Diet and Exercise

Food As Everyday Medicine

In Traditional Chine Medicine there is no distinct difference between food and medicine, meaning that food itself can sometimes be all the medicine you need. Food is viewed as a powerful tool to help create and maintain wellness. We put the utmost importance on lifestyle choices and nutrition. Not only is a healthy diet integral to optimal health, it is crucial to get physical and mental exercise as well as rest.

5 Natures

The nature of foods and herbs describes the temperature changes that they cause within the body. Warming foods can help to stimulate body functions and raw food can help cool us down. Too much hot or warming foods can overstimulate our system while ingesting too many raw or cold foods can slow down our digestive processes.

  1. Cold – Melons, Pork, Yogurt, Mussels
  2. Cool –  Tomatoes, Milk, Crab
  3. Natural – eggs, coconut, mushrooms, brown rice
  4. Warm – Coffee, Beef, Radishes, Oats
  5. Hot – Lamb, Ginger, Mustard, Pepper
5 Flavors

The 5 flavors are associated with a specific organ system or meridian and they have inherent qualities that have a very powerful impact upon that organ itself. weet foods can help to tonify the spleen/ stomach and improve digestive function, but too much sweet foods can result in weakening the digestive capacity and creating sugar imbalances like diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

  1. Salty- Soy Sauce, Salt, Seaweed
  2. Bitter- Coffee, Dark Leafy Greens, Cocoa
  3. Sweet- Sugar, Grains, Fruits
  4. Sour- Vinegar, Lemon, Fermented foods
  5. Spicy/pungent -Ginger, Garlic, onion, chili
Resources

Search for Chinese Nutrition and database information online. A Research tool patients and practitioners of TCM Nutrition and Traditional Chinese Nutrition.

How Diet and Exercise Works

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F.A.Q. Diet and Exercise

What are Electrolytes?

Calcium, Potassium. Sodium, Magnesium, Bicarbonate, Phorphus, Chloride | These essential particles contain either a positive or negative electric charge and maintain many of our metabolic functions.

Can I only get Electrolytes from sports Drinks?

You certainly do not need sugary, artificial flavored and colored expensive drinks to add electrolytes. In fact, many foods and even tap water contain electrolytes.

      • Spinach
      • Strawberries
      • Bananas
      • Almonds
      • Broccoli
      • Raisins
      • Olives

…and many more foods contain these essential electrolytes that perform many of our bodies’ metabolic functions.

What are the signs of electrolyte imbalances?

One of the most noticeable signs of electrolyte imbalances involves our muscles. Yup, our hearts are a muscle and this can show up as an irregular heartbeat. Also, muscle numbness, twitching, and spasms are frequently seen as early signs. But not limited to fatigue confusion, and even headaches.

Who is more prone to Electrolyte imbalances?

Those that are healthy do not tend to have issues but under certain athletic strain, sweat can induce an electrolyte imbalance. Certain medications may also contribute such as diuretics, steroids, beta-blockers, and laxatives. Those living with kidney disease, or type 1 diabetes are also at risk.

How important is it to have electrolytes after an acupuncture treatment?

While many of our patients commonly visit us for tight, painful muscles adding electrolytes after an acupuncture treatment may be key to self-care post acupuncture treatment. In fact, staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to maintain a healthy pain-free body.

Is there a DIY Electrolyte recipe?

  • Ginger Lemon electrolyte DIY
  • 2 3/4 cups coconut water
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (always fresh)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (always fresh)
  • 1 piece of ginger peeled (about 4 inches)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (make sure it’s real honey)

Pulse the ginger until fine and smooth, some people don’t like pulpy drinks so this may be strained. Combine the rest of the ingredients and enjoy it. This can stay in your refrigerator for up to 1 day. So go ahead and make ahead.

If you have more questions about electrolytes, call us today. One of our trained practitioners will be happy to help you | Stay hydrated! Acupuncture Works (843) 305-5004

“He that takes medicine and neglects diet, wastes the skills of the physician.” – Chinese Proverb