As the summer season comes to an end, many of us find ourselves looking for ways to transition into the next phase of the year. One effective way to do this is by detoxing or cleansing. A fall season detox helps you eliminate toxins from your body, prepares you for the upcoming winter season, and strengthens your immune system. By aligning with the new season with a fall cleanse, you will be less affected by seasonal changes and have a stronger immune system.
In this article:
- The benefits of a fall season detox
- The importance of transitioning from summer to fall
- The power of warm foods in traditional Chinese medicine
- Fall season detox protocol
End of summer blues…
A fall season detox is an excellent opportunity to rid our bodies of accumulated toxins from the indulgences of the summer season. It allows us to reset our system and start fresh as we enter the fall. During the summer, we often consume cold and raw foods, which can be burdensome for our digestive system. Cold, raw foods can extinguish our digestive fire, causing “damp” symptoms such as nausea, poor appetite, fatigue, bloating, loose stools, and a sense of heaviness or excess weight. This is because the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) spleen is out of balance and needs to be revived. By eliminating these cold, raw foods and focusing on nourishing, warm foods, we give our bodies a chance to heal and rejuvenate.
The Importance of Transition from Summer to Fall
Transitioning from late summer to fall is crucial for maintaining optimal health. As the weather changes, our bodies need to adapt to the new season. During the fall season, we transition from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Earth element to the Metal element. The Metal element is associated with the lungs and large intestine. The TCM lungs are in charge of the wei qi or defensive qi which is what we know as our immune system. The wei qi is strengthened by the digestive tract which is why digestive health is so important at this time of year. Fall brings cooler temperatures, which can impact our immune system. By supporting our body with a gentle detox, we boost our immune system and help it stay strong during the transition. This is especially important as we face the upcoming flu and cold season. It is very common for those who do not seasonally transition their lifestyle and diet to the fall season to become sick easily. That is why it is the perfect time to follow this fall season cleanse.
What to eat for Fall Detox:
In traditional Chinese medicine, warm and cold foods play a significant role in maintaining balance within the body. Cold and raw foods cool down the body and slow digestion, while warm foods help promote circulation and strengthen the digestive system. Incorporating warm foods into our fall season detox aligns with the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and can greatly benefit your overall well-being.
Healing Fall Season Detox Foods:
- Root Vegetables
- Hot peppers and chilies
- Turnip
- Ginger
- Horseradish
- Cabbage
- Radish
- Daikon radish
- White peppercorn
- Seaweeds
- Kombu
- Marshmallow root
- Flaxseed
- Fenugreek
- Okra
- Carrot
- Winter squash
- Pumpkin
- Broccoli
- Parsley
- Kale
- Turnip
- Mustard greens
- Watercress
- Barley grass
- Algae (common green, blue-green, and golden micro)
- Yerba Santa leaf
- Nettles
- Mullein leaf
- Sweet potatoes
- Pear
- Apple
- Avocado
- Raspberries
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Artichoke
- Brussel Sprouts
- Beans/ Lentils/ Split Peas
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Chia Seeds
- Almonds
Swap Out Salad for Soup
This is a great time to start replacing cold and raw foods with nourishing warm alternatives. One of the best ways to make a seasonal switch is by eating warming soups instead of cold salads. Steaming, stir-frying, boiling, roasting, and slow cooking are the best cooking methods for the fall season. Include warming spices like ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon in your meals to enhance digestion and boost immunity. Check our fall recipes HERE!
Herbal Teas
Utilize warm herbal teas to balance and optimize digestion. Herbal teas such as ginger or chamomile can be a great addition to your fall season detox since they help to dry excess “damp” that may have accumulated. Ginger tea is great for nausea and upset stomach, especially after eating something cold or raw. You can add a small amount of raw, unfiltered honey to your tea, which adds sweetness and dries “damp.” Ginger and honey both have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties which supports immunity and may help a sore throat.
Meat Stock Soups
Incorporate meat stock broth into your soups. Meat stock broth is the process of simmering meat on the bone in water for 2 hours. This is often easier on sensitive digestive systems and higher in vitamins, minerals, collagen, protein, and fat than plain bone broth. Meat stock is also lower in histamines. For more information on meat stock broth and optimizing digestion, check out the GAPS Diet. In traditional Chinese medicine, meat stock broth also nourishes the blood, making it a nourishing and healing remedy for the fall season.
Add probiotic foods to every meal
Did you know 70-80% of your immune cells are in your gut? This is why focusing on your digestion and optimizing your gut health is so important. Adding fermented foods or a probiotic supplement daily is important to balance your intestinal microbiome. Ideally, fermented foods should be served with every meal. Fermented foods include sauerkraut, fermented vegetables, kombucha, water kefir, and long-fermented dairy (24 hours), such as yogurt, kefir, and sour cream.
Fall Season Detox Recap
- Eliminate cold, raw foods such as ice cream, salad, juices, smoothies, and iced drinks
- Start to cook your foods- slow cooking, roasting, stir-fry, steaming (air-fryer is good too!)
- Incorporate warming foods, spices, and teas such as meat stock soup, ginger, cinnamon, and chamomile
- Focus on building your gut microbiome daily with fermented foods
Conclusion
In conclusion, a fall season detox is a fantastic way to transition from the summer season to fall while boosting your immune system. By eliminating cold and raw foods and incorporating warm alternatives, you can support your body’s natural detoxification process and promote lung health, digestive health, and immunity.
Traditional Chinese medicine principles further emphasize the importance of warm foods in promoting digestion and overall well-being. So, as you bid farewell to summer, embrace the power of warm foods and embark on a detox journey that will leave you feeling great for the fall season!
For more information, check out our fall food guide- Aligning with Fall with Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Fall Recipes You Will LOVE!
Easy Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe in the Instant Pot
Savory Beet Greens with Pancetta Recipe
Simple Wellness Soup | Medicinal Recipe for Cold and Flu Symptoms
Dairy Free Wild Rice, Shiitake Mushroom, and Kale Soup Recipe for the Instant Pot
