Stress and poor diet can undermine even the healthiest immune system and compromise our natural defense mechanism against harmful viruses and bacteria.
We cannot always remove stressors in our lives, but we can learn to manage and lower our stress response in a natural way. These are just some of the examples of stress relieving techniques:
- walking, biking, yoga, tai chi or qi gong, swimming, strength training
- meditation
- spending times outdoors
- spending time with family and friends
- calming herbal teas, like chamomile, chrysanthemum, skullcap,
lavender, lemon balm or licorice
- calming essential oils, e.g. lavender, rose, bergamot, jasmine
- acupressure and acupuncture
Healthy diet will support and strengthen your immune system. Regular small meals are important to maintain strong spleen Qi with regular levels of blood sugar reducing stress on endocrine and digestive systems. Cover-19 is a warm disease according to the Traditional Chinese Medicine, so it is important to avoid foods that contribute to a warm and damp condition. Better to avoid spicy, greasy, fatty or creamy foods like ice cream, rich sauces, dairy, sugar. Avoid cold and raw food that can weaken digestive system since it takes extra stomach Qi to break down and digest it down. Avoid fried foods and overuse of animal fat in cooking, Give preference to foods that are easier to digest like lightly steamed vegetables, broths, soups. Include variety of colored vegetables on your plate to include variety of vitamins with your meals. It is good to have foods of neutral to warm thermal nature like whole grains, beans and legumes, carrots, winter squashes, nuts and seeds, mushrooms. Give preference to chicken and pork over beef and lamb which tend to be hotter in nature. Whole fruits are very hydrating and cleansing in nature- include pears, apples which are good for lungs, stomach and spleen. Lemon or orange peel zest are wonderful with tea and help to promote digestion and clear phlegm. Do not forget herb and spices from your kitchen cabinet- basil, thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, parsley, cardamon, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, small amounts of black pepper, anise seeds, dill - you can add these to stimulate digestion and counter accumulation of dampness in the body. Strong healthy digestive system goes hand in hand with strong healthy immune system.
Remember to schedule your acupuncture appointment as well and find out what acupuncture points can be used as acupressure points to use at home for digestive and immune system support. (941)773-1899 or email info@acupuncturecare.biz.
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