In the changeable weather of spring, many people find it difficult to adapt, leading to weakened or overactive immunity, which can result in colds or allergies. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners, spring wellness focuses on nourishing the liver. Through proper dietary adjustments, one can promote the balance of yin-yang and the immune system, staying clear of spring illnesses can be quite simple.
Fresh Chicken Soup with Reishi Mushroom
Boosting Immunity Requires Liver Nourishment
Many believe that preventing colds and illness requires strengthening the body's resistance. However, modern people generally have adequate nutrition, and few suffer from a weak constitution. The more important factor is maintaining the balance of the immune system, which is the balance of yin and yang in the body. Those with low immunity are prone to getting sick, catching colds, wound infections, and bleeding disorders. Conversely, overactive immunity can lead to autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid diseases.
To maintain good immunity, one must first focus on wellness. According to TCM theory, spring corresponds to the element Wood, making it the season to nourish the liver. The primary approach is to soothe the liver and regulate qi, further nourishing liver yin. It is recommended to choose more whole grains in daily diet; seasonal fruits like strawberries and asparagus, as well as dark green vegetables like spinach. Additionally, one can opt for mixed nuts and red dates, which are considered sweet foods, but their intake should be moderate to avoid obesity. Avoid pungent and strongly flavored ingredients that can harm the liver. Furthermore, skillfully incorporating Chinese herbs into cooking can not only enhance the flavor of dishes but also add value to their liver-nourishing and wellness-promoting properties, helping to balance immunity and prevent colds and allergies triggered by spring's pathogenic wind.
Methods to Boost Immunity:
1. Adjust your breathing and learn meditation. Meditation training can calm the nervous system, help release stress, regulate sleep, and enhance resistance.
2. Pay attention to oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth thoroughly and using mouthwash frequently can boost immunity. Poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontitis, which in turn can cause diabetes or heart disease. Therefore, maintaining good oral health is the first step to ensuring overall health.
3. Ensure a balanced diet. The most important thing for enhancing the body's immunity is to eat healthily. Many people only consider whether food is tasty or filling, but few stop to think if their diet is balanced. Experts here remind everyone to ensure each meal includes some vegetables and fruits, maintain dietary diversity, and avoid a monotonous diet that neglects nutrition in the morning.
4. Exercise moderately. Research shows that exercise not only enhances the function of the immune system but also increases the number of immune cells, thereby boosting immunity. Exercise doesn't have to be particularly intense; for example, taking the stairs or a post-meal walk are also good options.
5. Wash your hands frequently. The importance of washing hands is self-evident, but many people take it for granted. During cold and flu season, wash your hands frequently with soap. Proper handwashing can help a billion people worldwide avoid colds and prevent other infectious diseases.
These immunity-boosting foods can be eaten regularly
1. Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushrooms can enhance human immunity because they contain polysaccharides with anti-cancer properties. They are also rich in germanium, which can accelerate the body's metabolism, delay cell aging, and exert anti-cancer effects by inducing the body to produce interferon.
2. Garlic
Garlic contains antioxidants that can resist pathogens invading the immune system, including *Helicobacter pylori*, which is associated with stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. Cooking tip: Peel the garlic and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before cooking to activate the enzymes that boost immunity.
3. Almonds
A handful of almonds can improve your immune system's ability to cope with stress. A 1/4 cup serving of almonds contains almost half of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin E, which can boost immunity. The riboflavin and niacin (B vitamins) in almonds also help fight stress.
4. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is rich in Vitamin C. However, current scientific evidence shows that people can get enough Vitamin C from food to treat colds and flu without needing supplements. Grapefruit also contains a large amount of flavonoids, a natural chemical that helps increase the activity of the immune system.
5. Seaweed
British researchers discovered in the 1990s that seaweed can kill cancer cells and enhance immunity. The phycobiliproteins in seaweed show potential for lowering blood sugar and fighting tumors, and its polysaccharides have various biological activities such as anti-aging, lowering blood lipids, and anti-tumor effects. The alginic acid in seaweed also helps remove toxic metals from the human body, such as strontium and cadmium. Medical personnel have also developed unique marine drugs and health products from seaweed, which can effectively prevent nerve aging and regulate the body's metabolism. Furthermore, seaweed can help prevent and treat peptic ulcers.
Chicken soup