TIPS FOR STRENGTHENING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM IN AUTUMN

We move into autumn today on the autumn equinox when the days and nights are equal and balanced. Staying healthy may be on your mind as the nights get longer than the days and the weather starts to change. In Chinese medicine the season of autumn relates to the organs of the lungs and large intestines, as I mentioned in my last email. When we are talking about immunity, we mostly think of the respiratory system but, we should also remember that the gut controls about 70% of the immune system as well.

Summer, the season we are transitioning out of, focuses on the organs of the spleen and stomach. During this season we hold on to more dampness in the body from the humidity and summer heat we have been experiencing. This dampness in the fall can cause problems for the lungs creating more mucus and congestion which can be a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. So, an important step in preparing for autumn is to strengthen the spleen and help it remove dampness. One of the spleens jobs is to make white blood cells which help us fight off colds and any kind of infection. I have found in my practice that congestion in the digestive system can lead to respiratory congestion and visa versa, so keeping both systems free of dampness is key!

Foods that can create dampness are good to avoid such as dairy, wheat, potatoes, pasta, and starchy fruit like bananas.
Treating your body to lighter foods or even a dietary cleanse in early or mid-autumn will clean out your body removing the dampness in the digestive system and preventing dampness in the lungs, sinuses, and mucus membranes. I will be leading a group cleanse starting October 10th. If you are interested to learn about this please let me know.

Autumn weather becomes cooler and dryer, with an increase in wind so as we move into mid and late autumn nourishing foods to combat dryness can keep us healthy. Eating less raw and more warm foods is important as it becomes colder. Having cooked fruit is better now, as is winter squash, soups, cooked veggies rather than salad, nuts and seeds, as well as spices like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, garlic, and onions. These foods warm the interior of the body, fight off infection, and reduce inflammation.

We also say that we must protect our "wind gates" which are at the back of the neck, so wearing a scarf to protect from a "wind invasion" is a great trick to preventing a chill.

Most bacteria and viruses find their way into our body through the nose and mouth as has been the case with COVID. Here are some good practices to take up in the fall to keep those pathogens from even entering the body in the first place. Regular steam inhalations of tea tree and eucalyptus oils can prevent respiratory infections. Boil some water in a pot on the stove, turn off the heat and add 2-3 drops of these 2 essential oils into the pot. Then place a towel over your head and inhale the oil infused steam right into your nasal passages. Here is a link to where to find high quality essential oils from Neals Yard Organics

Taking up the Ayurvedic practice of using a neti pot regularly to flush the nasal passages with a saline solution keeps allergens and bacteria from taking hold in the mucus membranes. Neti pots are available online and in most pharmacies. The water should be previously boiled and cooled, filtered, or bottled water brought to body temperature. Adding a 1 or 2 teaspoons of non-iodized salt such as Himalayan or unbleached sea salt until it dissolves in the pot. I use a food thermometer to check the temperature to be about 98.6. It should not be hotter than body temperature. This practice is a bit tricky to get used to, but you will see the benefits of doing this daily like brushing your teeth!

How else can we boost immunity?

Eat the right foods and clean up the diet
Do a dietary cleanse ( Join me for a cleanse starting on October 10)
Get enough sleep.
Practice mindfulness techniques to relieve stress such as meditation, qigong or tai chi, yoga
Get acupuncture which balances all the systems of the body, boosts the immune system, and calms the mind.
Take supplements that keep immunity strong such as;
Zinc, quercetin, NAC (N-acetylcystein) an amino acid that stimulates synthesis of glutathione which supports liver detoxification, thins lung mucus, and is a master antioxidant), Vitamin C, vitamin D, as well as some very specific mushrooms.

There are also herbal formulas used in Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine that have been used for centuries, if not more than a thousand years, to help people stay healthy and fight disease.

Here is a link to my online dispensary at Wellevate.com where you can order vitamins and herbs you want from a huge inventory. I can also make suggestions for you if it is overwhelming!
https://wellevate.me/donna-bunte

Remember that we will be starting a group cleanse starting October 10th. Please let me know by October 2nd if you'd like to join. We can custom tailor the program for you to a 10, 15, or 21 day program. It is a healthy diet eliminating congestion causing foods with the addition of supplements and herbs to help the organs detox. If you would like more info on the program please email me!

Be well and remember to smile.

Donna

Donna Bunte Whole Health
www.donnabunte.com
health@donnabunte.com
203 253 9885