If you were asked to write down everything you asked your body to digest over the last four days, could you do it? Most of us have a hard time remembering what we ate for breakfast after a long day, let alone everything (foods, drinks, medicines, etc.) over the course of four days. But even if your mind doesn’t remember, your body does.

Science tells us it takes an average of four days to fully digest, process, and eliminate anything you ingest. In those four days, whatever you ingest goes through all of the body’s processing. So, if you’re feeling sluggish a few days after going on a candy binge, it could be because it’s not fully out of your system.

In addition to everything that goes in our mouths, our body also digests all of our emotions. Become aware of how you feel after a carb overload or an emotionally draining event. Does your body respond with bloating, heartburn, or anxiety?

Don’t take this as a sign to deny yourself of your cravings! You always want to listen to your body’s messages. All cravings are energetic messages from the body. Instead, use this as a tool to become aware and help you recognize your own patterns.

Learn more about how TCM approaches the body and its interactions with Nature by studying the Five Element Consciousness Framework.

Go Deeper!

Learn more about food cravings and what your body is actually asking of you.

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