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Writer's pictureRestore Equilibrium Naturally
Jul 2, 20212 min read

Keep Cool This Summer

Canadians are at increased risk of "heat-related illnesses" especially the elderly and young people with weakened immune systems, due to rising temperatures. As July 2, 2021 about 500 deaths have occurred across Canada due to climate change, with temperature reaching a scorching 49.6°C.

Achieving balance in the body is at the heart of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and what we eat plays a key role in reaching that level of equilibrium.


In TCM, the diet is viewed as a way to “maintain energetic balance”. Diets are considered dynamic and should change with a person’s health, environment and lifestyle. All foods have a particular energy — some more yin, some more yang . Yin foods are typically thought of as cooling and moistening, while yang foods help to warm, dry and heat.


The terms warming and cooling don’t necessarily refer to a food’s temperature or spiciness, but its "energy". From a Chinese medicine perspective, eating cooling foods brings down the heat, and warming foods add heat to the body. The idea is to find a balance between the two, which varies from person to person.


A few examples :


Food preparation also plays a key role in balancing "excess heat". Grilling, frying, and even spicy foods can contribute more heat to our body. With a few exceptions, raw foods or lightly sauteing can alternatively help maintain food properties and individual energy patterns.


Summer temperature is rising, chill out with some Sushi Rolls or turn it into a refreshing California Salad!


INGREDIENTS

  • sushi rice (cooked), roasted seaweed, sesame seeds, crab, avocado and cucumber.

Optional (for salad): add cooked rice noodles or vermicelli.

This information is not intended to provide any medical advice.

 

References:

  • Admin, kalyan, S., Sergio, Alex, & Hilm. (2021, August 4). Canada heat wave 2021 temperature, deaths, Reason, map. My Personal News for Recruitment and Counselling - MPNRC.Org, https://www.mpnrc.org/canada-heat-wave-2021-temperature-deaths-reason-map/.

  • Sweeney, E. (2020, January 17). How balancing 'warming' and 'cooling' foods could benefit your health. HuffPost, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/warming-cooling-foods_l_5e15f675c5b687c7eb5ebb55.

  • Cooling Foods to help balance excess heat. G&L Acupuncture and Wellness Center. (n.d.), https://www.gandlacupuncture.com/article/cooling-foods-to-help-balance-excess-heat.

  • Pitchford, P. (2009). Healing with whole foods: Asian traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books.








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