Boost Your Wellbeing through a Healthy Relationship with Food

Human beings require relationships in order to survive – and that includes establishing a healthy relationship with food.

Referring to our connection with food as a relationship may seem unusual to some, as not everyone recognises the significance of this bond. However, it is more important than we often realise.

Food touches various aspects of our lives, influencing our moods and overall well-being. It has the power to bring people together in social settings and is often intertwined with cherished memories and deep emotions. Acknowledging this connection compels us to make mindful choices, ensuring that we consume a diverse range of fresh and nutritious foods.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also believes in this concept. Let’s find out more about the importance of having a positive relationship with food and start cultivating this relationship with some tips.

Why Should We Have a Healthy Relationship with Food?

Nutrition and eating habits play a crucial role in TCM, encompassing a holistic approach. It goes beyond merely selecting the right foods and takes into account your body’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients effectively.

According to TCM Physician Kwek Le Yin from Eu Yan Sang, there are three key reasons why fostering a healthy relationship with food is significant within the TCM framework.

It boosts our overall wellbeing

According to TCM, cultivating a healthy relationship with food can have a positive impact on nourishing and supporting the Spleen and stomach. These organs play crucial roles in the physiological process of transforming food into essential nutrients that are then distributed throughout the body, along with water.

Physician Kwek emphasises that an unhealthy relationship with food can lead to metabolic disorders and various discomforts. When the Spleen is weakened, it can manifest as symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, and loose stools. Hence, nurturing a healthy connection with food is important to maintain the optimal functioning of these vital organs and promote overall well-being.

It has both physical and mental effects on our body

Our daily food choices have a direct impact on both our physical and mental well-being. Adopting a healthy diet is instrumental in maintaining a balanced body and a clear mind. Conversely, neglecting the importance of mindful eating can result in obesity and contribute to feelings of fatigue and exhaustion.

It influences the body’s balance

In the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there is a concept called yao shi tong yuan (药食同源) which translates to “food and medicine sharing the same origin.” This concept highlights the belief that food and medicine originate from similar sources and can have healing properties. While herbs possess higher concentrations of medicinal properties, food is also considered to possess healing qualities, albeit in lower concentrations. Consequently, it may take a longer time for food to restore the body’s balance.

However, it is important to note that even medicine, if consumed excessively or without moderation, can potentially disturb the body’s equilibrium and create an imbalance. This highlights the significance of maintaining a healthy relationship with food, ensuring that we consume it in a balanced and mindful manner.

Looking at Food From a TCM Perspective

In TCM, the saying “You are what you eat” holds even greater significance. Physician Kwek explains that, just like how herbs work, TCM believes that food has different natures, and thus different food will have different effects on the human body.

According to TCM principles, food can be categorised into five different natures:

1. Hot – Dried ginger, durian, pepper, lamb and chilli.
2. Warm – Chinese Red tea, Chinese chives, glutinous rice, prawns, pig’s stomach, coriander, onions, spring onions, beef, chicken, lychee, peach, cherry and pomegranate.
3. Neutral – Oysters, bird’s nest, pig trotters, chicken eggs, quail eggs, white fungus, black fungus, mushroom, rice, corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, black beans, soy beans, orange, grapes, pineapples, carrots, pumpkin, spinach, kale and Chinese cabbage (大白菜).
4. Cool – Chinese white tea, Chinese green tea, milk, wheat, red beans, barley, winter melon, tomato, eggplant, celery, cucumber, water celery, water spinach, tofu, lettuce, strawberries, mango, lemon, apple, coconut, pork and duck eggs.
5. Cold – Crab, clam, kombu, seaweed, green beans, lotus root, bitter gourd, water spinach (kang kong), konjac, cucumbers, winter melon, eggplants, tomatoes, celery, water celery, Chinese radish, lettuce, bananas, sugarcane, watermelon, pear, mulberries and pomelo.

According to the teachings of the ancient Chinese medical text, the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, the treatment approach in TCM involves using the opposite nature to counterbalance certain symptoms. For instance, when experiencing Cold symptoms, treatment involves using Heat, while Hot symptoms are addressed with Cold remedies to restore a state of balance.

Heaty symptoms typically manifest as cough with yellow phlegm, ulcers, sore throat, a warm sensation in the body, increased appetite and thirst. On the other hand, Cold symptoms include a cough with watery phlegm and a tendency to feel cold easily. By understanding the nature of these symptoms, TCM seeks to restore harmony within the body by employing appropriate treatments that counteract the imbalances.

To know which kind of food to eat and avoid, see this table below:

Starting a Healthy Relationship with Food

In line with the principles of TCM, one of the fundamental rules for maintaining good health is to avoid extremes. TCM emphasises the importance of a balanced diet, where food is consumed in proper combinations according to their natures and flavours. This balanced approach ensures that the body receives the necessary nutrients it requires.

Physician Kwek recommends incorporating the following principles into your daily routine to cultivate a healthy relationship with food:

1. Maintain regular eating hours: Eating meals at consistent times helps regulate digestion and promotes a balanced metabolism.
2. Practice moderation: Avoid overeating and stop eating when you feel about 70% full. This allows the body to digest food more effectively and prevents overburdening the digestive system.
3. Limit processed, oily, and junk food: Restrict the intake of processed foods, oily dishes, and junk food as they can negatively impact overall health and digestion.
4. Prioritise cleanliness: Consume properly cleaned food to minimise the risk of ingesting harmful substances or contaminants.
5. Opt for smaller, frequent meals: Eating smaller portions more frequently throughout the day is often preferred over consuming large meals. This approach supports better digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Maintaining balance in your relationship with food is crucial for overall well-being. The key is to bring your body back to equilibrium and listen to its signals and needs. Physician Kwek emphasises the importance of paying attention to how your body feels, as it can guide you in making appropriate food choices and avoiding harmful ones.

Your food choices and the way you nurture or mistreat your relationship with food have a significant impact on your body, mind, and emotions. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of your connection with food. Similar to nurturing relationships with people, developing a healthy relationship with nutritious food requires consistent care and regular self-assessment.

By regularly tending to and checking in with your relationship with food, you can cultivate a positive and balanced approach that supports your overall well-being. This involves being attuned to your body’s signals, making conscious food choices, and ensuring that your food intake aligns with your body’s needs and preferences.

**The facts and views expressed are solely that of the author/authors and do not necessarily reflect that of the editorial board

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REFERENCES

1. Health University of Utah. 2023. Seven Reasons Why Loving Relationships are Good for You.  [Accessed on 29 March 2023] 

2. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2020. Nutrition and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM): a system’s theoretical perspective. [Accessed on 29 March 2023] 

3. Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine. How the 5 flavours of TCM & whole foods influence better health. [Accessed on 29 March 2023] 

4. Clinical Nutrition Experimental. 2018. Food therapy and medical diet therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. [Accessed on 29 March 2023] 

5. The journal for nurse practitioners. 2010. Promoting Optimal Health with Traditional Chinese Medicine.  [Accessed on 29 March 2023]