Now that I have your attention, let me explain (and perhaps, just maybe, dial it back a tad)….
In Chinese Medicine, the Spleen and Stomach are the major organs for digestion, in charge of transporting & transforming all that you eat and drink into energy and blood. The Spleen in particular, dislikes things that are cold, raw and damp because they are much more difficult for your body to process. There is a ‘digestive fire’ in each of us that needs to stay lit to provide the warmth necessary for digestion to work smoothly. When we ingest things that are cold, raw or damp, it lessens our ‘digestive fire’ and the Spleen and Stomach have a more difficult time transporting and transforming food into energy and blood, which often results in fatigue, bloating/gas, loose bowel movements, and foggy/unclear thinking. This is especially important as we move into colder months, lessening our intake of cold and raw foods, and increasing our intake of warm drinks and cooked foods.
This is why your acupuncturist is likely internally (and/or externally) cringing when you say that you’re having a smoothie for breakfast each morning. As practitioners of Chinese Medicine, we know that it is a different perspective to take on things than most of us are used to, and we really don’t want to be the proverbial Evil Stepmother that says absolutely NO smoothies, dairy, sugar, etc. Though we know that if you lessen and/or modify these things, it will serve you well.
SO, if you positively must have your smoothies – here are some tips to think about:
- Don’t use ice (pretty please?!)
- Drink at room temperature
- Try not to drink it first thing in the a.m.
- Add some warmth by using ginger and/or turmeric
- Avoid dairy, perhaps trying some non-dairy alternatives like coconut or almond milk
- Moderate/lessen your smoothie intake during winter months
- When you have a smoothie, balance it with other warm drinks and cooked foods that day
In conclusion, love your Spleen, and it will love you.
