International Journal of Clinical Case Reports, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 1-11 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijccr 3 3 The Correspondence Between the Five Elements and Nutrients 3.1 Wood: the relationship between sour foods and liver function In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Liver is associated with the Wood element, and sour foods are believed to benefit Liver function. Sour foods, such as lemons, vinegar, and pickles, are thought to have a contracting and astringent effect, which can help regulate the flow of qi (energy) and prevent stagnation within the Liver. This is particularly important in TCM, where a free-flowing qi is seen as essential for preventing diseases related to stress, irritability, and tension, all of which are commonly linked to Liver dysfunction (Kastner, 2004). Moreover, the regular consumption of sour foods is considered helpful in detoxifying the body by supporting the Liver's role in metabolizing fats and toxins. In modern nutrition, this idea can be related to the high vitamin C content in many sour foods, which acts as an antioxidant and supports liver function by helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation. The Liver’s role in storing blood, crucial in maintaining body balance, is also said to be supported by sour foods (Zhang et al., 2022). 3.2 Fire: the regulatory effects of bitter foods on heart metabolism The Heart is linked to the Fire element, and bitter foods are traditionally used to regulate Heart function in TCM. Bitter foods like dark leafy greens, bitter melon, and coffee are said to have a cooling and drying effect, which helps clear heat from the Heart and reduce excessive yang energy, a condition often manifested in symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, or palpitations (Liu et al., 2017). Bitter foods are believed to stimulate digestion and promote the secretion of digestive juices, which helps maintain proper metabolic function. In modern terms, the alkaloids and flavonoids found in bitter foods may contribute to improved cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol levels. This aligns with the TCM concept of clearing Heart Fire, as heart-related conditions such as hypertension can be aggravated by excess heat in the body (Figure 1) (Zhang and Fang, 2023). 3.3 Earth: the impact of sweet foods on spleen and stomach health The Earth element in TCM is connected to the Spleen and Stomach, and sweet foods are believed to nourish and strengthen these organs. Sweet foods, particularly those that are naturally sweet such as rice, carrots, and dates, are said to have a harmonizing and tonifying effect on the Spleen and Stomach, which are responsible for transforming food into qi and blood to nourish the body (Yang and Jia, 2013). However, TCM distinguishes between the beneficial effects of naturally sweet foods and the harmful effects of excessive refined sugar, which can weaken the Spleen and cause "dampness" in the body. This is analogous to modern nutritional advice, where overconsumption of processed sugars is linked to metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Moderation is key, as over-reliance on sweet foods can lead to digestive issues like bloating and lethargy, which are symptoms of a weakened Spleen in TCM (Cheng, 2007). 4 Application of the Five Elements Theory in Dietary Adjustments 4.1 Dietary adjustments based on constitution differentiation according to the five elements theory In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the differentiation of individual constitutions is key to personalizing dietary recommendations based on the Five Elements Theory. Each person is thought to have a predominant element-Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water-associated with specific physiological traits and tendencies toward certain health conditions. Dietary adjustments are made to balance these elements, for instance, individuals with a Wood constitution (associated with the Liver) may be advised to consume more sour foods to promote liver function and avoid excessive consumption of greasy foods that may lead to stagnation (Wang, 2013). These constitution-based dietary recommendations help to maintain balance in the body by addressing the unique needs of each person’s elemental profile. For example, a person with a Metal constitution, associated with the Lungs, may benefit from spicy foods to strengthen Lung qi, while avoiding foods that are excessively cold, which could weaken their respiratory health (Kastner, 2004). This individualization of diet is central to promoting overall well-being and preventing diseases according to TCM practices.
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