Feeling like it might be time to slow down? Autumn is the perfect time to move our attention inward. Summer season was the typical whirlwind of all good things: travel, sunshine, barbecues, ice-cold drinks. Who doesn’t love the radiance of summer activities? That being said, all of this yang – outward – energy can certainly leave us feeling a bit depleted by the time the leaves start to turn colors.
Such perfect timing that autumn harvest foods provide so many detoxing opportunities for us and our livers! Stews, soups, warm salads, hot elixirs – all of these are incredibly easy ways to combine a multitude of potent healing foods into your daily rotation as a way to cleanse & recharge during this sweet season.
Here are key foods/nutrients to incorporate this fall to boost your liver health as we head into the colder months:
- High fiber – this is good news for all squash lovers out there! From delicata to butternut squash to pumpkin and spaghetti squash, autumn gourds have tons of fiber that will help to regulate digestion, lower blood sugar levels, balance hormones, and feed the good bacteria in our gut. Not to mention the beautiful hues of color we get in these foods means we’re also consuming high amounts of anti-oxidants that are fighting inflammation in our bodies.
- Cruciferous veggies – few plants are as important for our liver health and detox pathways as vegetables in the brassica family (broccoli, brussels, cauliflower, collard greens, mustard greens, bok choy, kale). They have polyphenols called glucosinolates, which fight oxidative damage and have shown to potentially reduce cancer risk!
- Hot Tea – Tea’s the season! Herbal tea is an ally not only for the soothing warmth but also as an easy way to consume the awesome benefits of botanicals! Both dandelion and burdock root can nourish the liver. Animal studies have shown liver protecting effects as well as normalizing lipid levels. Add in some turmeric & ginger for a potent elixir to fight inflammation!
Interested in a more specific and customized Autumn food guide? Schedule an appointment to find out how to shop, prepare, and cook this season to feel vibrant and well!
