Dietary requirements

Dietary requirements are likely to be culturally determined. However, those who are concerned with yin/yang balance and chi flow will regulate their intake of 'hot' and 'cold' foods. The qualities 'hot' and 'cold' refer to type and not to temperature. Constitutional diets (i.e. for those who have a tendency towards a yin or yang constitution) are also followed to control the excess, or deficiency, of yin or yang.

Foods are classified as yin cold and yin cool, neutral, yang warm and yang hot. (For a list of each food group see site www.freewebs.com/jumblebox/healthF/tidbit1b.html#y3). However, the way the food is prepared and cooked, or where and how it is grown also alters its qualities, for example boiled and steamed foods tend to be 'cold', whilst fried foods tend to be 'hot'. Foods grown in different climates or soils can have different qualities.

Food requirements can change with the seasons, and with circumstances. For example, those who have undergone surgery, and women who are postpartum are considered to be prone to coldness; they would prefer hot or warm soups or foods to balance the decrease in body heat created by blood loss. In summer too many cold foods should be avoided in order to keep the stomach warm and maintain good digestion. Particular foods are considered optimum during pregnancy and diets are altered during illness. Some of these requirements are also season dependent. Hospitalised clients may request or decline certain foods, and if these requests cannot be accommodated they may want relatives to bring prepared foods from home.

Lactose intolerance is reported to be higher amongst East Asians so milk and dairy products may not be included in some client's diet. Rice is a staple. The Chinese diet tends to be high in sodium so if a low salt diet is required, the need for this should be explained to clients (Tanenbaum, 2009).

Since New Zealand health providers are unlikely to be familiar with yin/yang dietary principles, it is best to consult with each client about their dietary needs.