It’s Now July
Wow, it’s July and we are still navigating through COVID and that we all need the nourishment we can get! It feels so strange to me as I thought by now we would be done with this. Well, here we are, so I thought I would share with you some ways you can take care of yourself and have the proper nourishment to support your digestive and immune systems. Both are essential for staying healthy.
Keep That Fire Going
I know I talk a lot about digestion so this might not be new for you. Your stomach is like the pot on the stove and your spleen is like the fire under the pot. It’s essential to keep that fire going. That’s why I talk so much about warm foods during cold weather and to never forget to give yourself adequate nourishment. Reduce your dairy intake as well. As that is very dampening to the spleen along with any type of fruit juice. If you do enjoy juice, drink it at a 1:7 ratio mixed with 7 parts water to 1 part juice. It’s just better to eat the whole fruit and keep to 1 serving per day. If you like yogurt, try sheep or coconut as an alternative and always use whole milk, organic, plain variety. Try adding ginger, cinnamon or nutmeg to “warm” it up.
Probiotics In Your Diet
Fermented foods are also a great thing to add to your daily nourishment regime. Try sauerkraut, pickles, miso, tempeh, tamari, kimchi, kefir, or kombucha. These are filled with probiotics and support healthy gut bacteria.
Enjoy a glass of warm water with vinegar or lemon juice before a meal to increase digestive enzymes. It lets your stomach know that food is on it’s way. Also, only drink 4oz or less of any liquid during a meal.
[tweetthis]Enjoy a glass of warm water with vinegar or lemon juice before a meal to increase digestive enzymes.[/tweetthis]
Go Dense
Choose nutrient dense foods like wild caught salmon, free-range chicken, eggs, avocado, organic butter, nuts and seeds, non-gmo tempeh, and beans. If you like a sweetener, use honey or maple syrup, both of which have nutritional value.
Bitter greens are great if you’ve got any phlegm as they are cool and support the clearing of heat. Artichokes, asparagus, and escarole are good bitters.
Any type of mushroom has a tonic effect on the body. So that means they support your immune health.
Nourishment and trying new things
Do your best to add some of these foods to your daily diet. It is important to mix it up and determine what nourishment works best for you. Maybe even try some new things.
If you need help with any of this, I’m here to support and guide you. Have a great week. Donna
