Dr. Mindy Boxer -Oriental Medicine Nutrition for Heart Health & Hypertension

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Oriental Medicine (OM) Nutrition combines Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science. OM Nutrition is a holistic approach, which aims to balance all five flavors within most meals with one or two flavors being emphasized for therapeutic purposes. OM Nutrition for a Hypertension emphasizes Bitter flavors, Sour flavors and energetically-cooling foods.

OM theory states the Bitter flavor benefits the Heart in moderation but an excess is harmful as it has a drying effect; for example, Coffee is bitter. In moderation Coffee acts as Vasodilator increasing Circulation but in excess it can raise Blood Pressure and has a diuretic effect. Modern scientific research has discovered while the Human Genome has 25 bitter taste receptors 12 of these are expressed in the human Heart.

Foods with Bitter flavors include: Romaine lettuce, Dandelion, Arugula, Rye. Foods that combine Bitter with Pungency include: Citrus peel, Radish, Scallion and White Pepper. In OM Nutrition the Pungent flavor can help disperse Phlegm (e.g. plaque). Foods that combine Bitter with Sweet include: Asparagus, Celery, Tomatoes, Lettuce, Quinoa and Papaya. Lemon rind is Bitter and Sour; Vinegar is also Bitter and Sour.

Bitter flavors have a YIN, or cooling effect, clearing heat in the body while encouraging a descent of Qi, which aids in the draining of fluids. For example, Celery contains the phytochemical phthalides which relaxes Arterial wall tissues to increase Blood Flow and thereby reduce Blood Pressure. The Fiber, Magnesium and Potassium in Celery also help lower Blood Pressure and regulate fluid balance. Caution: according to OM, those with a lot of dryness and/or bone disease should moderate their intake of bitter flavor.

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A Tomato a day keeps the doctor away! The combination of Lycopene, Vitamin C and E, Potassium and Folic Acid in tomatoes make it a power food for Heart Health. The Bitter flavor of Tomatoes come from the seeds; to reap the full benefit of tomatoes eat the seeds too. Heirloom tomatoes in season have the most flavor, find the tastiest tomatoes at your farmer’s market or trying growing your own.

Summer is the season of the Heart according to Chinese Medicine, meaning it is the season most likely to bring our Hearts out of balance if we are exposed to excess heat, which can then create and/or exacerbate internal heat. During the summer OM Nutrition recommends drinking and eating foods that cool the body and heart such as Green Tea, Cucumbers, Watermelon and Lemon.

Chrysanthemum Tea is a very popular summertime tea in Asia because it is so well known for its Cooling properties; it is helpful for Headaches, Dizziness, High Blood Pressure, Chest pain and also Fevers. You can add Chrysanthemum Flowers to your morning Green Tea and in the evening combine it with Chamomile Tea for extra cooling benefits!

OM Nutrition cautions against overdoing cold foods and drinks. Too much cold inhibits the Digestive process. Drinking warm beverages and soups, as well as eating foods with a little Pungency (Chili Pepper, Garlic, Ginger) causes the body to perspire slightly which naturally cools the body.

For those who happen to have Hypertension plus a lot of dryness: dry skin, dry eyes, dry mouth and thirst, constipation and even hormonal deficiencies can benefit from increasing their healthy Fat intake. Many nutrients are fat soluble, the body uses Cholesterol to make Hormones, Bile and Vitamin D. Healthy Fats nourish Yin in OM Nutrition theory. Some Americans who suffer from Hypertension are also thin with an underlying Yin Deficiency, such as those with the onset of Hypertension that coincides with Menopausal symptoms. Sources of healthy fats include: Nuts, Seeds, Avocado, Olive Oil, Flaxseed oil and Fish.

Eating Beans, Peas and whole Grains are high in Potassium, Magnesium, Fiber and are high in Choline which is vital in lowering Hypertension and boosting Fat Metabolism. Whole grains are also a good source of Niacin and Vitamin E and are recommended for healthy Arteries, especially those that are slightly bitter such as: Rye, Quinoa, Amaranth and Oats.

 

Try this OM Nutrition Recipe for Heart Health:

 

5 Flavors Chickpea Salad for Healthy & Happy Heart

  • 15 oz cooked organic Chick Peas (1 can)
  • 1/2 c cup cooked Quinoa or 1 cup brown rice (warm)
  • 4 stalks celery, minced
  • 6-12 cherry tomatoes, chapped in 1/2 or 1/4
  • 8-12 Romaine lettuce leaves, chopped
  • 2 TBSP red onion, minced

Toss with dressing made with:

  • 2 TBSP olive oil
  • 1 TBSP lemon juice + a little lemon zest (organic is best)
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1/2 tsp Raw Honey
  • 1-2 garlic cloves (minced or pressed)
  • 1/8 tsp Himalayan or Sea salt (or to taste)
  • fresh ground black pepper (to taste)

 

Resources

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2015/04/celery-may-help-bring-your-high-blood-pressure-down/

Foster, S. R., Blank, K., Hoe, L. E. S., Behrens, M., Meyerhof, W., Peart, J. N., & Thomas, W. G. (2014). Bitter taste receptor agonists elicit G-protein-dependent negative inotropy in the murine heart. The FASEB Journal28(10), 4497-4508.

Kastner, Joseph, MD, L.Ac, (2009) Chinese Nutrition Therapy, Thieme, Stuttgart and New York

Pitchford, Paul (2002), Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California

Ried, K., Frank, O. R., Stocks, N. P., Fakler, P., & Sullivan, T. (2008). Effect of garlic on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC cardiovascular disorders8(1), 1.

Willcox, J. K., Catignani, G. L., & Lazarus, S. (2003). Tomatoes and Cardiovascular Health. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition43(1), 1-18.

This article was posted in DietHealthNutrition and tagged

Get ready for Cold & Flu Season now!   Set up a Seasonal Acupuncture treatment, Detox Program and Herbal Preparedness Kit for the months ahead.   info@drmindyboxer.com     310. 450. 9711.

 

Dr. Mindy Boxer is a holistic practitioner who has grown into her specialties in an organic way. Understanding a range of disciplines allows her to integrate the wisdom of Ancient healing in combination with the most recent innovations in Scientific research. This dynamic blend has enabled Dr. Boxer to help patients in the prevention and treatment of disease for over 25 years.
At age 15, Dr. Boxer began her lifelong practice of Yoga & Meditation, read many Nutrition books, began Juicing her Vegetables, and explored and all Raw Diet.  Recognizing the importance of Nutrition in overall health, she earned her Ph.D. in 1986 in Nutrition and Human Behavior, providing her with a solid foundation to counsel and educate patients on how to attain health and vitality.
Her informative Lectures and appetizing Cooking Classes were the perfect forum to educate the community about the effects of food on Mood and Behavior, as well as in innovative ways to balance Body Chemistry in order to achieve overall well being.
Sensing a need to expand her training and understanding of the human body as a whole system, Dr. Boxer continued her studies in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine,  and in 1993 earned a Masters Degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine. She is licensed by the Medical Board of the State of California in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine and is also licensed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine.
These diverse disciplines give Dr. Boxer a unique view of the human body and how to keep it functioning in an optimal manner. Her practice of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Functional Nutrition have a profound effect on Hormonal balance, Rejuvenation, and Immune system enhancement.

Dr. Boxer has a particularly keen understanding of Women’s Health issues including Gynecological irregularity, PMS, Fertility, IUI & UVF support, Healthy Pregnancy & Delivery, and Menopausal issues. Her interest in the human body as a dynamic system has given her the understanding to deal with such problems as improper Digestion and elimination, Cancer Support, Allergies, back pain, tight neck and shoulders, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory distress, chronic fatigue, Insomnia, Stress, Anxiety and Depression.
She has also studied the art and science of Homeopathy, earning her Diplomate in Homeopathy from the Hahnemann College of Homeopathy in 1995. This allows her to treat the whole person — physically, mentally, emotionally.
Proper Nutrition, Herbs, Acupuncture, and Homeopathic remedies are the tools Dr. Boxer utilizes to allow the body to heal itself and find its way back to balance. She is dedicated to helping her patients find “Radiant Health and Well-Being.”

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