| Often
when we think of spring we think of new growth, blooming flowers,
budding leaves, new baby animals and the singing birds. We long
for the warming of the atmosphere and the lengthening of the
days. But we forget to take care of our health so that we can
prevent the allergies, flus and colds that often accompany this
long awaited season.
We
can observe that in nature many changes take place. The water
in lakes, which has become cool or frozen in the winter begins
to thaw. The same thing is happening with our own bodies. The
increased temperatures help to make the lymphatic fluids and
mucus in our body warmer and more liquidy and so we experience
chest and sinus congestion or running noses. We may experience
swelling in the glands, which can result in a weakened immune
system. The result of the weakened immune system is the cause
of many of the flus and colds that occur in the spring.
A
weakened immune system is also often the cause of allergies.
During the winter months the digestive fire is stronger, this
creates an increased appetite, which results in overeating. Often
in the winter people do not exercise as much and the result of
the combined excess eating and less exercise is improperly digested
food. This undigested food builds up in the body as toxins. Some
symptoms of built up toxins are; rashes on the skin. Lack of
lustre in the skin, constipation, weight gain, a feeling of lethargy
after eating, drowsiness, sluggishness fatigue, muscle pains
and throbbing headaches. During the spring, the body begins to
try to eliminate these toxins. We can help the body by introducing
foods and activities that promote the removal of toxins.
We
should try to eat foods that are spicy, easy to digest and warming
in nature. Soups, teas, hot spices like cinnamon, ginger, chili
peppers, oregano and basil are examples of foods and herbs that
promote detoxification.
If
we are eating foods that prevent the toxins from being released
we will notice a further increase in the symptoms of toxicity
coupled with a weakened immune system and will probably experience
the colds and flus associated with the season - sweet, salty,
heavy and oily foods are the foods that should be avoided during
the spring.
We
should also try to increase our activity level. Increasing our
exercise helps to increase the metabolism, this intern increases
the rate at which food is digested and then eliminated from the
body. The toxins along with the food waste will be eliminated
together and the body will quickly return to its clean and healthy
state. One will notice an increase in energy, a healthy glow
to the skin, a feeling of lightness in the body and a zest for
life once the toxins begin to be removed.
The
exercise need not be strenuous or difficult to be beneficial.
Suggested exercises would be yoga and walking. Yoga helps to
remove toxins from every channel in the body by combining stretching
and breathing exercises. Walking, especially outdoors, walking
helps to increase the heart rate and metabolism and is good for
the joints and muscles. Walking outside in the fresh air helps
to boost the immune system by increasing oxygen intake, which
purifies and strengthens all tissue.
It
is also helpful to alter lifestyle to some degree. Getting up
with the sun helps to keep the body in tune with nature and thus
prevent illness and promote internal cleansing. Eating in the
evening before sunset is a good idea as the warmth of the solar
energy helps to promote digestion of food.
Eating
later tan eight o'clock will not allow time for food to be digested
which will again result in the build up of toxins.
Best
wishes for a happy and healthy spring.
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