Natural Health Tips – Digestion and Cold
HEALING PRINCIPLES OF ACUPUNCTURE AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
A natural health tip when it comes to eating is to never take cold foods or drinks. Cold cools down the digestive fires and depletes the body energy. Ice drinks are often considered a major cause of weak digestion which can lead to a variety of ailments including allergies, weight gain, heart burn, constipation, diarrhea and fatigue to say a few. The digestive system 
prefers warmth for optimal health. Imagine the digestive tract as the pipes connected to the kitchen sink. Hot water, as opposed to cold can loosen any grease that has collected and keep those pipes flowing. The digestive tract is about 25 to 30 feet long making this an important system to avoid obstruction. Cold constricts and can cause obstruction to digestive contents including the bowels. In addition, food that is cooked is easier to digest. A stir-fry of veggies is easier to digest than a raw salad. The hard outside layer of a raw vegetable is more difficult to break down rather than a vegetable that has been softened by cooking. The easiest meal to digest is in the form of soup. During times of sickness or for people with weak digestive systems including the elderly, soup can be one of the best ways to promote optimal digestion to nourish the body.
Christopher Carlow, D. Ac.Doctor of Acupuncture July 13, 2008
