Eating Healthy in the Spring

Spring is a time for the animals and plants to awake from their long winter slumber. It is at this time of year that that spring is known as a time of renewal, regeneration, growth and energy. Vital Nutrients stored in the roots of plants start to come to the surface allowing life to become more vibrant and fluid.

We humans are no different. We stay indoors more during winter and generally pack on a little extra weight in the process. As the weather warms, we start to become more gregarious and start spending more time outside enjoying nature. This is a normal process.

It makes sense with what the ancient Chinese observed in nature would still be true today. Humans should be following nature’s example on how to live our lives. We should be more active during the warm months of spring. To do this we need proper nourishment. Qi (pronounced Chee) is sometimes thought of being a form of energy. This Qi is vital to keeping our bodies functioning until we die. To keep Qi plentiful, eating a proper diet at the proper time and practicing Tai Chi or Qi Gong will help.

During spring, we should eat food that has an upward energy such as green, sprouting vegetables. As our activities increase during spring our bodies will need extra nourishment. This is where sweeter foods are vitally important. Foods such as fruits, nuts, yams, carrots and potatoes can provide the extra energy needed during the spring. Just be careful not to over do it. Too much sweet can overload your body and make you feel sluggish.

Sweets should be countered with pungent foods. Pungent foods will aid in the movement of Qi upwards and outwards through perspiration. Pungent foods include Scallions, onion, ginger, radishes, garlic, leeks and chives.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, spring is the season for the liver and gallbladder. These organs regulate a smooth flow of energy through out the whole body. However, they are prone to stagnation because we don’t take proper care of ourselves. This will manifest as anger, irritability, depression, insomnia and even pain. Stagnation can occur when people eat too many poor quality foods that may be full of chemicals.

Foods that keep stagnation off include foods that are rich in chlorophyll, such as wheat grass, spirulina, chlorella, parsley, kale, Swiss chard and collard greens. All of these foods are abundant during the months of spring. Another good idea to start the day is have a class of warm water with a slice of lemon first thing in the morning. This will help detoxify the liver and gallbladder to start the day off fresh. Last, but not least, foods that have a slight bitter taste can help ward off heat in the liver. These include foods like asparagus, quinoa, romaine lettuce and dandelion tea.

If your are interested in learning how to eat according to the seasons, come talk to one of our licensed acupuncturists. We can help guide you along your journey to better health through Traditional Chinese Medicine and nutritional counseling.  Call us at Master Lu’s Health Center in Salt Lake City anytime.