Poor digestion

Late Summer is a beneficial time to heal if you suffer from poor digestion and Stomach problems, Late summer is correlated to the Earth element and the Stomach and Spleen organ systems, the systems responsible for transforming and transporting the food we eat into usable Qi (energy), Blood and fluids for the entire body. Create strength within and nourish the digestive system by: Warmth: if you have digestive issues, eat all your foods warm with lots of soups and stews, the perfect Spleen foods. Chewing: most people don't really chew their food. This puts much stress on the digestive system. Take the time to chew, especially meats, extremely well. The more you chew the easier the Spleen can convert it to energy. Neutral and warming essence foods: root vegetables, whole grains, winter squash, lentils, beans, meats, whole fruits (not fruit juice), nuts and seeds. Look around: what's growing in your climate? That’s the easiest way to tell what’s can be beneficial on your plate. Eat local from the local farmer’s market. Local produce and meat. Don't skip breakfast: Qi is at its peak in the Stomach and Spleen channel from 7-11 am in the morning, the time of the day when food is most effectively digested to create energy for the day. Skipping this meal can lead to weight gain and Blood sugar imbalances. Avoid damp forming foods: dampness is the climate during this season, meaning it's easier to create internally as well. It's important to avoid sugar, chemicals, refined carbohydrates, excess gluten, processed grains, cheese, greasy, fried foods, and dairy. Dampness creates heavy, murkiness, and traps toxins, parasites, and bacteria. Examples of damp patterns include weight gain, obesity, ADD, ADHD, IBS, arthritis, MS, fibromyalgia, chronic aching conditions, and candida.