Nutritional Guidelines for Lung Heat

In TCM, the lung organ system is responsible for certain aspects of the immune system.
A diagnosis of lung heat often means that our immune system needs additional support.
To do this, it is helpful to eat foods that remove heat and protect the lungs. Even though
TCM generally emphasizes lightly cooked foods, raw fruit and vegetables are included in
the nutritional guidelines for lung heat, because they are cooling. Since most animal
sources of protein are heating in nature, vegetarian protein options are also
recommended.
For lung heat, the ratio of food groups should be as follows:
30% easily digested complex carbohydrates like grains and root vegetables
40-60% vegetables
10% protein
Foods that Benefit Lung Heat
* include plenty of fluids, especially in the form of soups
millet, wheat, barley
tofu, tempeh, soy milk, mung beans, miso
celery, spinach, swiss chard, cucumber, lettuce, radishes, asparagus, eggplants, cabbage,
tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, watercress, mung bean sprouts, carrots,
pumpkins, daikon radish, bamboo shoots, turnips, kelp, spirulina
apples, pears, watermelon, peaches, strawberries, lemons, grapefruit, mangoes,
persimmons, peppermint, chrysanthemum flower
Foods to Restrict or Avoid
*avoid oily, spicy, hot dishes
chilies, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, onions, shallots, leeks, basil, cloves, wasabi, coffee,
vinegar, mustard, horseradish, lamb, large amounts of red meat, shrimp, prawns, veal,
cheese, fried food, barbequed food, chocolate, tea
*also avoid cigarettes, alcohol, recreational stimulants