Exercises & more to support your Liver energy this Spring season!
Spring is a time for new growth; awakening from the cold, dark winter and looking forward to warmer, brighter seasons to come. It is a time when the body begins to shift from a state of building, to one of gentle cleansing, nourished by valuable foods to help aid and compliment this natural process. Supporting the body as we move towards a more active summer season is important to staying healthy and strong.
From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, spring is associated with the energy of the liver organ…responsible for helping to continue the flow of nutrients and more throughout our body (kind of like a fan). Nutrients (such as vitamins and minerals), blood, fluids and vital qi are especially important to keep our tendons and ligaments strong and our body moving easily, free from pain or tightness. It also supports our eyesight so we can see well and our organs so they can work efficiently. When the energy of the liver gets stuck it can make us feel tired, irritable, stiff/pain, give us a headache or contribute to digestive issues. So paying special attention at this time of year can help to get things moving freely, improving our overall quality of life.
From a western medicine viewpoint, the liver is responsible for the filtering and breaking down of toxic waste created from our food, medication, hormones, pollution etc. It also aids in the break down of vital macronutrients (fat, proteins and carbohydrates) needed for energy, growth, our immunity and cell functions.
Eating well, exercising regularly, living a clean and healthy lifestyle and reducing our exposure to excess stress is super important to our growth and vitality as our environment shifts and changes around us. Do you need some help boosting your immune system during this spring season? We can work together to help you feel great!
What foods can help support us during the spring season and why?
- Fresh water, sustainable fish (wild salmon, sardines, herring, cod, mackerel, oysters) offer Omega 3 FA which supports cardiovascular, mental and endocrine health.
- Small amount of organic nuts, seeds, grains (soaked overnight) also provide a variety of omega fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals, protein and amino acids needed for bones, skin, cells, muscles etc.
- The skins of organic citrus fruit provide vitamins and minerals as well as phytonutrients that may has been shown to reduce inflammation.
- Leafy green vegetables provide calcium and magnesium needed for strong bone and muscle health.
- Bitter greens (such as spinach and dandelion leaf) have been shown to help the liver increase its bile flow and flush out toxins.
- The Liver uses green vegetables to help support its job of natural detoxification!
How can you support your liver energy during the spring season!
- Eat a WHOLE FOOD diet - this spring focus on green vegetables to support liver detox including kale, asparagus, dandelion and spring lettuces
- Do physical activity daily - exercise helps to keep the blood flowing, qi moving and keeps our muscles and sinews strong
- Get adequate sleep - set a good bedtime routine and aim to sleep earlier as the sun rising earlier so will you
- Reduce high stress - keeping the adrenals calm means that your cortisol won't spike and stay high (esp important for menopause)
- Follow a clean diet - try to avoid artificial colours, flavours, additives and "natural" additions to your foods
- Nurture your body, mind and spirit - support your whole body's health with some grounding breaths and calm focus daily
- Plant some creative seeds - the spring season is about rebirth and growth, so plant those seeds and see it flourish!
Cindy is a registered acupuncturist, certified Pilates instructor, holistic nutritionist and a foodie. She works with her patients to support their whole body health, emphasizing self care, living a positive life and nourishing the body and mind. Cindy is the owner/creator of My Fit Over 50, a website dedicated to health of women through menopause.