TREATING INFLAMMATORY DISEASES WITH FOOD THERAPY

In traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Yin and Yang are the basis of all life. Yin equates to the female characteristics while Yang equates to the male characteristics. Yin traits include moisture, coolness, softness, darkness, and sluggishness. Yang traits include dryness, heat, light, and high energy. Young pets with more energy are considered to be more Yang, while older pets may have more Yin characteristics if they are very sluggish or obese.

Some older pets pant a lot, have dry brittle coats, and dry cracked noses and foot pads. Those pets are lacking moisture and are considered "Yin deficient". We also see diseases that cause pets to be "Yin deficient" - think of diseases that cause increased thirst and urination: diabetes, Cushing's disease, hypothyroidism, lymphoma, and nephritis (kidney disease). By drinking more, the pets are trying to increase the moisture in their bodies. By panting, they are trying to cool the body (they can't sweat, so panting is their cooling mechanism). Pets with Yin deficiency will usually have a dark reddish tongue that is fairly dry.

A simple way to treat pets that are "Yin deficient" (hot, dry, panting, dry brittle coat, nails, nose, and pads, drinking more) is to manipulate their diet. Everything that is eaten has specific effects on the body. Certain foods are considered to be "Yin Tonics" and will help cool and moisturize the body. These include pork, crab, clam, duck, rabbit, sardines, eggs, barley, millet, quinoa, black beans, asparagus, pears, watermelon, bananas, and squash. By selecting or making diets that contain some of these ingredients you can help correct a Yin deficiency in your pet.

Dry processed kibble contributes to Yin deficiency, as this form of food is practically devoid of moisture. Simply "floating" the kibble by adding water does not solve the problem. Dry kibble has also been robbed of many nutrients during processing. Yin deficient animals will show rapid improvement by eliminating processed kibble from the diet and incorporating fresh, high moisture, Yin tonic foods into the diet. Raw food may work for many, but even switching to a high quality canned food can make a world of difference.