June 2025

We usually think of February as the “heart” month. In Chinese Medicine, the summer season is associated with the heart and small intestine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body’s organ systems are understood to be influenced by the changing seasons. This is part of a broader view that sees the body as interconnected through cycles, much like nature. The macrobiotic lifestyle is about respecting and harmonizing with nature and the seasonal changes to experience vital health. 

Summer is associated with fire energy. The heart, considered the emperor of the organs, is associated with the emotion of joy, and physically it governs blood vessels and blood flow. The small intestine serves as a filter, separating pure from impure substances. Emotionally, the small intestine gives you the “gut feeling” gauge. These two organ systems are associated with fire energy.

To best support the heart during this active and vulnerable season, several dietary and lifestyle adjustments are recommended. For example focus on foods that are cooling, hydrating, and light. This includes incorporating vegetables such as cucumbers, leafy greens, and radishes. Grains such as quinoa, millet, and couscous are easy to digest and support the growth of the microbiome. Fruits, such as watermelon, melons, and berries, eaten between meals, provide hydration and satisfy sweet cravings. 

Two energetic categories that are harmful for the heart are extreme cold and hot/spicy. Cold foods or drinks can stimulate the vagus nerve, which is part of the parasympathetic nervous system. This stimulation can lead to a slowing of the heart rate, a condition called bradycardia. Additionally, there is the pericardium, a sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart, playing a crucial role in protecting and supporting it. When consuming extremely cold foods or drinks, the pericardium contracts, causing a tight sensation in the chest, much like brain freeze. Neither of these situations are healthy for your heart. Therefore, you can eat cool salads and cooled down drinks, but avoid anything ice cold.

Spicy foods contain Capsaicin, a chemical compound found in chili peppers, creating the heat sensation. It’s a lipophilic compound that produces a burning sensation when it comes into contact with skin or tissue, and can stimulate the nervous system, potentially causing a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure. To savor the kick you want, try using ginger, garlic, cumin, lemon pepper, or horseradish, which are heart and intestine-friendly. 

The macrobiotic lifestyle is about observation, respect, and consistency of self-care. It’s about gently providing flavors and nutritional ingredients that will help transition the body to wellness and sustainability. It’s about balance in eating and activity. A balanced lifestyle that includes staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and engaging in gentle exercise can also help your body adapt to the summer heat. 

If you find yourself needing stronger flavors to enjoy your meal, you may want to consider cleansing your palate to remove the plaque and yeast buildup which accumulate on your tongue that clog your taste buds. The sharper your taste buds, the less extreme the food has to be in terms of taste, which will require less ingredents and prep time for a simple, yet flavorful meal that is easier for your body to metabolize. Leave the party foods for the party and have daily meals that support the heart and small intestine’s optimal function.  

On Saturday, June 7th, I will be demonstrating a heart-healthy menu in the cooking class. Join us for the knowledge and stay for a delicious lunch. Gathering and sharing a meal is good for the heart 

Feel the Joy,
Virginia