Harmonize the Liver with Sour Tastes

In Chinese Medicine, Spring is the time of the Wood element which corresponds to the Liver. Chinese medicine considers the Liver to be an important organ dominating the emotions among other functions.

When the Liver is out to balance, especially with the pattern of Liver Qi stagnation or heat, we will experience a lot of emotional symptoms like being easily angered, irritated and overly emotional. Since Liver Qi can cause blood to rise to the head, it can cause headache, dizziness, high blood pressure, red face and eyes. We can also experience insomnia, bloating and constipation when the Liver affects other organs. Many of these symptoms above can accompany Western diagnoses like IBS, Menopause, PMS, and Depression.

Eating more sour foods can help your Liver because the sour calms our body. Sour foods such as plain greek yogurt, lemons and limes, raw fermented pickles (try [Real Pickles][1]!) and apple cider vinegar unblock Liver Qi and helps circulation. The ancient Chinese may have picked up on the probiotics in sour foods and their affect on our mood. Certain probiotics in our guts release neurotransmitters like GABA and help us feel calm.

Try incorporating these foods on a regular basis to help your Liver and to help you manage stress!

[1]: https://www.realpickles.com