Energetics & Nutrition Flashcards
(60 cards)
How have we lost our connection with intuitive eating?
We get spoilt by added sugars, denatured foods, and environmental poisons (including medication). This instinct about what our body needs are replaced by ‘food’ addictions
What are the fundamental energetic qualities?
Heat
Cold
Dryness
Moisture
Briefly list some positive components of the 4 energetic qualities.
Heat = warm body temp, healthy digestion, hormone balance, mental creativity, courage & passion
Cold = Strong body structure, firm tissues, stability, endurance, resistance, & reliability.
Dryness = Good nerve impulses, lightness of the body, mental speed, ability, & adaptability
Moisture = Good body fluids & mucous membrane, transportation of nutrients, love, & contentment.
What is the optimal balance of the energetic qualities
A healthy balance of all qualities is in the middle of all 4 but is slightly more hot and moist.
List 5 environmental, dietary, or lifestyle influences that can increase heat in the body.
Hot climate and seasons
Hot food & drink
Herbs and spices (chilli, ginger, garlic, rosemary)
Oily foods
Red meat
Stimulants such as coffee and alcohol
List 5 environmental, dietary or lifestyle influences that can increase coldness in the body.
Cold climate and seasons
Cold food and drinks
Raw and leafy foods
Bitter detoxing herbs
List 5 signs of excess heat in the body
Redness
Burning sensations
Inflammation
Acure infections
Yellow discharge
Loose stools
Irritability
Anger
List 5 conditions indicative of excess heat in the body
Any condition ending with -itis
Hypertension
Auto-immunity
Menopause
Migranes
Acid reflux
Ulcers
IBD
Inflammatory skin conditions
Stress
How might you treat excess heat?
Reduce - hot foods, spices, red meat, stimulants, fried/smoked/bbq food.
Increase: salads, raw food, green smoothies, bitter veg and herbs. Fresh air
When might you treat excess heat with warmth? What might you suggest?
In acute situations
- warm teas and spices to promote sweating and treat fevers.
- warm application to reduce inflammation
List 5 signs of excess cold in the body
Pale
Cold
Weak digestion
Muscle spasms
Tiredness
Debility
Low motivation
Emotional withdrawal
List 5 conditions indicative of excess cold in the body
Poor circulation (i.e. Raynauds)
Poor digestion (IBS)
Menstrual cramps
Hypothyroidism
Weight gain
Stiffness
Poor memory & concentration
Depression
Explain how the environment plants grow in can affect their energetic temperature.
Plants that grow slowly (i.e. Korean ginseng) are warmer than those growing quickly (salad leaves).
Plants that grow in cold environments (i.e. siberian ginseng) tend to be warming.
Chemically fertilised foods grow faster and so tend to be colder.
List 5 environmental, dietary, or lifestyle influences that can increase dryness in the body.
Dry, windy climates and seasons
Light, crunchy foods (eg biscuits)
Starchy grains
Gas-forming legumes
Astringent herbs (green tea, cinnamon)
List 5 environmental, dietary, or lifestyle influences that can increase moisture in the body.
Wet climates and seasons
Moist foods (e.g. porridge, soup)
High water containing fruit and veg
Slimy mucilaginous foods and herbs (e.g. okra, linseeds, chia seeds, aloe vera)
List 5 signs of excess dryness in the body
Weight loss
Dry skin & mucous membranes
Gas & bloating
Hyperactivity
Fear & anxiety
List 5 conditions indicative of excess heat in the body
Osteoarthritis
Dandruff
Eczema
Dry mouth
Dry cough
IBS with constipation
How would you treat excess dryness in the body?
Reduce Dry foods such as biscuits and rice cakes
Reduce starchy grains, legumes, and astringent herbs.
Increase fluids soups, broths, and high water content fruit and veg. Nut milks, muciaginous foods.
List 5 signs of excess moisture in the body
Weight gain
Fluid retention
Watery discharge
Mucus
Legathy
Lumps and cysts
Feeling over-sentimental and possessive.
List 5 conditions indicative of excess moisture in the body
Obesity
Oedema
Benign tumours
Cysts
Candida
Hay fever
Allergies
Weeping skin conditions
How might you treat excessive moisture in the body?
Reduce dairy, sweet or high water content fruit/veg, refined sugars/carbs, smoothies and slimy mucilaginous foods. Avoid steaming and boiling foods.
Increase dry, light, crunchy foods, astringent foods, warming/drying spices. Cook with grilling, baking or dry roasting.
List 5 each of the components/characteristics of Yin and Yang
Yin = Water
Cold & Moist
Matter
Contraction
Descending
Nourishing
Yang = Fire
Hot and dry
Energy
Expansion
Rising
Moving
Briefly describe the concept of yin and yang
Good health is an expression of harmony between the two. When out of balance, there is dis-ease.
Describe some Yin foods
Cooling, hydrating, and nourishing.
Cooling bitter, leafy greens, watery fruit and veg.
Nourishing soups, stews, broths, dark leaft greens, fruit, yoghurt, honey, oysters, nut milk