Springtime: How to Nourish for the Season
Why should we care about transitioning with the seasons? Well, for starters, we are humans that live on planet earth; and although we have modern conveniences, we are still an integrated part of earth’s ecosystems. Our ancestors were wholly dependent on the changing of seasons, guided by when to plant food, hunt, build shelter etc. And while some of this urgent dependency has changed, our bodies are still influenced by the shifts in weather, sunlight and darkness.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spring is associated with the Liver & Gallbladder. The liver is quite a fascinating organ. It’s primary job is to filter blood, metabolize drugs, and detoxify contaminants. Incredibly, the liver is able to completely renew its cellular structure every 150 to 500 days. Whoa! You can see why it is related to the springtime energy of new life and renewal. The liver also aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as maintaining blood sugar levels. In fact, nutrition scientists now understand the excess consumption of sugar and carbohydrates to be a primary contributor to fatty liver disease.
It is common during this time of year to hear people talking about “Spring Detox” or “Liver Cleanses.” I think this can be a little misleading and problematic for two reasons. First, “detoxing” in general can create a systemic reaction that triggers debilitating symptoms. Second, physiologically the liver can’t be “detoxed.” The liver is a self cleaning organ; meaning that if you eat healthy, and support the natural tissue state of the liver, then it will be perfectly healthy on its own!
Instead, what I recommend to my patients is: “clean” up your diet (eat lots of leafy greens, limit sugar & alcohol, and avoid fried food & vegetable oils), break a gentle sweat daily, and use liver supporting herbs and supplements (see below). We don’t actually want to “detoxify” the liver, we want to nourish it, and help it function optimally.
Spring is a time of movement bubbling beneath the surface, waiting to emerge. Like a seed or roots that have been hibernating all winter, the energy of the seed starts to revitalize, as it gets ready to push up through the earth. I don’t know about you, but in Spring I get a burst of creative energy to start new projects, and find myself pulled to being active outside. This is because, Springtime is the time of year for beginnings, creativity and enthusiasm.
You may also find that you start to get a little agitated or easily frustrated. This time of year is associated with the emotion of anger; and if we aren’t getting out, exercising, and moving, then our emotions start to stagnate. If you’re feeling congested, stuck or find yourself overeating; this is a sign that you’re out of balance with the season, and it is a great time to follow some of the recommendations below.
Finally, in TCM, Spring is associated with with Wood element, which is related to growth, structure and expansion. When out of balance, we can feel rigid or inflexible; often manifesting as musculoskeletal issues like tight hamstrings and arthritis. So the moral of the story is? Move your body as much as you can to help your muscles and tendons stay flexible.
Whether you love Springtime, and get a big burst of energy with the change of seasons; or you get a little overwhelmed with all of the shifts. Know that there are some diet and lifestyle tools you can use to support and nourish your body.
Get outside: garden, beach walks, forest excursions
Eat Sour foods (they nourish the liver) aka: fermented veggies, citrus, pickles, apple cider vinegar
Get creative: cook, dance, surf, draw (whatever this looks like for you)
Kick the sugar, carbs and fried foods
Eat lots of fresh greens (dandelion, mustard, sorrel, chickweed, miner’s lettuce)
Let your emotions out (preferably in healthy and constructive ways)
Be open to new experiences and creative endeavors
Drink green juices and smoothies
Here is a link to one of my favorite Liver restorative herb blends for Spring.
Be Well.