The heart and small intestine are of special importance in the early summer months and here are some ways you can support balance in this peak-Yang time of year! - Bitter foods strengthen, cleanse, and heal both the heart and small intestine -- think foods like dandelion, romaine, alfalfa, rye, quinoa, asparagus, celery, radish, scallions, acv, green tea.
- The small intestine needs an alkaline pH to properly absorb nutrients, so lighten up on animal proteins which are acidifying to the body.
- Incorporate artery-cleansing foods like mung beans, mung bean sprouts, soybeans, tempeh, lentils and other legumes, peas, oats, amaranth, buckwheat, radish, horseradish, hot peppers, garlic, onion, leek, scallion, cabbage, mint, dandelion, kale, broccoli, parsley, asparagus, chlorella, cucumber, almonds, flaxseeds, and raw honey.
- Foods high in magnesium like raw cacao, carob, dried figs, papaya, prunes, banana, mango, apricot, kiwi, pear, sweet potato, carrot, adzuki beans, white beans, lima beans, lentils, mung beans, chickpeas, rye, barley have a relaxing effect for the heart and whole body.
- Hot and spicy foods bring excess body heat to the surface to be released and can have a cooling effect -- think cayenne, hot peppers, fresh ginger, horseradish, black pepper.
- In general, cooling foods tend towards the green end of the spectrum like lettuce, cucumbers, and watercress -- fish and seafood are also cooling for the body.
- Eat anything in moderation. Over consumption of any food, especially cooling foods, can lead to indigestion, sluggishness and possibly diarrhea in the warm months.
| | Beyond food, there are small things we can do to sync up with the season and support our bodies to transition smoothly and with balance through the shift. - 40-60 minutes a day is optimal, so find something you love doing! As the weather warms up, get out to walk, jog, dance, cycle, swimming, or play sports. Exercise outdoors in the morning to expose yourself to sunlight as an added bonus, bare skin in the soft morning light is best! If you're outside midday make sure to cover up when the UV index is high or use mineral-based skin protection.
- Awaken early in the morning and go to bed later in the evening as the days are longer -- this will help you get the deepest and most restorative sleep.
- If you're able, take a rest midday. The energy is strong in early-mid summer and taking a rest can help to balance out the intensity -- have a siesta!
- Don't underestimate the importance of hydration! Cooled herbal teas, mineral-rich water, and chia fresca can be especially hydrating -- add a sprinkle of chia to your water for an extra boost.
- Walk barefoot, lay in the grass, and connect to the earth and natural elements as much as you can! Go into the garden and listen intently to the sounds of the birds and crickets, or of children playing. Smell the flowers, the smells of summer, and take time to allow them in.
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