28. Eat Your Way Back to Health with Delicious Foods Instead of Chemicals and Drugs with Tsao Lin Moy

In this episode your host, the Queen of Jeans, Diane Gilman, chats to Tsao Lin Moy, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner with a masters in Chinese medicine. Together, they delve into a holistic approach to menopause and general wellness, focusing on the power of food as medicine.

Menopause Awareness Month

This episode coincides with Menopause Awareness Month. Diane shares her own experience with menopause, highlighting the challenging symptoms she endured, such as hot flashes and cramps as well as problems with her hair, skin and sleep.  

Menopause as a Transition, Not a Disease

Tsao Lin Moy explains that the Western perspective often treats menopause as a disease rather than a natural life transition, much like puberty. She emphasizes that societal beauty standards and a one-size-fits-all approach to women's health play a significant role in the mistreatment of menopause. Physicians often resort to drugs and hormones rather than considering the holistic approach that includes dietary changes.

Shifting the Mindset

The conversation shifts to mindset and the mind-body connection. Tsao emphasizes the importance of working with your body instead of against it. Stress, often associated with aging, leads to elevated cortisol levels, resulting in weight gain, particularly around the waist.

Understanding Body Changes

Metabolism tends to slow down as women age due to decreasing estrogen levels, contributing to weight gain around the waist. Tsao recommends a predominantly plant-based diet with a small amount of animal protein. 

Tsao explains that a balanced, mostly plant-based diet is essential. She stresses the importance of educating yourself about food and nutrition.

Cravings and the Brain

Diane discusses cravings for creamy, fatty foods like cheesecake and cream cheese. Tsao explains that these cravings trigger brain signals similar to those experienced during breastfeeding. Our bodies crave what they need, and satisfying these cravings with healthier options, such as avocados, can be more beneficial.

The Role of a Healthy Microbiome

Tsao shares her experience of addressing an unhealthy microbiome, which can lead to addiction-like behaviors. She explains how probiotics, in both supplement and food form, can help restore gut health and reduce inflammation. In food you can get probiotics from fermented ginger beer, kombucha, pickled foods, sauerkraut and miso.

Tsao recommends using supplements alongside food sources for quicker results in balancing gut flora. She notes that previous antibiotic use can disrupt gut flora, contributing to imbalances. She suggests getting a supplement with 8-10 different strains of probiotic and 50-80 billion live cultures. 

Eating Habits and Digestive Waves

The discussion touches on the various cycles in the body and how healthcare often treats the body as static. Tsao emphasizes the importance of working with the body's natural rhythms and waves for optimal wellness.

Tips for Wellness and Balanced Eating

Tsao offers valuable tips for holistic wellness, including the importance of high-quality, organic foods and avoiding processed foods. She encourages viewing food choices as a means of nourishment, rather than solely relying on supplements and shakes.

The Holistic Approach to Health for Women Over 50

Tsao Lin Moy's number one piece of advice for women over 50 is to embrace whole foods, avoid artificial and diet products, and prioritize nutrient-rich choices. Diane emphasizes finding joy and creativity in producing good, nourishing food.

Tsao’s details

Website: https://www.integrativehealingarts.com/

Facebook: @IntegrativeHealingArtsNY

Instagram: @ntegrativehealingartsnyc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tsao-lin-moy

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/IntegrativeHealingArtsNYC

Connect with Diane

Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube: @thedianegilman

Website: thedianegilman.com