Natural Health Tips
Digestion and Cold
HEALING PRINCIPLES OF ACUPUNCTURE
AND
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
A natural health tip when it comes to eating is to never
take cold foods or drinks. Cold cools down the digestive
fires and depletes the body energy. Ice drinks are often
considered a major cause of weak digestion which can lead
to a variety of ailments including allergies, weight gain,
heart burn, constipation, diarrhea and fatigue to say a
few. The digestive system prefers warmth for optimal health.
Imagine the digestive tract as the pipes connected to the
kitchen sink. Hot water, as opposed to cold can loosen any
grease that has collected and keep those pipes flowing.
The digestive tract is about 25 to 30 feet long making this
an important system to avoid obstruction. Cold constricts
and can cause obstruction to digestive contents including
the bowels. In addition, food that is cooked is easier to
digest. A stir-fry of veggies is easier to digest than a
raw salad. The hard outside layer of a raw vegetable is
more difficult to break down rather than a vegetable that
has been softened by cooking. The easiest meal to digest
is in the form of soup. During times of sickness or for
people with weak digestive systems including the elderly,
soup can be one of the best ways to promote optimal digestion
to nourish the body.
Christopher Carlow, D. Ac.
Doctor of Acupuncture
July 13, 2008
