Lately the issue of veggies has been coming up for a lot of people in treatment lately so, I thought I would post on the subject.

In Chinese medicine, texts suggest that vegetables be eaten cooked for those with digestive weakness, or, AKA, Spleen Qi deficiency. And, in some cases, I also make that recommendation, where it seems applicable. In those cases, it is more likely that the person has so much pain and bloating in their abdomen that eating raw veggies would create more gasses and therefor create more pain and pressure on the bladder.

However, not all patients start at that point and may eat raw veggies from the beginning. Regardless of this beginning, ultimately, I think the end goal for general good health should be focused on raw veggies with some cooked veggies mixed in. A 50/50 split is OK too, but 2/3 raw 1/3 cooked would be even better.

And, when you have your salads, which, you should be having at least one of per day-make it a big one. Use not only leaf lettuce, chop up veggies such as cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, spinach, kale, etc.... Later, use lemon and olive oil and seasonings-and you have a great part of a more complete meal with lots of vitamins and minerals. This is a great way to give your family nutrition, and it helps with bowel movements as well.

Some people argue that it takes too much time to do this, but, honestly, it only takes 10 minutes, it is so much easier than the rest of your cooking, and you can't burn it!

So, when ever you can incorporate this part of your meal plan, try it. It will be a big part of keeping you healthy:)