Autumn Season

September, October, November

In Traditional Medicine, Fall is associated with the Lungs and Large Intestine (Metal Element).

The Lungs govern the skin which is our first line of immune defense.

The Large Intestine is in charge of releasing and letting go of what the body does not need (physically and emotionally).

If the Lungs are weak, we are more susceptible to illness.

By gently transitioning the body and eating with the season, the immune system will get the boost it needs!

Causes of Common Lung Disorders:

• Overeating

• Not eating enough fiber

• Consuming too much meat, dairy, and other congesting foods

• Using drugs, cigarettes, and processed foods

• Harboring old grief

• Unhealthy attachments to things and people

• Not letting go

• Internal toxins

How do we boost the lungs? With foods that protect and purify!

Pungent foods are both cleansing and protecting.

Add small amounts to a meal.

Pungent foods help disperse the stuck, mucus-laden energy of the Lung and Large Intestine.

• Hot peppers and chilies (also high in Vitamin C!)

• Turnip

• Ginger

• Horseradish

• Cabbage

• Radish

• Daikon radish

• White peppercorn

Mucilaginous foods are essential for mucous membrane renewal of the Lungs and Colon.

They remove old, thick mucoid deposits and replace them with a clean, moist coating.

• Seaweeds

• Kombu

• Marshmallow root

• Flaxseed

• Fenugreek

Dark green and golden-orange vegetables are high in beta-carotene (Vitamin A) which provides a protective layer to the mucous membranes and boosts the immune system! It has also been shown to protect the Lungs and Colon against cancer. Green veggies are high in chlorophyll which inhibits viruses and helps the lungs detox residues from chemical fumes, coal dust, cigarette smoke, etc.)

• Carrot

• Winter squash

• Pumpkin

• Broccoli

• Parsley

• Kale

• Turnip

• Mustard greens

• Watercress

• Wheat or barley grass

• Algae (common green, blue-green, and golden micro)

• Yerba Santa leaf

• Nettles

• Mullein leaf

Last but not least is... FIBER! As most know, fiber is the indigestible portion of foods that creates the bulk part of our stool. It helps push food through the intestines while also cleaning any gunk sticking to the intestinal walls. Fiber can also help decrease cholesterol, constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, and the risk of colon cancer. Fiber aids in healthy bacterial growth in the colon which promotes the absorption of nutrients and the formation of cancer-resistant bowel acids. The best source of fiber is natural sources (not supplemental drinks).

• Pear (Click here for Baked Pear Recipe!)

• Apple

• Avocado

• Raspberries

• Beets

• Broccoli

• Artichoke

• Brussel Sprouts

• Beans/ Lentils/ Split Peas

• Oats

• Quinoa

• Chia Seeds

• Almonds

Best ways to prepare foods:

• Steam

• Boil

• Roast

• Sauté

Source: Pitchford, P. (2002). Healing with whole foods: Asian traditions and modern nutrition (3rd edition) (3rd ed.). North Atlantic Books.