Foods To Cool The Summer Heat In You

Ok, I know its not summer yet, but w/ Texas at least already having had some pretty hot days this year, most everyone is already needing to cool off!

Chinese nutrition is primarily based on the properties of food i.e. hot, cold, warm, cool & neutral as well as the effect certain foods will have on qi, blood, body fluids, yin, yang & how to reduce damp &/or phlegm accumulation.

Below are foods that are important to keep in your diet during the summer months & they are all good for you too w/ important nutrients everyone needs!

Cold, Cool & Neutral Foods:
Grains:  Barley, Millet, Wheat, Corn, Rice
Legumes, Nuts, Seeds:  Tofu, Mung Beans, Lentils, Peas, Almonds, Sesame & Sunflower Seeds, Aduzki Beans
Veggies:  Asparagus, Bamboo Shoots, Radishes, Kelp, Seaweed, Beets, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumber, Eggplant, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Spinach, Tomatoes, Green Beans, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Turnips
Fruit:  Bananas, Kiwi, Lemons, Persimmons, Watermelon, Apple, Figs, Mango, Citrus Fruits, Pears, Strawberries, Dates, Grapes, Olives, Pineapples, Plums
Seafood:  Clam, Crab, Oyster, Herring, Mackerel
Meat:  Duck, Beef, Chicken, Egg, Ham, Pork
Herbs, Spices, Etc:  Tea, Beer, Mint, White Sugar, Honey, Milk
-- Most of these foods will serve a dual purpose in helping to generate fluids to keep the body hydrated, though we must never forget the importance of 64-90oz. of water daily!!

Given we're trying to stay cool & keep our fluids up in the summer it is best to avoid foods & beverages that can create heat in the body such as spicy foods, fried foods & salty foods.  I know... All of our favorite BBQ foods. Which leads me to note--you can also always treat yourself! Over my years of personal & professional experience, I have found "everything in moderation" to hold true.

Enjoy the summer, eat to your health to enjoy it that much more & keep you feeling & looking your summer best!

A Reason to Choose Chinese Herbs & other natural supplements

According to the May 26, 2005 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, "most major drugs are effective in only 25 to 60 percent of patients, and more than 2 million cases of adverse drug reactions occur annually in the United States, including 100,000 deaths."

So what does this mean for you?

Now, I know this is an older study, but not much has changed since then. The above is a reason to stick with natural herbs that work with you body's natural chemistry rather than against it using synthetic compounds. Though herbs & certain supplements are considered "natural" they can still have powerful effects or adverse effects if used improperly. Therefore, its in an individuals best interest to only use herbs under the guidance of a qualified, licensed herbalist. As for what one can purchase over the counter, research it. There's a wealth of quality information online or just ask a qualified professional.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog. I am an Oriental medicine practitioner & have just begun  my own business Whole Health Acupuncture. Appointments can be made by contacting me directly. I have an office in South Austin. I am also an ACE Certified Personal Trainer & train out of UT RecSports & GoddessFit.


The purpose of this blog is to keep my patients, clients & the public informed on new articles, advances, ideas, theories & practices happening in the world of health, fitness, nutrition, & Easter & Western medicine.


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