From the beginning..
A central concept in Eastern philosophy is Qi (chi). It refers to the life force of a person, object, or situation. In Chinese medicine, the immune system is modeled on defensive Qi. When defensive Qi is strong, illnesses caused by viruses, bacteria, or weather conditions can be prevented. However, if defensive Qi is weakened, illnesses such as colds or flu can easily develop. According to TCM, Qi energy is generated from nutrients derived from food and the air we breathe. This ancient model of understanding the immune system aligns with our modern understanding, which now recognizes the relationship between the ability to absorb nutrients and utilize oxygen as factors that determine the effectiveness of the immune system.
How to take care of your immunity?
In the treatment of colds, upper respiratory tract infections, and influenza, Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends foods that induce sweating and open pores as an effective method of removing pathogens from the body. These foods include:
- ginger and ginger infusions,
- cayenne pepper,
- chamomile,
- peppermint,
- rosehip tea,
- vegetable soups with the addition of onion vegetables, soups with groats.
In the initial stages of a cold it is recommended Garlic, as it has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties. Furthermore, to support immunity, it is recommended to consume foods rich in bioflavonoids, which neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals that weaken the immune system. These foods include:
- cabbage,
- pepper,
- parsley,
- carrot,
- broccoli,
- turnip,
- lemon juice,
- grapefruit,
- horseradish,
- onion
- Garlic
Primarily, to achieve strong immunity, both TCM and modern medicine recommend consuming unprocessed, whole foods, especially vegetables, whole grains, fiber-rich, minerals and vitamins, and herbs. However, foods high in simple sugars, such as sweets and sugary drinks, refined grains, such as white flour, high salt and dairy product intake, and overeating, have a particularly debilitating effect on the immune system. According to Chinese medicine, these foods are particularly mucus-forming, which promotes the development of infections. If antibiotics are necessary, TCM places great importance on restoring the intestinal microflora, as it largely determines the rate of immune system recovery. Therefore, foods that positively impact the intestinal microflora are recommended, such as: fermented foods, green leafy vegetables, miso soup and probiotics.
Prepared by Monika Wodyczko – clinical dietitian