Healthy and Protected

Here are a few tips to keep you healthy and protected throughout the remaining days of summer.

Stay hydrated. Try cucumber water. Benefits: Great for keeping skin moisturized and soft; and helps to control body temperature.


Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, sliced 
• 1 lime, sliced 
• 4 celery stalks 
• 1 watermelon rind — optional; however, the more, the better 

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients into a pitcher of water. 
2. Let soak overnight in the refrigerator for at least eight hours. 
3. Remove items before 12 hours to keep water from taking on a bitter taste. 
4. Use any left over ingredients as garnish on glasses, and enjoy. 

Use sunscreen inside and out. In addition to sunscreen that you use externally on your body, there are also foods that are natural sunscreens.

Try adding the following to your diet: carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, squash, peppers, cantaloupe melons, nectarines, papaya, mango and dark green vegetables. Beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein are carotenoids (a class of mainly yellow, orange, or red fat-soluble pigments, which give color to plant parts such as ripe tomatoes and autumn leaves). Studies have shown that carotenoids are particularly effective for protecting the skin against sun damage.

Studies have also shown that eicosapentaenoic acid (also called EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid, helps lengthen the time that it takes skin to burn during sun exposure. Additionally, it helps reduce the risk of skin cancer. The best omega-3 fatty acids containing EPA and DHA are found in animal products such as, grass-fed beef, cold water and wild caught fish (e.g., salmon, sardines, and mackerel), and free-range chickens/eggs.

Marinate with ginger, especially seafood. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory food. Its antibacterial properties are especially good for upset stomachs.

Lastly, enjoy every second of it! The summer goes by fast, so enjoy every moment of it with friends and family.

Happy Summer - I think...

As I write this blog, the thermometer outside reads 57 degrees. I thought it was supposed to be Summer? 57 degrees doesn’t feel like Summer to me. Summer is the most “Yang” of the seasons, and according to Chinese Medicine, it is a time for growth, lightness, outward activity, brightness, and creativity.

As Summer heats up, most people do really well this time of year. Aches, pains and depression all improve as the Summer sun fills our bodies with nutrients. However, the heat can also be very oppressive for lots of people. Remember, to live in harmony with the energy of this season, rise early and welcome the sun.

When the days are hot, try to create a relaxing dining experience, such as a picnic, and try to include cooling, fresh foods, such as Apricots, Cantaloupe, Lemons, Limes, Asparagus, Sprouts, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Chinese cabbage, Cucumbers, White Mushrooms, Snow Peas, Spinach, Watercress, Seaweed, Mung Beans, Cilantro, and Mint.

Try infusing Lemons or Limes in water because sour or astringent flavors help reduce water loss. Infuse water by slicing limes and soak in a pitcher of water overnight, do not soak too long or the water will become bitter. Another way to enjoy Limes is to try unsweetened or slightly sweetened (use honey) limeade. Limeade mixed with watermelon is great for combating summer heat with no other sweetener needed. You can also add mint to the limeade for an extra cooling agent.

Finally, Summer’s element is fire; its emotion is joy; its organ system is the Heart. According to Chinese Medicine, the Heart regulates blood circulation, controls consciousness, sleep, spirit, and “houses the mind.” Thus, summer is an ideal time to treat any of the following issues with acupuncture and herbal medicine: insomnia, restlessness, ADHD, poor memory, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, depression, poor circulation, and any aversion to heat.

I wish you a great, exciting and active Summer.