In the previous article, I explained how excessive internal Heat develops according to Traditional Chinese Medicine and why reducing Yang is usually the first step to decrease itching, stinging sensations, and the intensity of urticaria symptoms.
The first dietary cycle is designed with this objective: reducing internal Heat.
This first stage is especially important in cases where Heat is very evident, such as many cases of cholinergic urticaria.
The First Stage of the Diet
When people search for help through Traditional Chinese Medicine, they usually have already been evaluated through different medical specialties and performed several exams to investigate possible causes or associated conditions.
This information is important because the person’s general health condition must always be considered before making dietary changes.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is no universal diet that applies to every single person.
The type of urticaria, the internal pattern, the physical condition, and other existing health problems must always be evaluated.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE
The diet cycles presented here are examples. Their real application must always consider the individual condition of each person and should be evaluated and supervised by a professional with knowledge of the dietary principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
It is also essential to consider any other chronic conditions the person may have, such as lupus, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, chronic gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic conditions, or any other relevant health problems.
Nutritional deficiencies must also be taken into account, including vitamin B deficiencies, vitamin D deficiency, iron deficiency, or other important deficiencies that may influence the person’s condition.
Reducing Yang Through Diet
As explained before, in many cases of chronic urticaria, especially cholinergic urticaria, the first step is reducing excessive internal Heat — reducing Yang.
For a person with normal weight or excess weight, a first restrictive cycle of approximately 10 days can be used.
During this first cycle, the objective is to remove foods that strongly increase Heat and observe how the body responds.
Foods Removed During the First 10 Days
During this stage, foods that strongly increase Yang are removed, including:
- meat
- eggs
- milk
- cheese
- yogurt
- butter
- peanuts
- strawberries
- canned foods
- soft drinks
- foods with preservatives
- industrial juices
- processed and packaged foods
- pepper
- spicy foods
- piri-piri
- peppers
- shrimp and seafood
- industrial sauces such as ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise
- coffee
- alcohol
- tobacco
Foods Used During This Stage
During this stage, foods used include:
- cereals
- oats
- sugar-free corn flakes
- vegetables
- rice
- pasta
- whole bread
- fruits
- jelly
- olive oil as a replacement for butter
During these 10 days, some fish meals can also be included, but the fish should be white inside.
When the Diet Needs to Be Softer
Some people cannot start with such a restrictive approach.
For example:
- people with very low weight
- strong emotional instability
- physical weakness
- metabolic disorders
- reduced production of red blood cells
- heart conditions
In these situations, Traditional Chinese Medicine applies smoother corrections.
Instead of completely removing animal protein, the diet can alternate days with and without animal protein.
This allows the body to reduce Heat without creating excessive weakness.
What Happens After the First 10 Days?
After this first cycle, the diet usually changes and becomes slightly more Yang.
The objective is never to create permanent restrictions.
The objective is to use food strategically according to the stage of treatment and the person’s internal condition.
Important Note About Cold Urticaria
In cold urticaria, this first diet cycle cannot always be applied in the same way.
Some foods that are plant-based but slightly Yang may need to be included.
Cold urticaria requires a different evaluation because the internal pattern can be completely different.
Diet Does Not Mean Starving
This point is extremely important.
Diet does not mean eating very little.
The person can eat enough quantity from the appropriate foods.
Hunger creates nervousness and emotional instability, which can increase internal Heat.
The same principle applies to habits such as smoking.
Even if tobacco increases Yang, suddenly removing it in someone who is emotionally dependent on smoking can create more stress and increase Heat even more.
The objective is balance, not creating another source of imbalance.