What We Can Learn from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Microbiome Health
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Having been in existence for more than 3,000 years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest forms of personalized medicine. It is firmly rooted in physiology and natural law, and uses a different paradigm that Western medicine.
It has several basic principles, which include:
Underlying disharmony must be understood and addressed in order to regain health;
Prevention is the best cure;
The body is designed to heal itself;
Optimal health is not a static state of being;
Movement is essential for the body;
Our bodies are influenced by nature and we will thrive when in accordance with nature.
In addition to these basic principles, TCM rests on a framework of five elements that include fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. According to TCM’s Five Element Theory, all living things are comprised of these basic elements.
What is the Gut Microbiome?
Our gut is home to our digestive system as well as our gut microbiome, which is the collection of intelligent microbes and their genetic material. The microbiome has become recognized as a critical contributor to our health outcomes, including disease, mood, immunity, and inflammation. As a mighty and powerful force, the gut microbiome contains ten times more cells compared to our human cells, and over 150 times as many genes as the human body. When you have a healthy microbiome, you have an easier time staying free of disease and house a full spectrum of diverse bacteria that produce vitamins, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and immune regulating molecules on your behalf.
How do the Microbiome and TCM Integrate?
TCM’s principles are based around the body as an integrated whole. Similarly, with our current understanding of the microbiome, we now understand that we are Superorganisms and that our human body and commensal bacteria ought to be viewed holistically. Our microbiome serves us in various ways through digestion optimization and immunity. For example, when we eat fiber, we grow healthy bacteria such as lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and prevotella, and they, in turn, provide us three SCFA’s: acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These SCFAs are linked to numerous health benefits, including making the colon more acidic (which prevents the growth of inflammatory and pathogenic bacteria), dysbiosis correction, lowering body weight, and decreasing cholesterol!
The Spleen-Stomach Theory is a foundational theory in TCM. (It is important to note that the Chinese “spleen” is not synonymous with western medicine anatomically or physiologically.) In this unique and complex theory, TCM emphasizes that the Spleen-Stomach transforms food into nutrients (which are sources of Qi, or life force) and blood. This theory looks at functional integration of organs involved in digestion, immunity, and metabolism, which is consistent with the roles of the gut microbiota. The symptoms of a deficiency in the Spleen-Stomach are congruent with the symptoms one would expect to see with a negatively altered gut microbiome (decreased count of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium); these symptoms include loose stools, constipation, and reduced food intake. What is interesting is that the same herbal formula, known as Sijunzi, that restores balance for the Spleen-Stomach concerns of TCM also appears to have positive impacts on nine or more bacteria genera that can adjust our SCFA outcomes and positively impact the immune system.
We can go a step further to say TCM remedies allow the maintenance of homeostasis of intestinal flora, and the gut microbiome can also impact how TCM impacts our body. We see this with the “Ling-Zhi” (reishi fungus) herb used in TCM. When studied on animals, it has been proven to change the composition of the gut microbiome and can help to reverse a high-fat diet- induced gut dysbiosis; it also helps to maintain the intestinal barrier integrity of the gut.
Huang-qin decoction (HQD), which has been used for nearly 2,000 years in TCM, is used to decrease gastrointestinal symptoms such as relieving diarrhea and pain. In animal studies, it has been shown to improve immune function while also improving a microbial balance in the gut. Similarly, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Chinese licorice) commonly used in TCM to alleviate symptoms of sore throat and gastrointestinal diseases also increases Firmicutes bacteria (which can lead to more efficient absorption of calories) and promotes an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
Using the Five Elements to Increase Microbiome Health
In the TCM belief system, we are surrounded by five distinct energy fields including fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. Keeping these fields in balance promotes harmony in our surroundings as well as internally within ourselves. We will be dominant in one element during a specific period of time, and can center our eating habits around our dominant type to support positive health comes according to TCM theory.
Fire
The fire element is associated with the twelve noon and summer season. It is associated with the cardiovascular system and small intestine. When out of balance, anxiety is observed in the individual. Consuming “blood building” foods such as liver, grass fed beef, and green leafy vegetables can help to bring this dominant energy field back into balance. Additionally, the inclusion of beats and tomatoes, pomegranate and Goji berries, as well as coffee and dark chocolate, can be very nourishing to this element.
By consuming dark chocolate (70% cocoa or better), one is consuming both a polyphenol and prebiotic fiber which also benefits the microbiome. Because cocoa is fermented, it increases bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, while also inhibiting pathogens.
Earth
The earth element is associated with the afternoon and late summer season. It is associated with the “spleen,” stomach and pancreas. When out of balance, worry is observed in the individual. Consuming chard, collards, parsnips, spinach, as well as traditional Thanksgiving foods such as squash and sweet potatoes can help to bring this dominant energy field back into balance.
In addition to these food choices, one should also eat meals on a regular schedule; avoid a diet that consists of cold, uncooked foods; create a calm environment for meals; and incorporate natural sweetness into meals through sweet vegetables that are generally orange and yellow in color, such as carrots.
We know that spinach has polyphenol properties, which allows for an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Sweet potatoes also have antioxidants and phytochemicals, as well as fiber.
Metal
The metal element is associated with the evening and autumn season. It is associated with the colon and lungs. When out of balance, grief is observed in the individual. Consuming cabbage, cauliflower, celery, chicken broth, cucumber, ginger, peppermint, tofu, and tempeh can help to bring this dominant energy field back into balance.
Ginger specifically is a prokinetic- herb that stimulates movement in the GI tract by increasing contractions in the small intestine. In animals, ginger improves bile acid and pancreatic enzyme production which leads to better digestion.
Water
The metal element is associated with the night and winter season. It is associated with the kidneys and gallbladder. When out of balance, fear is observed in the individual. Consuming beets, sea vegetables, kale, miso, and tamari can help to bring this dominant energy field back into balance. Additionally, foods dark in color such as blueberries and blackberries can be beneficial.
Many of the foods on this list, such as beets and sea vegetables, can also improve liver health. Additionally, we also know kale is a food that modulates the microbiota and reduces inflammation.
Wood
The wood element is associated with the morning and spring season. It is associated with the liver and gallbladder. When out of balance, impatience and anger is observed in the individual. Consuming artichokes, broccoli, carrots, zucchini, sprouts, and leafy greens can help to bring this dominant energy field back into balance. Additionally, the consumption of sour foods such as apples and sauerkraut also prove to be beneficial.
Artichokes, specifically Jerusalem artichokes, as well as broccoli are wonderful sources of prebiotic fiber that will help fuel your healthy microbes to produce SCFA effects on the body.
Final Remarks…
The latest research suggests there could be a positive relationship between TCM and positive gut microbiome effects. Both TCM and microbiome research look at health holistically, and both encourage eating strategies that optimize wellness and microbial health. When considering areas of opportunity to improve your health, you could consider eating for your element and beginning mindful movement (such as Tai chi). If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned health issues and are interested in working with a TCM practitioner, the NCCAOM offers a search directory of licensed professionals.
Heal Your Gut, Heal Your Life!
With Love,
Katherine
Is your gut causing you issues? Do you need help losing weight, or maintaining weight loss? Book an appointment with me to see if the Ahimsa Signature Plan can help you.
Works Cited
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