Seems like an odd concept to most folks, but for people that follow a seasonal way of eating (like me), when the seasons change, so do my food choices.
I believe this is one of the best ways to keep the body healthy, happy and in the flow.
As we move from summer to fall the air grows cooler and the body begins to slightly contract. This naturally starts the process of “release.” Think about the body being gently squeezed by the elements.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the lungs and large intestine do their job by pushing excess sugars and sweets (fruits) that were abundantly available during the summer season out of the body. This helps prepare the body for winter.
Most people recognize this “squeeze” as a cold, runny nose, or congestion at this time of year. It’s perfectly normal. There’s no need to run to the pharmacy for cold medicine to stop this discharge process – just let your body do what it is designed to do… release and clear out some excess stuff.
If you stop this natural discharge process by taking a cold medication, you run the risk of developing a more severe type of congestion later in the year: flu, pneumonia, bronchitis or other lung ailment.
Instead of taking medicine to stop the body’s natural process, you can aid this seasonal transition with warming pungent soups that help the lung/large intestine organ systems expel excess mucous. Plus, you will nourish the kidney element at the same time.
This is the perfect time of year to reduce or eliminate cooling fruits, and icy smoothies and instead have something more warming.
A Miso Soup prepared with scallions, alaria, tofu and ginger would be a great choice.
The pungent flavor of ginger and scallions helps support the lung and large intestines at this time of year. The miso is great for supporting digestive health, and alaria sea vegetable nourishes the kidney element.
Another great choice at this time of year, would be an old fashioned Chicken Soup made with chicken stock, onions, garlic and parsley. The bone stock used to make the chicken soup strengthens the digestive system and the kidney element. Plus, the onions, garlic and parsley, help amp up the pungent factor.
Use these two nourishing and delicious soups to help you find seasonal relief. And, remember… just go with the flow of the seasons.
