How did I get too cold and how would I know?

It’s easy to overlook the subtle impact temperature can have in our food choices effecting our overall health & well-being. Commonly consumed foods, especially those on the colder side, might be silently contributing to imbalances within our bodies.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers interesting insights into cold & heat within your body, providing a holistic approach to rebalancing through mindful eating. Learn why common health foods might be too cold and how Chinese Medicine’s ancient wisdom can guide us toward better choices.

Common Foods that Cause Excessive cold in the body.

These commonly consumed cold and raw foods have potential negative effects on the digestive system if we eat them too often from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective.

1. Salads:
   • Potential Issue: May weaken the digestive system, leading to bloating and loose stools.
   • Remedy: Include warming spices like ginger and vinegar in dressings, or lightly steam vegetables before adding to salads.
2. Smoothies:
   • Potential Issue: Cold nature may hinder digestion and lead to spleen deficiency.
   • Remedy: Leave out the ice, add a pinch of warming spices such as cinnamon, and drink at room temperature or use slightly warm ingredients.
   • Take food enzymes before consuming.
3. Raw Vegetables:
   • Potential Issue: Cold in the stomach, hindering digestion.
   • Remedy: Lightly cook vegetables or incorporate them into soups to make them easier to digest.
4. Sushi:
   • Potential Issue: Consuming raw fish and cold rice may strain the digestive system.
   • Remedy: Opt for cooked sushi options or include warming accompaniments like wasabi and ginger.
5. Cold Pressed Juices:
   • Potential Issue: Lack of fiber and the cold nature may impact digestive fire.
   • Remedy: Drink at room temperature and consider adding warming spices like ginger. Make sure you get adequate fiber to cancel out the sugar.
6. Raw Fruits:
   • Potential Issue: Cold in nature, may cause stomach discomfort.
   • Remedy: Opt for ripe fruits and balance with warming spices like cinnamon. Not suitable as only food for breakfast. You need protein.
7. Raw Nuts:
   • Potential Issue: Cold nature can be harsh on the digestive system.
   • Remedy: Roast or soak nuts to reduce their coldness and aid digestion.
   • Take enzymes and make sure you chew the nuts well.
8. Coleslaw:
   • Potential Issue: Raw cabbage may be hard to digest for some individuals.
   • Remedy: Steam or lightly cook cabbage before incorporating it into coleslaw.
   • Chew well and take some food enzymes to help with nutrient breakdown.
9. Cold Pasta Salad:
   • Potential Issue: Cold pasta may slow down digestion.
   • Remedy: Opt for warm or room temperature pasta dishes and add warming spices.
10. Ice Cream:
    • Potential Issue: Excessive coldness and sugars can weaken digestion.
    • Remedy: Stop eating it. Lol.
11. Raw Honey:
    • Potential Issue: Cold nature, may impact the digestive system.
    • Remedy: Mix with warm water or include in warm beverages.
12. Cold Cuts:
    • Potential Issue: Processed and cold, nitrates may strain digestion.
    • Remedy: Choose fresh cooked or grilled meats and balance with warming sides.
13. Cold Yogurt:
    • Potential Issue: Cold dairy may be hard to digest for some.
    • Remedy: Opt for room temperature yogurt, and consider fermented varieties.
14. Cold Coffee Beverages:
    • Potential Issue: Cold nature may impact digestive fire.
    • Remedy: Choose warm or hot coffee, and limit cold coffee intake.
15. Cold Puddings:
    • Potential Issue: Cold and dairy-based, may be hard on digestion.
    • Remedy: Opt for warm or room temperature puddings and consider plant-based alternatives.

How do I know if I’ve been affected by eating too many cold and raw foods?

Signs and Symptoms of Excessive Cold and Raw Food Consumption

1. Digestive Discomfort:

• Symptoms: Bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort due to the cooling effect on the digestive system.
• Potential Diagnoses:
  1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Characterized by abdominal discomfort, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
  2. Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often leading to digestive symptoms.
  3. Dyspepsia: Commonly referred to as indigestion, causing discomfort and bloating after eating.

2. Loose Stools:

• Symptoms: Increased frequency of loose or watery stools, indicating potential digestive imbalance.
• Potential Diagnoses:
  1. Gastroenteritis: Infections or inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to diarrhea.
  2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Diarrhea-predominant IBS can cause frequent loose stools.
  3. Food Sensitivity or Allergy: Certain foods, including raw or cold items, might trigger gastrointestinal reactions.

3. Fatigue:

• Symptoms: Feeling lethargic and low in energy, possibly due to the spleen’s weakened digestive function.
• Potential Diagnoses:
  1. Anemia: A condition where the body lacks enough red blood cells, leading to fatigue and weakness.
  2. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Persistent, unexplained fatigue that is not improved by rest.
  3. Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can cause fatigue and a feeling of being constantly tired.

4. Cold Sensation:

• Symptoms: Frequent feelings of coldness, especially in the extremities, reflecting an internal imbalance.
• Potential Diagnoses:
  1. Hypothyroidism: Slowed metabolism can lead to a feeling of being cold.
  2. Anemia: Reduced circulation and oxygen delivery may contribute to a sensation of coldness.
  3. Raynaud’s Disease: A condition affecting blood flow to certain areas, leading to cold fingers and toes.

5. Pale Complexion:

• Symptoms: Skin appearing pale or lacking luster, indicative of potential blood and Qi deficiency.
• Potential Diagnoses:
  1. Anemia: Reduced red blood cells can result in paleness.
  2. Iron Deficiency: Insufficient iron can lead to a pale complexion.
  3. Hypotension: Low blood pressure may cause paleness.

6. Frequent Urination:

• Symptoms: Increased urge to urinate, suggesting potential kidney Qi weakness.
• Potential Diagnoses:
  1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Infections in the urinary tract can cause increased frequency.
  2. Diabetes Mellitus: High blood sugar levels can lead to frequent urination.
  3. Overactive Bladder: A condition where the bladder contracts involuntarily, causing frequent urination.

7. Poor Appetite:

• Symptoms: Reduced interest in eating, potentially due to a weakened digestive fire.
• Potential Diagnoses:
  1. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions such as gastritis or peptic ulcers can lead to a reduced appetite.
  2. Thyroid Disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can affect appetite.
  3. Depression: Mental health conditions can impact eating habits, leading to a decreased appetite.

8. Stomach Pain:

• Symptoms: Discomfort or pain in the stomach region, often associated with cold stagnation.
• Potential Diagnoses:
  1. Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can cause pain.
  2. Gastroenteritis: Infections in the gastrointestinal tract may result in stomach pain.
  3. Peptic Ulcer Disease: Open sores in the stomach lining or small intestine can cause abdominal pain.

9. Water Retention:

• Symptoms: Swelling and edema, particularly in the extremities, signaling potential fluid imbalances.
• Potential Diagnoses:
  1. Edema: Generalized swelling may be a sign of fluid retention.
  2. Kidney Disorders: Conditions affecting kidney function can lead to water retention.
  3. Heart Failure: Impaired heart function can result in fluid buildup in various body tissues.

10. Joint Stiffness:

• Symptoms: Increased stiffness and discomfort in the joints, potentially linked to cold dampness affecting the body.
• Potential Diagnoses:
  1. Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder affecting joints.
  2. Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of joint cartilage can lead to stiffness.
  3. Lupus: An autoimmune condition that may cause joint stiffness and pain.

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Now that we know what causes excess cold and how it can effect us, check out this blog about DIY remedies and holistic treatments to help.