Eastern cultures view digestion as the process of foods internally becoming rotten and ripened. The stomach and spleen are considered the two most vital organs in this process. A common metaphor to describe these organs in action is a pot on a fire. When foods enter the stomach (i.e. the pot), the pure and impure parts of foods are separated. The pure nutritious parts of the food are digested, transformed, and sent to other parts of the body by the spleen (i.e. the fire). These pure parts of the food are then absorbed by the body to be used for nutrients and energy, while the impure parts are sent to the intestines for further separation. The stomach’s functions are impaired by excessive dryness since it likes to make a mash or soup out of the foods, thus allowing for easy separation. However, stomach functions can also be impaired by excessive dampness since the dampness injures the fire. 

Following this metaphor, here are some simple guidelines to follow for a healthy diet and improved digestive function:

• Choose Cooked Foods Over Raw: Cooked are easier for the body to digest and absorb nutrients as opposed to raw foods which require more energy to breakdown. 
• Chew Your Food Thoroughly: Chewing your food thoroughly is the first step in the breakdown process and therefore makes the stomach’s job easier.
• Drink Warm Water or Other Warm Beverage With Meals: Iced or chilled liquids negate heat, therefore putting out the fire. These cold liquids cause the stomach to work harder, which we recognize as a feeling of hunger; as a result we tend to eat more.
• Include More Bitter Flavors: Bitter flavors are good for the heart and stomach and also reduce the occurrence of overeating.
• Increase Intake of Vegetables and Rice: Vegetables are highly nutritious and are easier to absorb then grains, dairy, and meat products. Rice has a very low nutrient value, promotes the discharge of waste through urine, and eliminates dampness.
• Avoid Eating Wrecked Foods: Try to eat food within 24 hours of making it; otherwise it becomes stale and looses its aroma. Foods that are stale are damping to the digestive system.

Source: Flaws, B. (2004). The Tao of Healthy Eating. (Rev. Ed.) Boulder, CO: Blue Poppy Press.