Healthy Eating – Page 3 – Center for Integrated Eastern Medicine

Bitter Melon’s Therapeutic Affects on Type 2 Diabetes

Posted on June 12, 2016May 9, 2016 by somes

Scientists have uncovered the therapeutic properties of bitter melon, a vegetable and traditional Chinese medicine, that make it a powerful treatment for Type 2 diabetes.

Teams from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica pulped roughly a tonne of fresh bitter melon and extracted four very promising bioactive components. These four compounds all appear to activate the enzyme AMPK, a protein well known for regulating fuel metabolism and enabling glucose uptake.

“We can now understand at a molecular level why bitter melon works as a treatment for diabetes,” said Professor David James, Director of the Diabetes and Obesity Program at Garvan. “By isolating the compounds we believe to be therapeutic, we can investigate how they work together in our cells.”

People with Type 2 diabetes have an impaired ability to convert the sugar in their blood into energy in their muscles. This is partly because they don’t produce enough insulin, and partly because their fat and muscle cells don’t use insulin effectively, a phenomenon known as ‘insulin resistance’.

[…]

Chinese Medicine 101: Liver/Gall Bladder System

Posted on February 15, 2015November 10, 2015 by somes

In order for our patients to receive more information on the fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and associated western symptoms, we are putting together a series of very basic information of each system. It is not meant to be all inclusive or include every combination or possibility of a diagnosis from a TCM perspective, that is up to your practitioner to figure out. Your practitioner will help you understand your specific diagnosis.

We are also including some common foods that a patient can eat in order to assist in balancing their energy and associated patterns.

Liver Meridian

The Liver Meridian travels from the big toe up the inner side of leg as shown in the picture.

Liver Syndromes

The Liver System in TCM is different in many ways than what we think of as the liver system in western medicine. The liver element has the following correspondences:

Yin associated Yang organ is the Gall Bladder
Color: Green
Flavor: Sour & Acidic
Emotion: Anger, irritability and jealousy
Tissue: Ligaments and tissues
Sense: Vision
Element: Wood

The Liver Qi in TCM has the following etiology and associated pathology signs/symptoms:

Maintains the free flow of Qi – Distending pain in the chest and hypochondriac region, pain in the chest, emotions: anger, irritability, and depression
Stores Blood – Hemoptysis in stomach, epistaxis in lung, uterine bleeding, menstrual flow involving Spleen, Chong and Ren Channels.
Controls Tendons – Deformed, dry lusterless nails, lack of flexibility, numbness, contractions, and spasms
Opens into the eyes – Redness, swelling of the eyes
Paired with Gallbladder – Jaundice, bitter taste in mouth, affects bile secretion, vomit bitter fluids

Liver Qi Stagnation:

Distention and pain in the sides
Suffocating sensation in the chest
Tendency to sigh
Melancholy, depression, anxiety and stress
Irritability, sudden onset of anger
Lump in throat or “Plum Pit Qi”

Liver and Stomach:

Vomiting
Acid regurgitation
Abdominal distention

Liver and Spleen:

Diarrhea
Poor appetite
Nausea

In women:

Irregular menses
Dysmenorrhea
Distension and pain in breasts before and during menses

Western symptoms: Neurosis, Menstrual disorders, PMS, Mastitis, Scrofula

Dietary recommendations:

Rye, Artichoke, Carrot, Shiitake, Beetroot, Broccoli, Leek, Onion, Blackberry, Cherry, Date, Mulberry, Orange, Pine kernel, Pistachio, Carp, Eel, Mackerel, Shrimp, Trout, Beef, Chicken (liver), Pigeon, Pork, Quail, Venison, Aniseed, Fennel seed, Hawthorn, Licorice, Oregano, Sage, Turmeric, Barberry bark, Blue cohosh, Celandine, Chaste Tree, Cramp bark, Dandelion root, Gentian, Mistletoe, Lavender, Microalgae, Motherwort, Mugwort, Myrrh, Parsley seed, Passion flower, Pollen, Rhubarb root, Saw Palmetto, Scullcap, Spearmint, St Johns Wort, Vervain, Sugar (brown), Molasses, Chamomile, Coffee, Spirits, Tea, Wine, Beta-carotene, Royal Jelly

Liver Yin Deficiency.

Afternoon fever
Night sweats
Insomnia
Blurred or impaired vision
Dizziness
Dry eyes
Dry throat
Dry skin
Headaches
Menses light or late
Nervousness
Night blindness
Thirst
Tinnitus

Western symptoms: Chronic eye disease, Hepatitis, Hypertension, Menopause, Menstrual issues, Meniere’s Syndrome, Neurosis

Dietary recommendations:

Geranium, Jasmine, Rose, Royal Jelly, Chrysanthemum, Hops, Black Cohosh, Beef, Chicken (liver), Pigeon, Pork, Abalone, Clam, Cuttlefish, Eel, Octopus, Oyster, Flax, Pine kernel, Sesame, Lima bean, Soybean (black), Strawberry, Raspberry, Plum, Orange, Avocado, Mulberry, Kelp, Tomato, Spinach, Artichoke

Liver Fire Flaring upwards:

Severe, splitting headaches
Dizziness/Vertigo
Sudden tinnitus or deafness
Red face
Red, swollen, painful eyes
Irascibility, with violent angry outbursts
Inpatients/restlessness
Dry mouth with bitter taste
Insomnia
Constipation or dry stools
Thirst
Vomiting sour or bitter liquid
Yellow or dark urine

Western symptoms: Acute conjunctivitis, Glaucoma, Hypertension, Meniere’s Syndrome, Menopause symptoms, Retinal hemorrhage, Otitis media

Dietary recommendations:

Kelp, Gooseberry, Seitan, Broccoli, Plantain, Spinach, Water chestnut, Agar, Lemon, Lime, Mulberry, Plum, Abalone, Clam, Quail, Licorice, Aloe, Barberry, Chrysanthemum, Feverfew, Gentian, Lady’s mantle, Mugwort, Plantain, Rose, Spearmint, Valerian, Wood Sorrel, Violet, Dandelion root, Beta-carotene, Vitamin A, Clary sage, Chamomile, Jasmine, Rose

Liver Blood Deficiency:

Dizziness
Insomnia with dreaming
Eye problems (dry eyes, floaters, blurred visions, night blindness)
Muscle weakness, spasms, or numbness
Sallow complexion
Pale lips
Irregular or scanty menstrual flow
Dry, withered or pale fingernails
Dry skin
Irritability, easily frightened

Western symptoms: Anemia, Chronic eye disease, Chronic hepatitis, Hypotension/hypertension, Menstrual issues, Neurosis

Dietary recommendations:

Artichoke, Beetroot, Dandelion leaf, Spinach, Shiitake, Kelp, Avocado, Cherry, Date, Mulberry, Soybean (black), Tempeh, Sesame, Carp, Cuttlefish, Eel, Mussel, Octopus, Oyster, Beef, Beef (liver), Lamb (liver), Pork (liver), Nettle, Gentian, Microalgae, Pollen, Wheatgrass, Yellow Dock root, Molasses, Dangui, Folic Acid, Iron, Spirulina, Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex

Liver Yang Rising:

Irritability
Dizziness
Flush face
Tinnitus
Insomnia
Headache
Palpitations
Red, dry eyes with the feeling of grit in the eye
Dry mouth and throat with bitter taste in mouth

Western symptoms: Hypertension, Hyperthyroidism, Meniere’s Syndrome, Menopause, Neuraesthenia

Dietary recommendations:

Stagnation of Cold in the Liver Channel:

Pain, distention, fullness and cold in lower abdomen
Swelling and pain in the scrotum, alleviated by warmth
Cold limbs
Fear of cold and desire for warmth

Western symptoms: Disorders of the testicles, Hydrocele, Inguinal hernia, Intestinal spasm, PID, Prostatitis, Variocele

Dietary recommendations:

Basil, Jasmine, Spirits, Wine, Saw Palmetto, Rosemary, Asafoetida, Bay, Chive seed, Fennel seed, Mussel, Shrimp, Trout, Pine kernel, Cherry, Lychee, Leek, Fennel bulb

Liver Wind:

Caused by blood deficiency:

Blurred vision
Dizziness, vertigo
Numbness of limbs
Tremor or tic of hands and feet
Spasms or involuntary movements of the limbs
Involuntary shaking of the head

Caused by extreme heat in Liver:

High fever
Convulsions
Neck stiffness
Severe vertigo
Coma
Difficulty speaking

Cause by Liver Yang rising:

Dizziness with severe vertigo
Headache
Numbness and tremor of the limbs
Twitching of hands and feet
Unsteady gate
Deviation of the mouth and eyes
Tinnitus
Sudden loss of consciousness
Facial paralysis
Hemiplegia

Western symptoms: Anemia, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s Disease, Urticaria, Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), Meningitis, Epidemic Encephalitis, Essential hypertension, Aphasia, Epilepsy, Migraines

Dietary recommendations:

Rye, Broccoli, Celery, Dandelion leaf, Water chestnut, Hijiki, Kelp, Nori, Wakame, Grape, Mandarin, Mulberry, Soybean (black), Eel, Quail, Blackcurrant leaf, Cleavers, Couch grass, Horsetail, Lovage root, Parsley seed, Tea

[…]

Chinese Med 101: Heart/Small Intestine System, Circulation

Posted on January 31, 2015November 10, 2015 by somes

In order for our patients to receive more information on the fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and associated western symptoms, we are putting together a series of very basic information of each system. It is not meant to be all inclusive or include every combination or possibility of a diagnosis from a TCM perspective, that is up to your practitioner to figure out. Your practitioner will help you understand your specific diagnosis.

We are also including some common foods that a patient can eat in order to assist in balancing their energy and associated patterns.

Heart Meridian

The Heart Meridian travels from the pinky, up the inner side of arm as shown in the picture.

Heart Syndromes

The Heart System in TCM is different in many ways than what we think of as the circulatory system in western medicine. The heart element has the following correspondences:

Yin associated Yang organ is the Small Intestine
Color: Red
Flavor: Bitter
Emotion: Happiness/Joy
Tissue: Blood and vessels
Sense: Speach
Element: Fire

The Heart Qi in TCM has the following etiology and associated pathology signs/symptoms:

Dominates blood – Stagnant blood, extremities cold, lack of strength, poor constitution
Controls vessels – Irregular pulse
Complexion – Blue lusterless complexion, ruddy lustrous complexion
Hair is the ends of blood – dry brittle hair
Small Intestine relationship – Defecation and urination disorders
Houses Shen (spirit) – Mental symptoms, illogical speech, mind not clear, insomnia
Controls speech – forgetfulness

Heart Qi deficiency:

Palpitations
Shortness of breath
Excessive perspiration (daytime)
Symptoms worse after exertion
Facial pallor
Fatigue, weakness
Suffocating sensation in the chest

Western symptoms: Cardiac failure, Cardiac disease, Arrhythmia, Reactive depression (neurosis), Coronary Arteriosclerosis

Dietary recommendations:

Oats, Rye, Wheat germ, Reishi, Apple, Cherry, Longan, Chickpea, Lentil, Pheasant, Cinnamon bark, Hawthorn, Licorice, Sage, Thyme, Arnica Flower, Hawthorn, Pollen, Rue, Yarrow, Algea, Ginseng (American), Coconut

Heart Yin Deficiency.

Palpitations
Low grade fever
Irritability
Night sweats
Insomnia
Dry mouth, thirst
Excess dreaming
Dry throat, mouth
Poor memory
Malar flush
Anxiety
May be depressed

Western symptoms: Anemia, Arrhythmia, Reactive Hypertension, Hyperthyroidism, Neurosis, Tachycardia

Dietary recommendations:

Wheat, Apple, Persimmon, Mung Bean, Coconut milk, Cuttlefish, Arnica Flower, Chickweed, Ginseng (American), Hops, Rose

Heart Blood Deficiency:

Palpitations
Poor memory
Excess dreaming
Anxiety
Dizziness
Insomnia
Pale lips
Dull complexion
Lack of concentration
May be depressed
Fatigue

Western symptoms: Aesthenia, Anemia, Neurosis, Hyperthyroidism

Dietary recommendations:

Oats, Wheat germ, Beetroot, Reishi, Longan, Coconut, Chickweed, Microalgae, Pollen

Heart Yang Deficiency:

Palpitations
Shortness of breath on exertion
Four limbs cold
Watery stool with undigested food
Mental cloudiness
Bright – pale face

Western symptoms: Cardiac insufficiency, Cardiac Failure, Depressive neurosis, Arrhythmia, Shock, Angina pectoris

Dietary recommendations:

Scallions, Aniseed, Cayenne, Chili, Cinnamon bark, Garlic, Ginger (dry), Rosemary, Aconite, Arnica Flower

Heart Fire:

Ulcerations, erosion and pain in the mouth and tongue
Thirst with a desire for cold drinks
Irritability
Feeling of heat and disturbance in the heart
Insomnia
May be red or flushed face
Bitter taste in mouth
Inability to stay asleep
Extremely anxious
Deep yellow urine

Western symptoms: Tongue ulcers, Avitaminosis

Dietary recommendations:

Wheat, Wheat germ, Lotus root, Apple, Persimmon, Watermelon, Aduki bean, Mung bean, Vitamin C, Clary Sage

Heart Phlegm-Fire:

Irritability
Palpitations
Bitter taste in mouth
Insomnia
Dream disturbed sleep
Agitated
Restless
Alternates between depression and confusion

Western symptoms: Manic or hypomanic psychosis, Schizophrenia, Epilepsy, Neurosis

Dietary recommendations:

Hijiki, Agar, Persimmon, Aduki bean, Chickpea, Aniseed, Licorice, Sage, Calamus, Lobelia, Myrrh, Rhubarb root, Sandalwood, St John’s Wort, Yarrow, Tea (black and green), Neroli

Heart Qi/Blood Stagnation:

Palpitations
Cold hands
Heart pain radiating down arm into palm
Oppressive discomfort in the chest

Western symptoms: Angina pectoris, Coronary artery disease, Heart Attack, Myocardial infarction, Pericarditis

Dietary recommendations:

Oats, Rye, Wheat Germ, Beetroot, Lotus root, Scallion, Cherry, Aniseed, Cayenne, Chili, Cinnamon bark, Garlic, Ginger (fresh), Hawthorn, Licorice, Oregano, Pepper (black), Thyme, Arnica flower, Barberry bark, Camphor resin, Catnip, Celandine, Cinnamon twig, Aduki bean, Frankincense, Hops, Mistletoe, Lavender, Limeflower, Lobelia, Motherwort, Myrrh, Pasque flower, Passionflower, Rhubarb root, Rose, Rue, Scullcap, St Johns Wort, Spirits

[…]

Chinese Medicine 101 – Spleen/Stomach and Digestive System

Posted on January 21, 2015November 10, 2015 by somes

In order for our patients to receive more information on the fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and associated western symptoms, we are putting together a series of very basic information of each system. It is not meant to be all inclusive or include every combination or possibility of a diagnosis from a TCM perspective, that is up to your practitioner to figure out. Your practitioner will help you understand your specific diagnosis.

We are also including some common foods that a patient can eat in order to assist in balancing their energy and associated patterns.

Spleen Meridian

The Spleen Meridian travels from the upper part of the chest down the inside of the arm to the thumb on bilateral. As shown in the picture.

Spleen Syndromes

The Spleen System is very different it TCM than in western medicine. It is the powerhouse system that produces energy for the entire body. Spleen Element correspondences include:

Yin associated Yang organ is the Stomach
Color: Yellow
Flavor: Sweet
Emotion: Anxiety, desire, pensiveness
Tissue: Muscles
Sense: Taste
Element: Earth

The Spleen Qi in TCM has the following etiology and associated pathology signs/symptoms:

Dominates muscle – Thin muscles, general weakness
Controls blood – Bruising on skin, bloody stool
Related to Stomach – Decrease food intake, retention of food, gastric distention, nausea, vomiting
Transportation and transformation of nutrients – Sallow complexion, pale lips, abdominal distention, loose stool, cold limbs, lack of strength
Transportation and transformation of fluids – pressing sensation on chest, phlegm accumulation, ascites, edema, nausea, heavy limbs and body
Qi ascends – Shortness of breath, chronic diarrhea, prolapse of anus and uterus

There are several patterns associated with Spleen Qi.

Spleen Qi Deficiency

Tiredness
Limbs feel heavy and weak
Loose stool
Digestive issues
Poor concentration

Western symptoms: Anemia, gastric issues and ulcers, chronic neurosis, chronic gastritis or enteritis, IBS

Dietary recommendations:

Oats, Rice, Rye, Seitan, Carrots, Potato, Pumpkin, Squash (winter), Watercress. Yam, Shiitake, Apples, Cherry, Grapes, Papaya, Chickpea, Lentil, Soybean (yellow), Tofu, Almonds, Chestnuts, Coconut, Peanut, Sunflower seeds, Carp, Mullet, Salmon, Tuna, Beef, Chicken, Duck, Goat, Ham, Turkey, Cinnamon bark, Licorice, Thyme, Astragalus, Ginseng, Kava Kava, Pollen, Saw Palmetto, Beer, Chamomile, Soy Milk, Algae

Spleen Yang Deficiency:

Bloating after eating
Loose stools
Low appetite
Edema
Cold limbs
Chilliness

Western symptoms: similar to above

Dietary recommendations:

Chestnuts, Anchovy, Shrimp, Goat, Lamb, Basil, Cayenne, Chili, Cinnamon bark, Clove, Dill seed, Garlic, Ginger, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Aconite, Ginseng, Jasmine flower, Saw Palmetto, Ginger

Dampness in Spleen/Stomach:

Full feeling
Nausea
Low appetite
Loose stool
Muzzy head
Tired and heavy
Sticky yellow coat on tongue

Western symptoms: Acute or chronic gastroenteritis, bacterial dysentery, cirrhosis of liver, chronic hepititis

Dietary recommendations:

Buckwheat, Rye, Alfalfa, Asparagus, Caper, Parsnip, Squash (winter), Turnip, Watercress, Oyster Mushroom, Blueberry, Grapefruit peel, Lemon peel, Papaya, Orange peel, Tangerine peel, Aduki been, Blackeye been, Chickpea, Lentil, Mackerel, Tuna, Duck, Quail, Basil, Cardamom, Cinnamon bark, Garlic, Horseradish, Juniper, Nettle, Rosemary, Angelica root, Kava Kava, Ginger […]

Chinese Medicine 101 – Lungs/Large Intestine and Respiratory System

Posted on January 10, 2015November 10, 2015 by somes

In order for our patients to receive more information on the fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and associated western symptoms, we are putting together a series of very basic information of each system. It is not meant to be all inclusive or include every combination or possibility of a diagnosis from a TCM perspective, that is up to your practitioner to figure out. Your practitioner will help you understand your specific diagnosis.

We are also including some common foods that a patient can eat in order to assist in balancing their energy and associated patterns.

Lung Meridian

The Lung Meridian travels from the upper part of the chest down the inside of the arm to the thumb on bilateral. As shown in the picture.

Lung Syndromes

The Lung System in TCM is different in many ways than what we think of as the respiratory system in western medicine. The lung element has the following correspondences:

Yin associated Yang organ is the Large Intestine
Color: White
Flavor: Pungent and Spicy
Emotion: Sorrow, worry, grief
Tissue: Skin
Sense: Smell
Element: Metal

For example: If someone is craving pungent and spicy foods but is never satisfied after eating a little, they might have a Lung associated issue. If one experiences a lot of sorrow, worry or grief, Lung related symptoms may appear.

The Lung Qi in TCM has the following etiology and associated pathology signs/symptoms:

Dominates skin and body hair – Excess sweating, thin dry hair, rough dry skin
Regulates water passages – Difficult flow of urine, edema
Dispersing function – Cough, retention of urine, constipation, shortness of breath
Descending function – Spontaneous sweating, no sweat, edema, constipation and diarrhea
Controls channels and blood – Cold Limbs
Dominates Qi and respiration – Lassitude, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, aversion to cold, cough, panting, dyspenia
Opens into the nose – Nasal obstructions & discharge, loss of sense of smell, difficulty breathing

If a person suffers from a Lung Qi deficiency the following western condition might exist:

Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
Asthma
Allergies
Chronic sickness
Difficulty breathing
Weak Cough
Daytime sweating

Dietary recommendations:

Almonds, Carrot, Cherry, Coconut, Ginseng, Goose, Grape, Licorice, Lentil, Oats, Quinoa, Rice, Sage, Squash, Tofu, Yam, Potato

Since every TCM system has a Yin and Yang component, one could experience a Lung Yin Deficiency. The following western condition might exist:

Chronic bronchitis
Chronic pharyngitis
Diphtheria
Laryngitis
Pulmonary TB
Malar flushing
Night sweats
Dry throat and mouth
Dry cough

Dietary recommendations:

Apple, Asparagus, Banana, Honey, Kidney Bean, Lemon, Mango, Pear, Seaweed, Sesame, Spelt, Spinach,Tofu, Tomato, Wheat, Yam

Another pattern that can occur within the Lungs would be Phlegm in the Lungs or Phlegm and Heat in the Lungs. Signs and symptoms can include the following:

Phlegm only:

Chronic coughing fits
Pale sputum
Shortness of breath
Stuffy feeling in the chest
White coat on tongue

Phlegm and Heat:

Yellow or green phlegm
Barking cough
Shortness of breath
Stuffiness in the chest
Yellow coat on tongue

Dietary recommendations:

For Phlegm: Almonds, Apple Peel, Celery, Garlic, Grapefruit, Lemon peel, Licorice, Olive, Pepper, Peppermint, Tea, Thyme, Walnut

For Phlegm and Heat add: Apple, Asparagus, Bamboo Shoots, Banana, Celery, Grapefruit, Kelp, Lemon, Mint, Potato, Salt, Seaweed

When external pathogens attack the Lung, the following symptoms might appear:

Common cold
Bronchitis
Influenza
Pneumonia
Tonsillitis
Asthma
Dry skin, mouth throat, thirst, hoarse voice
Shortness of breath
White phlegm
Stuffiness in the chest
Cough

For external pathogens, we commonly recommend herbal formulas to help drive them out. However, there are some basic foods you can add to your diet to help the process. Most of the foods are warming to the body.

Basil, Black Pepper, Cayenne, Cherry, Cinnamon, Clove, Garlic, Ginger, Onion, Peach, Rosemary, Scallion, Walnut […]