Nutrition Guidelines for Liver Yin Deficiency

The yin of the body is the aspect that nourishes and moistens. A diagnosis of liver yin
deficiency means that the fluids that moisten the liver are inadequate. A diet that is
nutrient rich and supplementing is recommended to build up liver yin. It is best to
consume foods that are slightly cooked. By lightly cooking food, you preserve the
nutrients, and also ensure that they are readily digested and absorbed.
Some general recommendations for preventing Qi deficiency include eating smaller
meals, eating more frequently, enjoying meals by sitting down to relax (rather than
while working, or watching the news, for example), and chewing thoroughly so you can
both savor the flavors and adequately stimulate the digestive process.
For liver yin deficiency, the ratio of food groups should be as follows:
40% easily digested complex carbohydrates like grains and root vegetables
40% cooked vegetables
20% protein
Foods that Benefit Liver Yin
*include plenty of fluids, especially in the form of soups
wheat, oats, rice, millet, barley
adzuki beans, black beans, mung beans
eggs, dairy in moderate amounts, yogurt
tempeh, nuts, seeds, tofu, miso, black sesame seeds
pork, chicken, duck, organic bone marrow, organic beef or pork liver
catfish, mackerel, sardines, oysters, mussels, clams, cuttlefish, squid, perch, eel
zucchini, squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes, melons string beans, beets, mushrooms,
tomatoes, spinach, carrots, parsley, kelp, spirulina, wheatgrass
apples, banana, mulberries, mango, coconut, peaches, lychee fruit, grapes, raisins,
cherries, plums
olive oil, flaxseed oil, almond oil, molasses
Foods to Restrict or Avoid
Chilies, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, onions, shallots, leeks, basil, cloves, wasabi, coffee,
vinegar, pickles, tea, lamb, shrimp, prawns, veal, citrus fruit
*also avoid cigarettes, alcohol, recreational stimulants