Keeping Healthy Throughout Autumn

“those who knew the way of keeping good health in ancient times always kept their behaviour in daily life in accordance with nature. Their behaviours in daily life were all kept in regular patterns such as their food and drink were of fixed quantity; their daily activities were all in regular times. They never overworked. In this way, they could maintain both in the body and in the spirit substantiality”

Passage from the Nei Jing (one of the principal medical books of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

The Autumn in Traditional Chinese Medicine is the metal element, which is characterised by expansion, contraction, and transformation on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. It brings with it a desire to know who we are and to find value and meaning in what we do. It is also associated with emotions of grief, sadness, reflection and “letting go”. This is a time when our emotional state and energy levels at this time of year are affected by decreasing levels of sunlight.

Some people find the transition into Autumn difficult, so at the risk of sounding like your Mum, here are a few things that will keep you strong and prepared for the coming months!

Keep hydrated - Autumn is a time of dryness. The moisture of the humid summer gives way to Autumn dryness. So, drink tea or room temperature water to help your body hydrated and eat lots of soup as this is a nourishing, wholesome, all-encompassing meal- in-one.  It's warming and helps with hydration.

This is a great time to start boosting your immune system and strengthen your protective 'qi', which lessens head colds during the winter.  So, visit your acupuncturist and don’t challenge your immune system unnecessarily, remembering to take an extra layer of clothing with you .. even if it feels warm, because  typically people are still dressing like it’s still summer because the sun still has warmth during the high point of the day, though the evenings rapidly turn cool and it's easy to get caught out!

Our diets have a strong influence on our emotional and physical health. Autumn is particularly associated with health problems in the lungs (such as allergies and asthma) and the large intestines; as well as being associated with skin disorders, dryness and poor immunity.

Autumn represents a time for harvesting – the last chance to take in the energy of the summer sun. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Autumn has a downward movement, illustrated by the growth of root vegetables. Eating in accordance with the seasons should have a strong positive effect on your ability to ward off symptoms of ill health.

So What Should I Eat During Autumn?

The dietary needs that come with the seasonal changes should be logical, but the climate has varied so much that it can be confusing at times and living in big cities where everything is available whenever we want it makes it difficult to know what is in season (and at times if it's not available we get cross). 

The way to think about Autumnal foods is easy –

Eat seasonal, local, organic food.

Focus on the heartier variety of fruits, vegetables, grains and meats.

Colour and variety – look outside for inspiration and just as the leaves turn brilliant orange, red, and yellow, so too should your diet. These colors are best represented in the roots, tubers and squashes, which tend to be loaded with beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A and a very popular anti-ageing ingredient in natural skincare today. By eating these foods, you moisten and nourish internally and ultimately enhance your complexion.

This is the time to break out the crock-pot and slow cook foods on low temperatures for longer hours. Not only does this cooking method keep the nutrients intact, it also creates a richer dish that gives your lungs and large intestine a boost, ultimately nourishing the skin.

Favourite foods for beauty

Apples: Have a moistening effect on the lungs and generates fluids; a great addition to the diet for those of you with a lot of dryness.

Pears: This fruit is notorious for its ability to generate fluids and moisten the lungs. It is a great addition to the diet after a high fever and respiratory conditions that heat up the lungs. Poaching pears is a favourite in our home and helps combat the drying effects of heated homes and apartments.

Beetroot: Has a downward action and clears congestion and is a great vegetable for promoting better circulation. Beetroot is very effective for cleansing the colon and therefore benefits the skin.

Brussel Sprouts: Loaded with vitamin A, beta-carotene, Vitamin C and Folic acid, this vegetable packs a strong anti-ageing punch. The cabbage family is important for intestinal cleansing and according to TCM, important for blood purifying, two areas that we think are important for healthy looking skin.

Pumpkin/Butternut Squash: High in the beta-carotenes and also a good source of Vitamin C and fiber. These veggies are great for reducing sweet cravings and can be stomach tonics when eaten moderately: a warm salad or with a tray of roasted veggeis!

Broccoli: Like brussel sprouts, this veggie is loaded with vitamin C, beta-carotene and has anti-oxidant power. This green food is a must throughout the autumn and winter!

Onions: Warming and pungent, onions are great for warming up the lungs and stomach.

For a more comprehensive list check out –

www.eattheseasons.co.uk