It’s happening. Kids have been in school for less than 2 months and already the bugs are beginning to fly—the stomach flu, the common cold, etc. And it’s barely even October! But don’t worry, it’s not too late to support your immune system. In fact, by adapting certain dietary and lifestyle practices we can reduce or avoid getting sick at all!
In Chinese medicine (CM), immunity is strongly related to digestion. Immunity has to do with the state of energy (qi) in the body—the more qi, the stronger the immune system. Qi is created via digestion and thus, food choices are critical in boosting the body’s immunity. Specific foods have the ability to support (or take away from) overall immunity. Take a look at some of our favorite immune-supporting foods and dietary tips!
Mushrooms: Mushrooms are the super food of immune support. There are several species of mushrooms within the Chinese material medica, and they are all powerful tonics of Qi (energy). Try to add mushrooms to your diet at least once per day.
Pears: Pears are described as nourishing the “lung yin”. From a CM perspective, the lung is the first organ system that is affected by pathogens (ie: bugs that make us sick!). Therefore, it is important to strengthen the qi of the lung, as well as keep it nourished with yin.
Miso Soup: Miso soup classically consists of tofu (fermented soybeans), sea weed and scallion. These 3 ingredients are all found within the Chinese material medica and are used to treat symptoms of the common cold. The best time to drink miso soup is at the very beginning stages of a cold; symptoms including slight fever or chills, a “tickle” at the back of the throat, and fatigue. The scallions have the strongest effect of expelling the pathogen, so make sure to get plenty of scallions in your soup!
Eat more cooked vegetables, less raw foods. The digestion functions best under “warm and dry” conditions. Therefore, eating foods that are already warm and partially broken down by the cooking process helps the digestion to do its work.
Reduce or eliminate completely the consumption of sugars and processed foods. This tip is important all year round and for everyone. However if you are particularly susceptible to getting colds and flus, this tip is especially important. Sugars and processed foods are difficult to digest. When someone has a weakened digestive system, their qi supply is weakened as well. A low qi level in the body allows external pathogens to easily invade, thus leaving the person susceptible to getting sick.
Feeling sick already? Don’t fret! At Acupuncture Healthcare Associates, we stock herbs that can be used at the onset of a cold to strengthen the immune system and get rid of cold symptoms MUCH FASTER than simply waiting for the symptoms to pass. Don’t suffer with the cold, come see us and let us help you get better faster!