies too when you can (for example a green omelette). Porridge or congee is great too. If your appetite is poor, even just a cup of hot broth!
For lunches, if possible, avoiding having a bowl of cold salad straight from the fridge, and instead opting for heated up leftovers from dinner the night before. Dinner tends to be our most nutritious meal. Great opportunity to prep extra for leftovers.
The same theory applies to water! Please do not drink cold or iced water. In Summer, room temperature water is fine. In Winter, if you’re living in a cold climate like Victoria, ideally warm water is best.
As women transition into menopause this is particularly important. Our metabolic function tends to decline over the age of 40. Peak time to foster digestive strength through warm foods! Those who are wanting help with weight loss, my first recommendation would be to ditch those smoothies!
This is also especially important for anyone who tends towards digestive issues. For instance, the endometriosis and pelvic pain community, especially where there is significant inflammation and lots of gut symptoms (such as bloating, indigestion, loose bowels or constipation).
The other great thing that can assist digestive function of course is acupuncture! If you have any other questions, want to get in touch or make an appointment, please follow the link below:
LET’S CONNECT
Naomi Jankowski is a Chinese Medicine practitioner working in Melbourne, with special interest in the use of Tung acupuncture for pelvic pain management.