My Healing Journey Part 4 | Let thy food be thy medicine
- 15 hours ago
- 5 min read
Before we get deeper into Macrobiotics, Yin & Yang and The 5 Elements, I'd like to share what prompted me to write this blog series.
I've had the pleasure and blessing to meet many people over the years as a yoga teacher and bodywork practitioner. When the food subject comes up its apparent that the way I think about food and health is very different to the mainstream.
My hope in sharing some of what I have learned and practiced for over 40 years is perhaps even one person might benefit.
Here's a funny true story of a recent food conversation (with permission, of course maintaining their anonymity). My patient contacts me for an appointment because they get a urinary tract infection after intercourse. They ask what can be done about it, and my response: a) eat an anti-inflammatory diet, and b) I can help with visceral and lymphatic treatment. So the patient comes in, and before we start the treatment I remind her about eating anti-inflammatory foods. She asks, "Like adding apple cider vinegar?" I reply: "Apple cider vinegar can help alkalize, along with colorful vegetables high in antioxidants, but it would also help to not consume foods that create inflammation and congest the organs." To clarify, I ask about her diet. She enjoys meat often, steak at least once a week, and has yogurt and cheese daily. I recommend to perhaps have salmon more often, and to try to "reduce your meat and dairy consumption while you are trying to clear this up."
Without skipping a beat, she replies: "I'd rather give up sex than give up meat." I laughed out loud. She also laughed, but she meant it!
I get it. Over the years I've encountered many forms of resistance around the concept of dietary change. People love to eat what is familiar. What mom or grandma made, family traditions and all that.
Writing this blog is an offering for those who are interested. It will not be everyone's cup of tea. For those who need to hear it, or for those who are looking to change but not sure how, or genuinely seeking a solution to their own issues, perhaps my story might inspire confidence that you can take your health into your own hands.
Another reason for writing this is, when I do visceral work on patients, it sometimes reveals painful organs, and/or tender points along the meridians of said organs. Yin & Yang, and The 5 Elements explains why our organs might be sore, inflamed, or suffering from adhesion.
In patients who mention that they deal with constipation, when I inquire if they're getting enough fiber quite often the response is: "Its not a problem. I use Metamucil."
The first time I heard this, it surprised my holistically-trained brain. But I've come to learn that many people rely on this product to keep their bowels moving.
If you are using Metamucil or any laxative to stay regular, you're not getting enough whole grain fiber, plain and simple.
Have you ever read the Metamucil ingredients? Its not something I'd like to rely on for my intestinal health:
Metamucil's primary active ingredient is naturally sourced Psyllium Husk, a plant-based fiber that promotes digestive health. Inactive ingredients vary by product, including sweeteners (aspartame, stevia, sugar), flavorings (orange, berry), colors (FD&C Yellow 6 - a petroleum-derived orange azo dye), and sometimes vitamins (C, D, B12) or collagen / gummies use Fibersol (corn fiber) and inulin.
There are way more delicious and healthier ways to get fiber. For those who need gluten-free, welcome to the club!
Plant-based is a term that's become more popular. This is a great step in a healthy direction. Yet most people have no clue that there's a whole world of holistic knowledge about using food as medicine. Instead, people take bits and pieces of knowledge. Such as a spoon of apple cider vinegar or glass of lemon water in the morning. Or taking herbs and topical applications to cleanse the liver or for UTI's, etc. There's a pharmacy of supplements in the health section for every ailment.
My thinking is, this is just a band-aid. The source of the issue is what you are eating on a regular basis.
To go all in holistically is considered "out there" by many. It's not discussed in the mainstream media. They have to keep their pharmaceutical advertisers happy. I record our local 6 pm news daily and watch it at some point in the evening. Over the last fifteen years, since living in Ontario, there's been one segment about how "a plant-based diet has been proven to reduce chronic disease." That one news clip in 2025 lasted 40 seconds. Yes, I backed it up and timed it!
A total of 40 seconds on the subject in 15 years!
No wonder most people aren't clear about Macrobiotics, or have never heard of the Blue Zones.
At the Kushi Institute we learned about the Hunza Indians* in the Himalayas who live practically disease free until over 100 years of age, and some until 130! Their mostly plant-based diet consists of locally cultivated fruits (apricots, cherries, grapes, peaches) and grains (wheat, barley, millet, chapati). They consume small amounts of animal foods in the form of yak butter and cheese. They were discovered in 1970 when the road was built between Pakistan and China. National Geographic magazine described the tribe as the longest-living in the world.
In the '90's other regions with a high percentage of centenarians were discovered, and eventually were labeled as Blue Zones.* People in these Blue Zones are eating macrobiotically for them; what grows according to season in their local environment.
"I'm trying to eat more plant based," What does this mean specifically? At first, I had no idea what eating "grains, beans and vegetables" entailed. What are the components? Proportions? How do I cook foods I've never heard of before?
How do you construct a balanced meal, that not only provides essential nutrients from the microscopic view, but is balanced from the macro view and creates mental and physical harmony in ourselves, and by extension in those around us?
In recent years there's been great emphasis on increasing our protein. Yes protein in an essential and important component in our diet. And, but, the source of protein is paramount and can make or break our health! (Check out my blog: The Protein Debate. How I Went Through Menopause With Zero Hot Flashes)
For most people in the western world, protein is the central ingredient, and the veggies play a supporting role. Grains might be included for individuals not on a "high protein, low carb" diet.
This is not how native cultures and people in the Blue Zones eat.
And this - in my opinion - is a recipe for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
In native cultures where they eat traditional diets, and Blue Zones, people die naturally of old age, and at a much older age.
Continued in Part 5/5.
Macrobiotic Cooking for a Healthy Heart, Mind & Body
Learn to make a complete balanced meal to boost your immunity, detox your blood and organs, and nourish your heart and soul!
Gingered Vegetable Miso Soup with Wakame & Tofu, Brown Rice, Adzuki Beans & Buttercup Squash, Arame Sea Vegetables with Carrots & Onions, Oriental Cabbage Quick Pickles, Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Miso Tahini Dressing.
*Resources for Further Reading:
Hunza Indians:
Blue Zones:
Christina Pirello
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