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HIGH DESERT NATUROPATHIC CARE
Deborah M. Keller, ND, LM, CPM 2019 Galisteo St., Suite E2, Santa Fe, NM 87505 Tel: 505/670-9042 |
| SPRING Spring is a time of cleansing and rebirth. Foods should support the liver and gallbladder. Support these organs with sour tastes: Lemons and limes, vinegar, rose hips. Fresh greens (collard greens, bok choy, spinach, kale, dandelion greens), sprouted grains, legumes and seeds. Other liver supportive foods include: beets, burdock root, and carrots. Cook with herbs such as basil, marjoram, fennel, and rosemary. Foods should be lightly steamed or sautéed. Avoid heavy and salty foods. SUMMER Foods should be light and cooling. Bitter flavors such as green leafy vegetables, sprouts, and grains such as rye are preferable. Take advantage of the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are available. A cup of chamomile tea after a meal is recommended. Cold beverages and ice cream should be avoided, as they weaken digestion. AUTUMN Support the immune system. As harvest time peaks, boost up on local fresh fruits and vegetables that contain immune enhancing vitamins such as vitamin C, Beta Carotene, and chlorophyll. Also, add more fiber-rich foods such as whole grains and cereals. Avoid foods that weaken the immune system, such as alcohol, caffeine, refined sugars, and fried foods. Fall is a nostalgic time: fill the kitchen with wonderful smells of spices and warm, fresh baked foods. WINTER Foods should be warm and hearty. Eat foods that nourish the yin: root vegetables (yin portion of plant - ultimate storage of nourishment & energy) such as carrots, potatoes, turnip, yams, sweet potatoes, garlic, and onions. Other nourishing foods include those that are seasonally available: squash, dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens, beet greens, etc), beans, lentils, peas, and fish (cold water: salmon, albacore tuna) - wild, not farmed; include a variety of whole grains (esp. Millet) and roasted nuts. Homemade stews are wonderful this time of year. If the body is undernourished, it will crave simple sugars as a form of quick energy. To avoid this, eat plenty of high-protein snacks. Sources Maciocia, G. 1989 The Foundations of Chinese Medicine. Churchill Livingstone, New York. Pritchford, P. 1993 Healing with Whole Foods. North Atlantic Books, Berkeley. |