Dietary Guide

In TCM, the lung organ system is responsible for certain aspects of the immune system. A diagnosis of lung heat often means that our immune system needs additional support. To do this, it is helpful to eat foods that remove heat and protect the lungs. Even though TCM generally emphasizes lightly cooked foods, raw fruit and vegetables are included in the nutritional guidelines for lung heat, because they are cooling. Since most animal sources of protein are heating in nature, vegetarian protein options are also recommended.

For lung heat, the ratio of food groups should be as follows:

30% easily digested complex carbohydrates like grains and root vegetables

40-60% vegetables

10% protein

Foods that Benefit Lung Heat

* include plenty of fluids, especially in the form of soups

millet, wheat, barley

tofu, tempeh, soy milk, mung beans, miso

celery, spinach, swiss chard, cucumber, lettuce, radishes, asparagus, eggplants, cabbage, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, watercress, mung bean sprouts, carrots, pumpkins, daikon radish, bamboo shoots, turnips, kelp, spirulina

apples, pears, watermelon, peaches, strawberries, lemons, grapefruit, mangoes, persimmons, peppermint, chrysanthemum flower

Foods to Restrict or Avoid

*avoid oily, spicy, hot dishes

chilies, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, onions, shallots, leeks, basil, cloves, wasabi, coffee, vinegar, mustard, horseradish, lamb, large amounts of red meat, shrimp, prawns, veal, cheese, fried food, barbequed food, chocolate, tea

*also avoid cigarettes, alcohol, recreational stimulants

________________________________________________________________________

References:

Goldsmith, E. & Klein, M. (2017). Nutritional Healing with Chinese Medicine. Robert Rose Inc: Canada

MacLean, W. & Lyttleton, J. (2002). Clinical Handbook of Internal Medicine, Vol. 2. University of Western Sydney: Australia.

Pitchford, P. (2002). Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books, US.

Saper, J. (2006). Traditional Chinese Dietary Therapy. https://www.eastmountain.ca/resources.html#diet.

Walraven, J. (n.d.). Nutrition. https://joywalraven.com/nutrition/.

Disclaimer

This factsheet is not intended to diagnose or assess. The information provided is meant to complement rather than substitute for a consultation with a qualified TCM practitioner.