In the case of excess liver heat, pungent foods would help. These same principles can be used to help prevent disease. An animal with a metal constitution would be nourished by pungent and sweet foods, but could also use some bitter foods to keep the diet in balance. A fire animal would do well on a diet that is sour and bitter, but during periods of too much joy could benefit from the cooling effect of salty foods that support the kidney. Moreover, there are seasonal variation which can influence dietary needs.
Spring is the time of the wood element and additional bitter can be added to the diet.
During summer, the addition of bitter foods can help maintain balance with the season. This is based upon the concept that the internal environment must be in harmony with the exterior. Food and drink should be balanced with the season as well as the constitution. It can also be used to warm the interior and support Zang Fu function. Some foods are neutral while others are cool, cold, warm or hot.