libra08

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I am TTC and late or no ovulation is my consern. I also have thyroid and hirsutism

I know TCM is helpful and one can use daily food based on yin yang etc...

Cant I improve my food based on TCM as alternative medicine. I dont want to buy herbs and try those. e.g. I just read here that too much spearmint or peppermint could be harmful for you. I didnt know that.

any Chinese food expert?

MaraJ2005

I'm no expert, but check out the book The Infertility Cure by Randine Lewis. That link will take you to an excerpt on ivillage that talks about nutrition. There are some food recommendations in there. You could also go to an acupuncturist, who might be able to advise you on dietary changes. Mine basically told me to avoid white flour, white rice, and white sugar, and to not eat raw veggies (cook them first).

libra08

Thanks MaraJ2005. I have already requested the book at my library. Looks like this book has good information.

For all those who're wondering what's TCM. It stands for traditional Chinese medicine.

felinity

My acupuncturist gave me a list of foods to try to focus on, based on where I was in my cycle and my own TCM diagnosis. I'm cold and damp, so she recommended foods that would "heat me up" and "dry me out." It's interesting to see where the list overlaps with PCOS recommendations. For instance, cinnamon and buckwheat heat you up, according to TCM, and they're also indicated for PCOS (buckwheat being a food source of D-Chiro-Inositol). She recommends avoiding dairy because it's mucous-forming.

I don't have my list with me, but I'll try to post parts of it from home tonight.

libra08

Hey Felinity,

I agree with you. I read the book suggested by MaraJ2005. It was very good. Though I got confused and overwhelmed by the so much information and from where to start. I have better idea on how to track my symptoms now. still.. there is so much.

May be I will look for acupuncturist too..

Could you send/post your list of food and more info? your symptoms too .. did you notice any changes?

MaraJ2005

Here's what my acu gave me to counter "damp/phlegm" (caused by kidney dysfunction, I believe - if you do the symptoms test in the Lewis book you may come up with the same).

Foods to eat more of:
Rice, barley, corn, rye, oats, pumpkin, onion, garlic, aduki beans, radish, mustard, horseradish, lean meat, black pepper, clove, cardamom, nutmeg, dill seed, cilantro, oregano, thyme, basil

Small amounts of: black & green tea, sweet potato, yam, potato

All foods should be cooked & warm (aids digestion). No deep fried/junk food. No late meals

Foods to avoid: wheat, ice cream, dairy, sugar, fatty meat, eggs, tofu, lard, margarine, chocolate, nuts & seeds, avocado, salt, vinegar, beer

freyabecca

Mara,

Why are eggs not good to eat? I have heard nuts are good..
This is so darn confusing. I don't know what to eat!!

MaraJ2005

I don't really know. This is just the list he gave me. Depends on what your "diagnosis" is though. The best thing to do is to go to an acu/herbalist and have them guide you. Can't remember exactly what's in the Fertility Cure about eggs/nuts. I think each practitioner has different methods though.

libra08

Thanks Mara. For sharing your list!

libra08

Thanks Mara for sharing your list.