Foods That Can Boost Your Immune System

When it comes to your immune system, there are plenty of foods that can help make it stronger and keep you healthier. Today we’re discussing a few immune system-boosting foods and how you can use them in your day-to-day cooking. Have any questions? Want to schedule a telemedicine appointment with Dawn? Contact Dawn Potter Acupuncture today, we would be more than delighted to help with any of your needs.

Red Bell Peppers

Think citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C? Think again! Compared to citrus fruit, red bell peppers contain about twice as much. They are also a wonderful source of beta carotene which can help keep your eyes and skin healthy as well.

You can add red bell peppers to most dishes or even serve them raw with a salad. They are super easy to fit into your day-to-day cooking.

Broccoli

Did you know that Broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals? Broccoli contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many antioxidants along with fiber.

Want to keep your broccoli as healthy as possible? Try cooking it as little as possible or not at all. Broccoli can be a great snack with some dip such as ranch. It can also be great added to stir fry dishes or many other recipes.

Garlic

Garlic is used around the world in most cooking, it adds some extra flavor to food while also being great for your health. Early humans recognized garlic for its ability to fight infections. It is also known to help lower blood pressure and slow down the hardening of arteries.

Garlic can be used in most any dish to add additional flavor and can also be baked in the oven and used as a spread.

Other Herbs & Spices 

Along with garlic, there are many other spices and herbs that can be added to food to improve the immune system/reduce inflammation. Turmeric, oregano, cayenne pepper, basil and even black pepper can impact the body in different ways. Adding fresh herbs along with various spices to your meals can not only improve flavor but can really help your body.

Visit Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater Today

Interested in scheduling an appointment with Dawn Potter Acucunture in Clearwater to discuss ways to improve your diet and immune system? Reach out today, we would be delighted to get you added to our schedule.

Easy-to-Digest Foods For Upset Digestive Systems

Do you have a “touchy” digestive system? Many people struggle with digestive problems. This could include anything from an occasional mild stomach upset, stomach flu, or food poisoning, to morning sickness, frequent attacks of the gall bladder, gastritis, colitis, or irritable bowel. Or even the side effects of chemotherapy treatment. At Dawn Potter Acupuncture we understand how an upset digestive system can affect your quality of life. We hope these tips can help you. If you need additional help, do not hesitate to reach out for a free consultation.

Chronically uncomfortable digestion, such as nausea, heartburn, reflux, cramping, bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhea can be more than just uncomfortable; poor digestion is associated with other health complications, including malnutrition, dysbiosis, unhealthy weight gain or loss, weakness, and headaches.

Acupuncture to strengthen the digestive function is very helpful for these conditions, as are Chinese herbs tailored for the specific condition. And, for individualized dietary recommendations, it is best to see an acupuncturist trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) nutrition. In the meantime, this article will outline a few dietary suggestions that will help most people feel better.

We will start with the most easily digested foods first, and progress to the more difficult. Remember, these are generalizations. Everyone is a little different, so you may find that a few of the foods in some of the earlier categories need to be set aside until you are feeling stronger, or that you are okay with eating some of the later category foods sooner. And always heed any food allergies or sensitivites that you have.

Step 1:  Clear Fluids

Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea can make you not want to eat at all, but it is essential to remain hydrated with plenty of clear fluids. Warm or room-temperature liquids are preferable since cold fluids can cause or worsen cramping.

Avoid carbonated beverages if you are having bloating, gas or cramping as the carbonation can worsen these symptoms.

One of the best clear fluids is coconut water: the liquid from the inside of the coconut, (not to be confused with coconut milk, which is a thick, white liquid made from the coconut meat). All natural coconut water is typically tolerated better than plain water and has an ideal ratio of electrolytes, minerals with a small amount of natural sugars to keep you optimally hydrated and lightly fueled.

Other good fluids to sip include clear broths and warm teas: for nausea choose ginger, peppermint or chamomile; for cramping pain choose chamomile, peppermint or fennel.

Step 2:  Congee With Mashed & Stewed Fruits/Herbs/Vegetables

Congee is the foremost of the easy-to-digest foods in Oriental medicine, used for all types of imbalanced digestion.  It is a great food to start with after you’ve been unable to eat. In addition to being easy on the system, it is said to “nourish the Digestive Qi (energy).” Congee is a thin gruel or porridge that is often used as breakfast in parts of China. There are many recipes available online, but I will give you the basic formula here:

I recommend using brown rice, millet, quinoa or buckwheat, as these are gluten-free, and usually easy to digest. Use 1 part whole grain to 5 parts water. Cook on low for several hours. I usually cook this in a crock pot overnight on the “low” setting.

Small amounts of various fruits, vegetables, or spices may be added, depending on your individual TCM diagnosis. Examples include ginger, cardamom, raisins, chopped carrots and apples, which add a touch of flavor and texture to the congee, but are well-cooked for easy digestion. Or your Clearwater acupuncturist may prefer you to use vegetables such as zucchini, celery, water chestnuts. Either way, go easy on the added ingredients because the blandness of the congee is what makes it gentle on the digestion and nourishing for the Digestive Qi.

You can also put cooked congee through a blender to feed to infants and toddlers with “tummy problems.” Again, ask your acupuncturist for which herbs, spices, fruits or veggies may be added to your child’s congee for his or her condition.

Mashed & Stewed Fruits:

Another good option at this stage is a little bit of mashed banana, blended papaya, or a pudding made from the two mixed together. Both are very easy to digest and soothing to the stomach mucosa. Banana is better if you are having diarrhea. Papaya, since it contains some natural digestive enzymes, can be helpful for constipation. Applesauce (preferably unsweetened) is another great option. You can add a pinch or two of dried ginger to any of these fruits, to further assist their ease of digestion.

You can also try some stewed fruits, such as pears, prunes and figs, particularly if you have constipation.

Step 3: Other Whole-Food Starches & Fresh Fruits

When your system can handle more solid foods, try some plain baked potato or sweet potato (remove the skin initially if you need to), winter squash (such as butternut squash, acorn squash or pumpkin), cooked summer squash (zucchini or yellow squash), and cooked root vegetables (such as carrots, beets, or daikon radish).

You can also have plain whole grains such as rice, quinoa, millet and buckwheat. You can add oatmeal (the old-fashioned kind, not the instant), or whole grain or sprouted grain toast. In fact, all cooked starches should be well tolerated at this point, except for dry beans. Avoid butter, oil or sauces for now, and no spicy foods.

Once you can easily digest the plain, cooked starches, you should also be able to digest most fresh fruits, though citrus, pineapple and tomato may still be a challenge. Eat your fresh fruit at room temperature, instead of chilled, for better digestion.

Step 4: Cooked Vegetables & Green Smoothies

Cooked Vegetables:

As your digestive system continues to strengthen, you can eat a variety of cooked vegetables, but initially avoid the cruciferous ones (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussel sprouts) since they can be harder to digest. I recommend making a large pot of vegetable soup in clear broth.

Avoid using too much oil or butter to cook your vegetables. Steaming or roasting them is better than frying. You can also sauté them in broth. Go very easy on the flavorings, spices or sauces, at least at first, until you feel your digestion can handle them.

For protein, you may eat a small amount of plain, cooked lentils with your cooked vegetables. If you eat meat, this is where you can start to add small amounts of organic roasted chicken or wild-caught, small species fish. Be sure to cook both of them well, to kill parasites and bacteria. Use animal protein more as a meal accent, and not as a large part of the meal.

Green Smoothies:

You can also start adding some raw, green, leafy vegetables to fruit smoothies. This way, you receive the benefit of the green leafy vegetable, but it is blended for easier digestion. Green smoothies are a wonderful way to intake green leafies, while only tasting fruit. Start with spinach or leaf lettuce, since they have very little of their own taste.

There are many green smoothie recipes available online, but you can take this simple recipe and improvise: Add 1 cup of spinach to 1 banana, 1.5 cups of berries, and 1 cup of water or coconut water and a few pinches of dried ginger or cardamom. Blend until smooth and enjoy. Avoid adding ice, dairy or sweeteners.

Step 5:  Raw Vegetables, Fats & Proteins

Raw Vegetables:

At this stage, you can to add in raw vegetables and salads. Of the raw vegetables, those which are fruits (ie. have seeds, such as cucumber, bell peppers, zucchini and yellow squash) are the easiest to digest, while the cruciferous (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc) are the most difficult, and you may need to only eat them cooked.

Iceburg lettuce is difficult to digest, and has the least nutrients of all leafy greens, so use romaine, spring mix, leaf lettuce or spinach for salads. You might find that the darker leafy greens, such as kale, swiss chard, or collards need to be cooked for you to digest them well.

Fats & Proteins:

Of the fats and proteins, avocado is the easiest to handle, and a few olives are fine for most people. Both coconut oil, coconut milk, and peanuts can be a problem for those with gall bladder congestion. Other nuts and seeds in small quantities are fine for some, but those with diverticulosis will likely need to avoid them. If you eat animal-based foods, organic, free-range chicken and wild-caught, small species fish, as well as organic, cage-free eggs (start with just the whites) may be eaten.

Vegetable oils, butter/margarine, fatty meats, and dairy products should be eaten sparingly if at all. These foods are very heavy and put a lot of burden on the Digestive Qi.

Foods To Avoid

Besides those fats and proteins listed above, other foods to avoid with poor digestion are wheat (including white flour and whole wheat), sugars, artificial sweeteners, greasy foods, highly processed foods, and chemical additives. Some people with reflux or heartburn may also need to avoid spicy foods. The most highly allergenic foods are dairy, corn, wheat/gluten, peanut, and soy.

Food Combining

Some people find that proper food combining makes all the difference for their digestion. Food combining is based on the chemistry of digestion: starchy foods require alkalinity to digest, whereas proteins and fats require acidity. And fruits are best eaten without any other type of food because they digest much faster than any other foods.

The premise is that when you combine foods which require opposite types of digestive environments, then the chemical reactions neutralize each other, causing digestive stagnation, fermentation & putrefaction. This can lead to digestive distress, gas, bloating, poor nutrient absorption, overgrowth of bacteria/yeast, lowered immunity, fatigue, pain and other illness.

There are many sources for learning about food combining, but to make it simple: Don’t eat starches with fats or proteins; Non-starchy vegetables can be eaten with EITHER starches OR proteins/fats, but not both at the same time; Eat fruit alone; Allow 40 minutes after eating fruit, 3 hours after a starchy meal, and 4 hours after a protein/fat meal before eating a different type of meal.

Schedule Clearwater Digestive Issues Treatment Today

When your Digestive Qi is strong, your digestion is smooth and effortless, you have vibrant energy, and your whole body functions better. Try these suggestions. But, if you find your digestive problems are persisting, I encourage you to seek an acupuncturist trained in nutrition to help with your individual condition.

Also, for more on Nutrition from the Oriental Medical perspective, See Nutrition, Part 2. 

Dawn Potter, AP, Dipl.OM

(this article was published in Tampa Bay Wellness, April 2013)

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Foods to Avoid: A Guide to Reducing Inflammatory Foods

Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism in our bodies, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to various health issues. One powerful way to manage inflammation is through your diet. Today Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater will explore some common foods that can exacerbate inflammation and should be avoided to promote better overall health. Have questions? Interested in a free phone consultation? Contact us today.

1. Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates:

Sugary foods and refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries, can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, leading to increased production of pro-inflammatory molecules. Chronic high sugar intake has been linked to conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes, both of which involve chronic inflammation. Opt for whole grains and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation.

2. Trans Fats:

Trans fats, often found in partially hydrogenated oils, are known to trigger inflammation. They not only raise "bad" LDL cholesterol but also lower "good" HDL cholesterol levels. These unhealthy fats are commonly found in fried fast foods and many processed snacks. Reading food labels for "partially hydrogenated oils" and avoiding them can significantly reduce your intake of trans fats.

3. Red Meat and Processed Meats:

Red meat, particularly when processed (like sausages and bacon), contains saturated fats that can contribute to inflammation. Additionally, these meats often contain harmful additives. Choosing lean cuts of meat or opting for plant-based protein sources like legumes and tofu can help reduce your intake of pro-inflammatory compounds.

4. Dairy Products:

Dairy products can be inflammatory for some individuals, especially those who are lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies. They may experience digestive issues, skin problems, or joint pain. For those sensitive to dairy, non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk can be better options.

5. Artificial Additives and Preservatives:

Many processed foods contain artificial additives and preservatives that can trigger inflammation and adverse reactions in some people. These additives are often found in fast foods, packaged snacks, and sugary beverages. Opting for whole, unprocessed foods and cooking at home with fresh ingredients can help you avoid these additives.

Get Nutritional Guidance in Clearwater, FL Today

Reducing inflammation through dietary choices is a proactive step towards better health. By avoiding foods high in sugar, trans fats, red and processed meats, dairy products (if sensitive), and artificial additives, you can help your body maintain a healthy balance and potentially prevent or alleviate chronic inflammatory conditions. Remember, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can be your best ally in the fight against inflammation. Need some help with what you eat? Feel free to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation today.