Gastrointestinal Functional Diet

Author: Fang Jia
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Food can help people prevent illness and promote health, a topic that aligns perfectly with the emerging medical theory—Fourth Medicine. The Fourth Medicine, also known as self-care medicine, is gaining popularity and attracting worldwide attention. It advocates scientific self-protection methods, simple and effective treatments, and recovery techniques to achieve physical and mental well-being, longevity, and a healthier life. It is particularly suitable for those in the "third state" (i.e., the "sub-health" state). The third state is a condition between health and illness. If not addressed promptly, it can easily progress into disease; if properly managed in time, it can transition back to health. The ancient saying "Medicine is better than food" has a scientific basis. The Han Dynasty "sage of medicine" Zhang Zhongjing discussed this early on: "All food and drink should be used to nourish life. If they are harmful, they can cause harm. Some foods are beneficial to the body, while others are harmful. If used appropriately, they benefit the body; if harmful, they cause illness." The Tang Dynasty "King of Medicine" Sun Simiao also warned people: "Those who do not know the proper use of food cannot survive." The grains, meats, fruits, vegetables, and delicacies that have been selected and passed down through generations are not only delicious and nutritious but also easily accepted, digested, and absorbed by the body. They also have certain auxiliary effects in preventing and treating diseases, as well as promoting health and well-being. The essence of scientific dietary care lies in choosing and consuming foods based on their nutritional characteristics, properties, and functions, tailored to individuals, seasons, and environments. The same illness may manifest differently in people with different constitutions or in different environments, so dietary care must also follow the principle of "specific conditions, specific treatments." This book was written to introduce readers to the knowledge and information related to dietary care, enabling them to understand the functions of foods and scientifically and reasonably select functional foods based on their personal circumstances, thereby facilitating the treatment of illnesses and the promotion of health and well-being.