a summer guide to nutrition and immune strengthening

Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that the seasons have a profound cyclical effect on human growth and wellbeing, that we are influenced by climatic changes and should live in harmony with them. Therefore, consciously preparing for and embracing these changes can make each season cycle a time of beauty, rejuvenation and comfort, instead of a time to dread or fear if there are some elements that aren’t for you.

summer produce

A primary element of this process is feeling confident in choosing and preparing foods according to the seasons, that make you feel nourished and alive. We look forward to guiding you through each season with top foods and nutritional recommendations to align ourselves better with the four seasonal shifts and for making this process become an easier, more natural transition.

In summer, to wake early in the morning and reach for the sun with an uplifting tonic, is certainly my idea of the perfect morning. Simply squeezing a whole lemon into a luke warm glass of water will do the trick and prepare our body for the day ahead. You may like to add fresh ginger for an extra kick.

As a general rule of thumb, summer is a time to embrace the beauty of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables. Taking care to make a dazzling display of each meal, keeping it fresh, bright and full of hydrating foods. Increasing mineral rich foods such as 

berries, sardines, oysters and greens is a fantastic way to replenish losses through perspiration. Moderation should guide all aspects of food preparation, allowing natural flavours to highlight the dish. For example, enjoying a plate of juicy heirloom tomatoes, garden basil and your best extra virgin olive oil or some beautiful grilled peaches and thyme. Highlighting natural flavours and moving away from richer foods and flavoured sauces is key to making the most of summer produce.

Tip: Seeking out and shopping at your local farmers market is the best way to connect with the seasons, connect with the growers and connect with your community. Eating with the seasons is the most affordable way to eat, when there is an absolute abundance of the food, the cost will naturally reduce.

top seasonal summer picks to take advantage of while you can

fruits

• Blueberries
• Boysenberries
• Mulberries
• Pink grapefruit
• Nectarines
• Peaches

vegetables

• Asparagus
• Watercress
• Squash
• Heirloom tomatoes
• Sugar snap peas
• Radish
• Basil

sunshine

Along with healthy eating, summer is a wonderful time to take advantage of safe exposure to direct sunlight to boost vitamin D stores. Did you know that vitamin D deficiency can suppress immune function? Take time to safely enjoy short bursts of sunshine during summer - remember sunscreen and a hat - and when you’re at the hot springs, take advantage of our new Sun Lounge, deck chairs and pools with direct sunlight. Studies indicate that vitamin D may also help immune cells identify and destroy bacteria and viruses so, now more than ever, we all need to absorb the benefits of this mighty vitamin.

hydration

Don’t forget the importance of hydration – especially during hot weather. Water helps to flush toxins, waste and bacteria from the body to fight disease and infection as well as strengthens the immune system. Staying hydrated is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do to ward off viral illnesses. Try to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water each day to ensure proper hydration. If you’re bathing at the springs this summer make sure you bring your reusable bottle to fill up from our Beautiful Water filters located right across our property,

breathwork

The way we breathe strongly affects the chemical and physiological activities in the body and by practicing breathing exercises, waste materials are more easily released. The simple act of correct breathing techniques and deep diaphragmatic breathing can strengthen immune defences.

Stay well and enjoy the season of summer from the Wellness Team.