It can be counteracted by the addition of metal-pungent foods. Fire is associated with bitter. Bitter is drying and strengthening. A diet that has an excess of bitter is associated with Spleen energy dryness, congestion of Stomach energy, and a withering of the skin and dry cough and asthma. It can be counteracted by the addition of salty foods.
Earth is associated with sweet.
Sweet is harmonizing and retarding. A diet that has an excess of sweet is associated with achy bones, unbalanced kidneys, full heart energy, and hair loss. It can be counteracted by the addition of sour foods. Metal is associated with hot, pungent, and aromatic. Metal is dispersing.