Chinese believe that nature is a reflection of our bodies and vice versa. So based on this theory, there are 5 elements in nature that correspond to specific organs in our body. Their balance is important for overall health, and of course, for mood swings. Finding what is right for you to eat will help in healing your body and keeping your mood swings at bay.

Based on the 5-element theory (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water), accordingly, there are 5 easy to follow suggestions that will promote mood control:

1. Wood Element

People with Wood element imbalance manifest liver and gallbladder symptoms. The major emotions associated with this element are anger, frustration and ill feeling. Thus, to support and to nourish this element it is profitable to include in your diet dark leafy greens such as kale, broccoli, spinach, swiss chard, collard greens, mustard greens, etc. Also try to sneak into your diet from the following list – seaweed (nori and kelp), black beans, wild rice, as well as brown rice, artichokes, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, plums, blackberries, peas and cucumbers. Don’t underestimate adding a slice of lemon or lime into your water, first thing in the morning. It aids the intestines, alkalizes your body and help in absorption of water.

 

2. Fire Element

Fire element is related to two other vital organs, heart and small intestines. Main symptoms of this element imbalance are emotional sensitivity or coldness, passionless, excess grieving and lack of joy. These symptoms may be as well accompanied by actual physical symptoms, such as palpitations, dehydration, burning urination, insomnia and borderline personality disorder. Some practical fixes for these conditions are as follows: drinking more water, reducing caffeine intake and giving up refine sugar. Big chunk of a diet has to consist of fresh fruit and vegetable. Suggested products may include: oatmeal, bananas, tahini, hemp milk, kidney beans, scallions, red bell peppers, garlic, brown rice and corn tortillas.

3.  Earth Element

The organs connected with the Earth element are the spleen and stomach. Symptoms that people with fragile Earth element would experience, are anxiety, overthinking and compulsive thoughts. They are quite often addicted to sugar, drink tons of soda and have dessert with every meal. All these bad habits inevitably lead to hypothyroidism, weight gain, eczema, fatigue and insomnia. So what you really should be doing is incorporating mood-boosting foods that will nurture your spleen and stomach. Among the latter are mangoes, oranges, peanuts, carrots, pears, kale, pumpkin, cauliflower, sprouts, tofu, quinoa, ginger and nutritional yeast. Besides, if you have difficulty falling asleep and just can’t stop the swirl of thoughts and ideas rushing through your head, make yourself a nice cup of ginger tea and drift off to sleep.

4. Metal Element

Metal element represents two organs, the lungs and the large intestine. Those with effected Metal element often get sick in fall. Grief and sadness may lead to misbalance in lungs, sinuses and large intestine. The later, in turn, may cause many skin conditions, such as eczema, sensitive skin, rashes. hives or acne. Acne can be the result of constipation. An accumulation of toxins in our intestine will inevitably make its way to the liver and get flushed out through the skin, thus causing acne. Someone with dominating Metal element has a strong sense of self and simply can’t let go of hurt feelings. We don’t want all these negative emotions get stuffed down. Meditation or prayer lots of times can help with that. When praying or meditating you slow down and breathe deeply and slowly, thus becoming open for new thoughts, ideas, inspirations and action steps. Recommended food for this condition are, kelp, turnips, fennel, flaxseeds, cayenne pepper, watercress, garlic, ginger, mushrooms, papaya and oranges..

5. Water Element

The element of Water is paired with the kidneys and the bladder. Fear and anxiety are the main emotions related to the kidneys and bladder, which can be helped by eating black foods such as wild rice and black sesame seeds. People with weakened Water element regularly crave salty foods such as pizza, potato chips, French fries, hash browns and lots of Chinese food. But instead, they should be opting for celery sticks, seaweed snacks or artichoke to satisfy their salty cravings. Problems with kidneys may cause many to experience insomnia, night sweats, anxiety, dryness and fear. Also it may result in low back pain, coldness and diarrhea. If you are suffering from these symptoms try to reduce your intake of raw foods, iced drinks and minimize fruit. Your best bet would be to dig into the following foods: walnuts, black beans, quinoa, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, leeks, fennel and anise.