As temperatures stay chilly and we find ourselves spending more time indoors in close proximity to others, the viruses and bacteria responsible for colds, flu, and various illnesses flourish. Fortunately, there are numerous body-first strategies you can adopt to be proactive, enhance resilience, and maintain your well-being throughout the winter season.
NAturopathic care can be urgent care
Naturopathic medicine is often associated with "preventive care," but naturopathic physicians offer much more than that. They play a crucial role in facilitating the body's inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health, utilizing a range of tools and techniques, including tests and prescriptions akin to those found in conventional medicine.
Naturopathic physicians routinely address conditions such as allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, obesity, respiratory conditions, heart disease, fertility problems, menopause, chronic fatigue syndrome, and more.
When you require urgent care, don't hesitate to reach out to us—either by calling or scheduling an appointment online. Our team is full of seasoned experts in their field, ready to serve as your primary body-first resource for urgent healthcare needs.
TRY SOME DETOX
Despite our best efforts, exposure to a range of toxins is an inevitable aspect of life. Here are some straightforward practices that can be easily incorporated into daily life:
- Begin each day by drinking water with fresh lemon juice.
- Include more dark, leafy greens like arugula, kale, basil, spinach, chard, parsley, and cilantro in your diet.
3. Incorporate daily dry brushing to promote blood flow and lymphatic movement.
4. Indulge in a detox bath or explore medicinal hydrotherapy soaks.
5. Embrace a weekly sauna session, whether cedar or infrared, as studies indicate it can enhance immune function.
Come visit us! Our experts can set you up with products designed to gently detoxify your system, providing your immune system with a better chance as you enter the cold and flu season.
Let’s go outside
While this advice may seem straight to the point, it can be challenging to adhere to, especially when the weather in the Portland area turns cold and rainy. However, research indicates that spending time outdoors can positively impact sleep, enhance overall well-being, and potentially uplift your mood. According to Norman Rosenthal, M.D., director of seasonal studies at the National Institute of Mental Health, being outside in daylight for as little as 20 minutes a day can significantly raise energy levels and prevent winter blues.
Eat your nutrients
As the weather is cold and the days are short, the body naturally craves warmth to enhance digestion. In line with this, Chinese medicine particularly advocates transitioning from salads to soups and incorporating warming spices.
Consider reducing the consumption of dry, cold foods and instead, opt for warm, cooked options such as steel-cut oats, porridge, gently cooked grains, vegetables, soups, and stews. Embrace herbal teas as a way to boost hydration and inner warmth during chilly and rainy weather. Incorporating warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and turmeric can aid the body in generating and retaining warmth while supporting the immune and digestive systems.
P.S. We’re here to help and support you on your whole body health journey! Oh, and also our Blossoming Lotus Cafe is full of yummy warming food!