Chinese Medicine Nutrition
Chinese Medicine Nutrition: Food as Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), food is considered medicine. The five flavors—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and pungent—play an important role in how foods affect the body. Each flavor corresponds to specific organ systems, meridians, seasons, emotions, and energetic qualities. TCM nutrition focuses on using the flavor and thermal nature of foods to support digestion, balance the body, and align with your constitution and the season.
Fruit in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Chinese Medicine dietary therapy, fruit is eaten in moderation. Limit fruit intake to one to two servings per day and choose seasonal fruits whenever possible. Aim for a variety of colors to support organ balance, including cantaloupe, strawberries, melons, apricots, berries, papaya, peaches, plums, apples, cherries, grapes, mangoes, pears, pineapple, pomegranate, kiwi, and bananas.
To support spleen and digestive health, enjoy fruit cooked when possible, such as baked apples or pears, or lightly sautéed fruit with warming spices.
Poultry and Meat for TCM Diet Therapy
Choose free-range, organically raised poultry and meat to support qi and blood nourishment. Bake, broil, steam, or slow-cook meats, and avoid eating the skin. Slow cooking on the bone is encouraged in Chinese Medicine nutrition, as it helps strengthen digestion and increase mineral content.
Fish in a Chinese Medicine Diet
Prepare fish by poaching, baking, steaming, or broiling to preserve its energetic qualities. If you experience digestive weakness or dampness, avoid shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, crab, and clams, as they may be difficult to digest according to TCM principles.
Seeds and Nuts in TCM Nutrition
Seeds and nuts help nourish essence and support digestion when properly prepared. Grind flax, pumpkin, sesame, or sunflower seeds and add them to cooked vegetables or grains. Nut and seed butters such as almond, cashew, and sesame (tahini) are also appropriate in moderation.
Healthy Fats and Oils in Chinese Medicine
Extra-virgin olive oil is a high-quality fat used in TCM-inspired nutrition for gentle nourishment and circulation support. Choose organic olive oil stored in dark bottles. Use it for salad dressings, light sautéing, or drizzling over cooked vegetables and grains. To reduce butter intake, blend softened butter with extra-virgin olive oil and store in the refrigerator.
Natural Sweeteners in TCM Diet Therapy
Sweeteners should be used occasionally and only with meals. Acceptable options in Chinese Medicine nutrition include maple syrup, rice syrup, barley syrup, raw honey, and stevia. Avoid refined sugar and artificial sweeteners, as they may contribute to dampness and low-grade inflammation.
Spices and Warming Foods in TCM
Spices play an important role in supporting digestion and circulation. Use dried or fresh spices you enjoy to enhance flavor and gently stimulate digestive qi.
Hydration and Digestive Health in Chinese Medicine
Drink approximately 0.5 ounces of clean water per pound of body weight per day. Sip warm or room-temperature water throughout the day to support spleen function and digestion.
Foods to Avoid in Chinese Medicine Nutrition
Excessive consumption of dairy products, including milk and cheese
Processed wheat and corn products
Foods to which you are sensitive, such as eggs, wheat, citrus fruits, peanuts, and peanut butter
Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and soda
Fried foods
Cold or raw foods
Alcohol
Artificial food additives and colors
