In the body, all five elements are represented because they correspond to the five major organs: kidneys, liver, heart, stomach and lungs.  Usually one is stronger than the others, and one is slightly deficient.  One of the most important ways to create balance in the body is to choose to eat more foods, which strengthen and replenish the elements in which we are deficient.

Water:  Associated foods include fish, shellfish, pork, beans, seaweed, soy sauce, miso, walnuts, and black sesame seeds.  These foods have a softening effect and promote moisture and calming of the body.  They most benefit thin, dry and nervous people.

Wood:  Associated foods include chicken, liver, wheat, greens, citrus fruits, plum, pineapple, vinegar, sauerkraut, olives, sourdough, and yogurt. These foods can obstruct movement and function as astringents. They most benefit changeable, erratic, scattered people.

Fire:   Associated foods include lamb, asparagus, lettuce, dandelion, alfalfa, citrus peel, celery, peppers, corn, cayenne, wine, coffee, and tea. These foods can reduce heat and dry fluids. They most benefit slow, overweight, overheated, and aggressive people.

Earth:   Associated foods include beef, millet, barley, rye, sugar, cooked onion, watermelon, apple, cherry, dates, figs, grapes, peaches, carrots, cabbage, potato, squash, almond, and coconut. These foods slow down acute symptoms and neutralize toxins. They most benefit dry, nervous, and weak people-- calms aggression.

Metal:   Associated foods include tofu, rice, raw onions, garlic, radish, turnip, kohlrabi, cinnamon, mint, rosemary, scallions, cloves, fennel, anise, dill, mustard greens, horseradish, mustard, basil, nutmeg. These foods have a dispersing effect and promote energy circulation. They most benefit sluggish, damp, lethargic, and cold people.