I'm back!!! I had to take some time away from writing last year. However, I have returned to full speed. As we have entered this incredibly uncertain and intense start to the year, I thought to start with adding some light hearted reading but packed with some much needed information.
Let us begin!
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we emphasize on the importance of consuming warmer foods and foods that are cook in order to increase or maintain the body's energy and overall bodily functions. When Acupuncturists mention warmer foods, we generally mean foods that are thoroughly cooked, brothy foods, even beverages that are warm.
The energetic temperature a food contains when digested is also considered when discussing warmer foods. Cold foods would consist of raw foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, iced drinks, and anything that has a cooler energy when consumed, which can add to a sluggish digestion. The energy with what is known as your digestive fire in TCM, becomes shocked when the cold hits. This then limits the movement and function of the digestive tract in how it processes food efficiently. So if you prefer ice water or cold beverages, salads or eat a lot of raw fruits and vegetables, it might be the time to make a transition to warmer drinks and food to ensure you have better movement with digestion.
How does this all affect us? Let's take a deeper look.
1) Improved Digestion
As mentioned above, the digestive fire prefers warmth in order to keep things moving correctly. This is no different than how we move in cold weather versus warmer weather. We are able to bounce around freely and really get in movement during warmer temperatures. Where as with colder weather we tend to stiffen up, move slowly, and at times feel stuck. Same thing can happen in the digestive department creating a number of issues. Some being bloating, fatigue after eating, constipation, and diarrhea. These are common symptoms many people experience which is due to a weak digestive fire that isn't doing its job properly. So by adding more warmer foods, you allow things to move in the direction they should.
2) Better Absorption
The temperature of food matters for a number of reasons. One being the way a food is cooked makes a difference in how we digest our food but also how the nutrients are absorbed and dispersed throughout the body. Cooking food actually breaks down the nutrients in the food and allows the food to be more easily digested. This allows the digestive tract to work less, conserving more energy for down the road with other functions that are needed. This also explains why we feel tired after eating when consuming colder foods. The digestive process has work that much harder to warm up the food then start the breakdown which takes more effort and energy.
2) Promote Blood Circulation
The warmth from food aids digestion which in turn helps to move the flow of Blood. The circulation of Blood nourishes other areas within the body. Some of the symptoms of poor blood circulation could be aches and pains in joints or muscles, painful periods, depression and anxiety.
3) Improve Qi
As with the circulation of Blood, promoting the circulation and increasing of Qi is also a benefit from consuming warmer foods. As mentioned above, the body is able to conserve more energy for other functions but when it is easy to breakdown, assimilation is also improved. Which means we are able to absorb and use the nutrients that are extracted for energy or Qi.
4) Energetically Grounds
Food is medicine but not just in the physical sense. It can be used as a grounding tool as well. When food is warm, it is nourishing but also helps to root us to the energy around us and within us. Grounding means you are able to be more present in the moment with clarity and be more connected to other energies. When this happens, we have less brain fog, better thinking capacity, able to sleep better, and our moods improve as well.
Warmer foods aren't just to keep the digestion going...its to keep the movement of our energy flowing, to ensure we are absorbing and nourishing important parts, and keep us spiritually aligned.
Food is definitely medicine...even more so with a comforting touch along with it!
Cozy Comfort: The Unexpected Benefits of Eating Warm Foods
In a world obsessed with quick bites and on-the-go meals, the simple act of enjoying warm food is often overlooked. But beyond the comforting feeling it provides, there are numerous health benefits to savoring warm dishes. From aiding digestion to boosting circulation, warm foods can be a delightful and nourishing addition to your daily routine.
1. Enhanced Digestion:
- Breaking Down Food: Warm foods are easier for the body to break down, as they require less energy to digest. This is especially beneficial for individuals with sensitive digestive systems.
- Increased Blood Flow: Warmth stimulates blood flow to the digestive tract, promoting the secretion of digestive enzymes and aiding in nutrient absorption.
- Reduced Bloating: Warm foods can help relax the muscles in the digestive system, reducing bloating and discomfort.
2. Improved Circulation:
- Warming from Within: Warm foods raise your core body temperature, leading to increased blood flow throughout the body.
- Oxygen and Nutrient Delivery: Improved circulation ensures that oxygen and nutrients are delivered efficiently to your cells, supporting overall health and vitality.
- Relaxed Muscles: Warmth can help relax tense muscles, reducing pain and stiffness.
3. Comfort and Stress Reduction:
- Emotional Well-being: There's a reason we crave warm comfort foods during stressful times. Warmth has a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
- Sense of Grounding: Enjoying a warm meal can be a mindful and grounding experience, allowing you to slow down and savor the moment.
4. Enhanced Nutrient Absorption:
- Increased Bioavailability: Some studies suggest that cooking certain foods, like tomatoes and carrots, can increase the bioavailability of their nutrients.
- Easier Breakdown: Warm foods are generally easier for the body to break down, making it easier to absorb the vitamins and minerals they contain.
5. Immune Support:
- Warming the Body: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, warm foods are believed to support the body's Yang energy, which is associated with warmth, activity, and immune function.
- Soothing Sore Throats: Warm liquids like broth or herbal tea can soothe sore throats and relieve congestion.
Tips for Incorporating Warm Foods:
- Start Your Day Warm: Enjoy a warm breakfast like oatmeal, porridge, or a warm herbal tea.
- Soups and Stews: These are excellent sources of warm, nourishing meals.
- Warm Beverages: Sip on warm herbal teas, broths, or warm water throughout the day.
- Cooked Vegetables: Opt for cooked vegetables instead of raw salads, especially during colder months.
- Warm Spices: Incorporate warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric into your cooking.
A Note of Caution:
- Temperature Control: Ensure that warm foods are not too hot to avoid burns.
- Balanced Diet: While warm foods offer numerous benefits, it's essential to maintain a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods.
Embrace the comforting and nourishing power of warm foods and experience the positive impact they can have on your health and well-being.