Supplement Series: Build Digestive Fire
Food is transformed in the body when it is heated by our digestive fire. In Chinese Medicine, we believe that keeping the digestive fire burning, just like a pilot light is imperative to our optimal digestion and microbiome health. The Spleen is the organ in Chinese Medicine that is responsible for digestive fire. The Spleen is the official in the body kingdom in charge of transportation of foods, physiologically and thoughts or ideas on an energetic level. When digestive fire is low, we can experience a variety of symptoms including reflux or heart burn, abdominal discomfort, food stagnation, constipation or diarrhea, worry, ruminating thoughts and fatigue.
One way you can check your digestive fire besides the symptoms is to place your hand on your low abdomen, your mid ambdomen under the ribs and your sternum or chest. If there are differences in temperature, that indicates imbalance. If the mid abdomen is cool to touch, chances are, your digestive fire is low.
Here are some ways to support digestive fire building. Bitter foods are the key to keeping the digestive fire well. The bitter foods of the fire element feed the earth element, spleen and stomach. The bitter flavor is the most common missing flavor in Western diets.
Bitter Vegetables to Stimulate Digestive Fire
Alfalfa
Sprouts
Asparagus
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Celery
Kale
Lettuce
Scallions
Turnip
Bitter Herbs to Stimulate Digestive Fire
Basil
Cardamom
Fenugreek
Marjoram
Oregano
Parsley
Sage
Savory
Thyme
Tumeric
Other Bitter Foods to Stimulate Digestive Fire
Drinks: Chamomile Tea, Dandelion Tea, Elderflower, Hops, Green & Black Teas
Grains: Amaranth Rye
Meats: Liver
Nuts / Seeds: Pistachio, Pumpkin Seeds
Supplements to Support Digestive Fire
Bitters - I recommend bitters to all my clients as a starting point to rekindle the digestive fire. Working with bitters for 1-3 months, while beginning to incorporate bitter foods into your diet daily is setting your body up for success. Bitters are available in liquid or capsule form. Here are my favorite products.
Use the links above to save 15%. Clicking the links will bring you to FullScript, my online prescription dispensary. In order to purchase, you will need to create your own account with FullScript. This will allow you to keep track of your supplements and easily reorder or subscribe if you prefer.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Furthermore, this blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.