International Journal of Clinical Case Reports, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 1-11 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijccr 5 Moreover, foods associated with the Earth element, such as root vegetables and grains, are used to strengthen the Spleen and Stomach, enhancing digestion and nutrient absorption. This systematic approach to categorizing food allows practitioners to tailor dietary recommendations based on both the patient’s condition and the desired therapeutic effect, promoting metabolic health and overall well-being (Min, 2019). 5 The Impact of Five Elements Dietary Adjustments on Metabolic Health 5.1 The regulatory effects of the five elements diet on glucose metabolism The Five Elements diet, which emphasizes the balance of different food properties (sour, sweet, bitter, salty, pungent), has been shown to regulate glucose metabolism effectively. Dietary adjustments based on the Five Elements help modulate blood sugar levels by promoting the consumption of foods that regulate insulin sensitivity and enhance liver function. For example, bitter foods (associated with Fire) can help clear excess heat and support heart and liver functions, which are critical for balancing glucose levels (Sato et al., 2007). Furthermore, diets with reduced glycemic load, which align with the Five Elements principles, have been shown to decrease postprandial glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity in both healthy individuals and those with metabolic disorders. Studies also suggest that low-carbohydrate diets, which are aligned with the dietary principles of the Water element, improve glucose metabolism by reducing insulin resistance and lowering fasting blood glucose levels. This dietary approach may be more effective than exercise alone in regulating blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity in obese individuals (Cai et al., 2021). 5.2 Improvements in lipid metabolism through the five elements diet The Five Elements diet also shows potential for improving lipid metabolism, particularly through the regulation of fat metabolism in the liver and blood. Foods associated with the Earth element, which are considered nourishing for the spleen and stomach, can improve digestion and fat metabolism. Research has demonstrated that moderate weight loss through diet can significantly reduce intrahepatic lipid (IHL) content and improve lipid profiles, leading to lower levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in individuals with obesity (Sato et al., 2007). Further, diets rich in unsaturated fats and lower in carbohydrates, akin to the dietary principles of Metal and Water elements, have shown to improve lipid metabolism by enhancing the liver’s ability to process lipids, which reduces hepatic fat accumulation and improves insulin sensitivity (Figure 2) (Volek et al., 2008). These improvements in lipid metabolism can also help prevent cardiovascular diseases, a common risk in individuals with metabolic syndrome. 5.3 Potential benefits of the five elements diet for obesity and weight management One of the key benefits of the Five Elements diet is its potential for effective weight management, particularly in the context of obesity. The diet encourages the consumption of foods that balance the body’s energy, promote digestion, and prevent fat accumulation. By reducing the intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods, which are discouraged in the Five Elements framework, individuals can reduce overall body weight and improve body composition. Studies have shown that combining energy-restricted diets with Five Elements principles can lead to significant weight loss, a reduction in visceral fat, and improvements in insulin resistance (Janssen et al., 2002). Moreover, the alternating diet approach, which aligns with the cyclical nature of the Five Elements, has been found to reduce fat mass and improve metabolic markers in individuals with diet-induced obesity. This approach helps to mitigate the negative effects of high-fat diets by incorporating phases of lower caloric intake, resulting in better weight management and reduced risk of metabolic diseases (Ma et al., 2016). 6 The Relationship Between the Five Elements Diet and Chronic Metabolic Diseases 6.1 Five elements dietary adjustments for diabetes management The Five Elements Theory provides a unique approach to managing diabetes by tailoring dietary adjustments to balance the body’s qi and improve metabolic function. Foods associated with the Earth element, which nourish the
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