Each season of the year is associated with certain organs in the body that then correspond to specific ailments. In order to protect those organs when they are most vulnerable and to ward off the ailments common to the season, it is important to eat foods that are in season, as they help to nourish the body more than any other food.
Spring is the period when most people break out in rashes or have eczema flare-ups. This is a good time to do a liver detoxification and to eat simple dishes with lots of green vegetables.
Summer is the period when people tend to get overheated and have problems with their blood pressure. During this season, it is best to eat foods like roasted red peppers, watermelon or chilled tomato soup, as these help to bring back the fluid lost during perspiration. It is also important during this season to make sure you drink plenty of water.
The end of summer and the beginning of fall is associated with the spleen-pancreas. During this season, all the gourds are in season, and peaches and nectarines are shipped from Georgia. Be careful not to eat too much sweet, rich food during this time. A nice juicy peach is great, but don’t overindulge. Digestion will be weak and if you suffer from digestion issues, this will be the time when they flare up. Make a soup of pumpkin and ginger if you are feeling fatigued and worn out. The spleen-pancreas likes light soups during this time because they are already broken down and not hard to digest.
During the fall, when the weather starts to change and the air becomes crisp, the lungs are affected by the dryness in the air, and people are more susceptible to colds and flu. Make sure to keep your chest and throat covered during this time if your lungs are your weakness. To nourish your lungs, eat plenty of foods that are white, such as pears, cauliflower, onions and garlic. Garlic is also a great antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral, so it will boost your immune system. A soup made with all the roots that are in season in the fall, seasoned with lots of garlic and onion, will make the lungs happy.
Winter is associated with the kidneys. It is the time to eat warm soups with everything thrown in, including lamb, beef and all the root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, rutabagas, leeks and beans. Since this is the time when most aches and pains start flaring up, be sure to keep the lower back (kidneys) warm. Cod liver oil and the omega oils are beneficial for body aches. It is also beneficial to eat figs, plums, and a lot of nuts, such as walnuts, chestnuts, pecans and almonds during this time because they are in season.
Perhaps it’s time to change how you view what you eat during each season of the year. The right food at the right time can be very beneficial. Eat up!