TCM nutrition I

In TCM, the foods have tastes and thermal natures which affect certain organs.

Tastes

• Bitter – Affects heart and small intestine. Moderate consumption can help to calm the mind, clear excess body heat, and improve the circulatory system. Excessive consumption of bitter foods may induce diarrhea or vomiting.
• Sweet – Affects spleen and stomach. Moderate consumption can help digestion and boost energy level. Excessive consumption of sweet foods may cause retention of fluids in the body, congealment of blood, and weight gain which leads into various disorders.
• Pungent/acrid/spicy – Affects lung and large intestine. Moderate consumption can help to improve respiratory system, circulation of the blood, and stimulate appetite. Excessive consumption can cause fluid loss through sweating and diarrhea.
• Salty – Affects kidney and urinary bladder. Moderate consumptions can help to relieve nodules formed in the body and retain water in the body. Excess consumption can induce vomiting and increase blood volume causing high blood pressure.
• Sour – Affects liver and gallbladder. Moderate consumption can prevent unwanted loss of bodily fluid and relaxes muscles and tendons. Excess consumption can irritate stomach through promoting excess acid production and cause pain.