A little sunlight and some warm weather sure does change things! Even if deep down we know there's still some cold weather to come, there's something about those first feelings of spring that starts to shift our mood and energy levels. Early spring sunlight also helps to increase our melanin, which lessens summertime sunburns. Our bodies are the coolest!
1. Time Change
If you follow me on social media, you might've seen my stories about the time change. This was the last time they will be doing it in B.C. I'm in favour of this decision because of the information we have that shifting the clocks by one hour in the spring and fall has negative health effects. In the days immediately after the time change, there's an increased risk of cardiac events and car accidents. Humans are aligned with the sun, not the clock.
I helped myself with the time adjustment last weekend by doing a few simple things:
2. Seasonal Allergies
The moment the snow disappears, the seasonal allergy sufferers are quickly reminded that their symptoms will be returning. The natural ways of supporting your body through allergy season work best when you begin at least a month before your typically roughest time. So if you are challenged by molds, best to start now. If you react to pollen, start soon. And if it's grass, you can begin in April or May.
The strategies for lowering the allergic threshold focus on lessening the body's responsiveness by stabilizing mast cells (the cells that release histamine), lowering overall inflammation especially through gut healing, calming the nervous system and supporting the adrenal glands. Things like quercetin, vitamin C, nettles, NAC, acupuncture and avoiding food sensitivities can be helpful. (I have a great remedy that combines all of these ingredients together to make it easy for you.)
Additionally, approaches that lighten the symptoms like: nasal rinses, washing pillow cases regularly, acupuncture and homeopathic remedies tailored to your unique symptoms are good options.
3. Colds
Sometimes it's hard to tell if you have a cold or allergies. With the upcoming temperature fluctuations and natural time for detoxification, surely some of us will experience colds.
I've been supporting people through sore throats, runny noses, sinus congestion, coughs and post-viral fatigue all winter. Feel free to reach out if you need help through or after a sickness.
4. Lifestyle
I've definitely been noticing this week has been bringing people in who are ready to shift out of their winter habits. Their body has let them know it's time for a change, in which case we discussed ways to implement these new routines into their lives and make their goals manageable. We also discussed meal ideas and preparation techniques to help out as well.
5. Detoxification
Spring and fall are natural seasons for us to encourage and support our detoxification pathways. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) relates springtime to the liver and gall bladder, so special care and attention is needed for these organs right now. In TCM, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and helps with emotional regulation especially anger, while the gallbladder helps the liver with digestion and supports decision-making. I often recommend a TCM based Liver Cleanse formula that contains milk thistle, dandelion, and turmeric, for additional liver support in the spring.
As we move into what feels more like the true new year, the time for renewal and growth, we can feel that our health needs to be supported in different ways now than in the winter. Appreciating the cycles of nature, and how we align our health the these cues, helps to create lasting wellness.
"That is one good thing about this world, there are always sure to be more springs." ~ L.M. Montgomery
After what's felt like. a long winter, I'm thrilled to feel the strength of the sun and the promise of spring on the horizon. If you're still feeling like you need a little more for your senses, consider a trip to a greenhouse or butterfly conservatory for some warmth, colour, and sound.
Yours in health,Dr Christa
1. Time Change
If you follow me on social media, you might've seen my stories about the time change. This was the last time they will be doing it in B.C. I'm in favour of this decision because of the information we have that shifting the clocks by one hour in the spring and fall has negative health effects. In the days immediately after the time change, there's an increased risk of cardiac events and car accidents. Humans are aligned with the sun, not the clock.
I helped myself with the time adjustment last weekend by doing a few simple things:
- I went to bed a little bit earlier all weekend to bank some sleep
- I ate protein forward meals
- I wore bluelight blocking glasses in the dark
- I stood barefoot on my deck
2. Seasonal Allergies
The moment the snow disappears, the seasonal allergy sufferers are quickly reminded that their symptoms will be returning. The natural ways of supporting your body through allergy season work best when you begin at least a month before your typically roughest time. So if you are challenged by molds, best to start now. If you react to pollen, start soon. And if it's grass, you can begin in April or May.
The strategies for lowering the allergic threshold focus on lessening the body's responsiveness by stabilizing mast cells (the cells that release histamine), lowering overall inflammation especially through gut healing, calming the nervous system and supporting the adrenal glands. Things like quercetin, vitamin C, nettles, NAC, acupuncture and avoiding food sensitivities can be helpful. (I have a great remedy that combines all of these ingredients together to make it easy for you.)
Additionally, approaches that lighten the symptoms like: nasal rinses, washing pillow cases regularly, acupuncture and homeopathic remedies tailored to your unique symptoms are good options.
3. Colds
Sometimes it's hard to tell if you have a cold or allergies. With the upcoming temperature fluctuations and natural time for detoxification, surely some of us will experience colds.
I've been supporting people through sore throats, runny noses, sinus congestion, coughs and post-viral fatigue all winter. Feel free to reach out if you need help through or after a sickness.
4. Lifestyle
I've definitely been noticing this week has been bringing people in who are ready to shift out of their winter habits. Their body has let them know it's time for a change, in which case we discussed ways to implement these new routines into their lives and make their goals manageable. We also discussed meal ideas and preparation techniques to help out as well.
- Movement: Once we can find the ground again, we can bring back the walking routine. Walking is great for the mind, for lowering blood sugar, and contributes to overall longevity.
- Food: You may also be noticing some increased energy and motivation, which allows for more meal prep inspiration and an intuitive change in the foods you are drawn to. It's not quite time to move away from the cooked foods, but you can probably start tolerating raw salads or fruits more often. Leafy greens and lemon can be especially helpful to the liver (see below).
- Hydration: Along with food, it's probably time to reevaluate your hydration. We tend to gravitate away from drinking as much water in the winter, using teas and soups to fill in the gaps. Now, we can start to pull out the big water bottles again.
- Vitamins/Supplements: Additionally, we have different nutrient/supplement needs when the seasons change. Soon we'll be able to reduce the dosage for Vitamin D, for example. We should discuss your new spring protocols soon.
5. Detoxification
Spring and fall are natural seasons for us to encourage and support our detoxification pathways. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) relates springtime to the liver and gall bladder, so special care and attention is needed for these organs right now. In TCM, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and helps with emotional regulation especially anger, while the gallbladder helps the liver with digestion and supports decision-making. I often recommend a TCM based Liver Cleanse formula that contains milk thistle, dandelion, and turmeric, for additional liver support in the spring.
As we move into what feels more like the true new year, the time for renewal and growth, we can feel that our health needs to be supported in different ways now than in the winter. Appreciating the cycles of nature, and how we align our health the these cues, helps to create lasting wellness.
"That is one good thing about this world, there are always sure to be more springs." ~ L.M. Montgomery
After what's felt like. a long winter, I'm thrilled to feel the strength of the sun and the promise of spring on the horizon. If you're still feeling like you need a little more for your senses, consider a trip to a greenhouse or butterfly conservatory for some warmth, colour, and sound.
Yours in health,Dr Christa
RSS Feed