Digestion; Tradition Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Digestion

Question 1

Digestions in TCM: Spleen

Answer 1

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the Spleen and Stomach are responsible for all aspects of digestion.
* The TCM organ ‘Spleen’ is completely unrelated to the Western organ ‘Spleen’. The Spleen is a functional (rather than physical) organ that encompasses all aspects of the digestion and absorption of foods
* From a TCM point of view, the action of digestive enzymes in the mouth, stomach, small intestine and pancreas are all functions of the Spleen
* The same is true for the absorption of foods in the small intestine
* Diarrhoea, bloating after eating, food intolerances and indigestion are all signs of ‘weak digestion’, called Spleen Qi deficiency

Question 2

Digestions in TCM: Stomach

Answer 2

Alongside the Spleen, the Stomach plays a vital role in digestion.
* The function of the Stomach is to ‘rot’ and ‘ripen’: the Stomach completes the processes of rotting (of meats) and ripening (of fruit, vegetables and grains) that also occur in nature.
* Key to this is this concept of Stomach Fire, which closely resembles the Western notion of stomach acid
* Without sufficient to Stomach Fire, foods are improperly ‘cooked’ – digestions is poor and nutrients won’t be properly absorbed
* From a TCM point of view, the stomach is at the origin of all fluids and plays a crucial role in immunity (e.g. by providing fluids to mucus membranes and for sweat)

Question 3

Spleen friendly diet

Answer 3

The Spleen likes warm and well-cooked meals such as soups and stews.
* Warm wet breakfast such as porridges and congees are ideal to hydrate. They are also most efficient in improving muscle health and boosting immunity
* Avoid drinking liquid with meals and energetically cold foods (e.g. fibre-rich raw foods and smoothies). These cool Stomach Fire and need to incomplete digestion and absorption
* Avoid dampening foods such as gluten, refined sugars and dairy
* Well cooked whole grains, naturally sweet vegetables (cooked or steamed, or as soups or stews) and warming herbs and spices all nourish the digestive system
* Meals prepared by wet cooking methods (e.g. steaming) our warning, easy to digest and an excellent source of hydration

Question 4

Spleen friendly diet Examples

Answer 4

Examples:
* Whole grains (rice, oats, millet, quinoa, amaranth), buckwheat, sweet potatoes, squash, root vegetables, beetroot and macadamia nuts
* Cook with warming herbs and spices such as ginger, cinnamon, cumin, caraway seeds, thyme,, bay leaves, mustard seeds, celery seeds and cardamom
* As discussed earlier, herbal bitters support digestion Cold. However, they are not suitable for all constitutions as some of the herbs are too ‘cold’. For those with Spleen Qi deficiency, consider using warming Spleen Qi tonics such as ginger, cardamom, fennel and citrus peel

Question 5

Spleen friendly diet: Sweet foods

Answer 5

Naturally sweet food support and strengthen the digestive system
* It is important to distinguish between naturally sweet foods (such as whole grains, legumes and root vegetables) and empty sugars with no nutritional value
* Sugar cravings indicate Spleen Qi deficiency; giving in to them will further compromise the digestive system and overtime lead to ‘Damp’ and ‘Heat’.
* Western medical conditions associated with Damp and Heat include candida, weight gain, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Question 6

Chinese Medicine Clock and Digestion

Answer 6

The TCM Clock is a useful tool to understand when you should eat.
* 5 - 7 am (Large intestine):
Start the day by drinking warm water. This supports the large intestine with elimination. Avoid caffeine as this impairs the bodies detoxification processes whilst also increasingly the release of cortisol
* 7 - 9 am (stomach):
Breakfast is regarded in TCM as the most important meal of the day. It should be warming and hydrating. Avoid cold smoothies or dry toast. Help porridge instead.
* 11 am – 1 pm (heart):
Lunch should be a meal that is nutritionally– balanced but not overly filling. Do not over-eat to avoid over-taxing the body.
* 3 – 5 pm (bladder):
Drink warm liquids (especially herbal teas) to hydrate and support detoxification
* 5 – 7 pm (kidneys):
This is the ideal time to eat dinner and restore energy. This should be nourishing, fresh and light.

Question 7

TCM: Times

Answer 7

• 1 – 3 am: Liver
• 3 – 5 am: Lungs
• 5 – 7 am: Large Intestine
• 7 – 9 am: Stomach
• 9 – 11 am: Spleen
• 11am – 1 pm: Heart
• 1 – 3 pm: Small Intestine
• 3 – 5 pm: Bladder
• 5 – 7 pm: Kidneys
• 7 – 9 pm: Pericardium
• 9 – 11 pm: Triple Burner
• 11 pm – 1 am: Gallbladder