Diet Journal The Mid-Point 3-8-10
The Mid-Point
This day, this week, and actually for however long I can remember – I choose to focus on the midpoint; the place where common ground lies such as the midpoint for being full but not overly; the midpoint for just enough rest to support action; the midpoint for providing nourishment for mind and spirit. Heading into the spring equinox I am acknowledging the need for balance. The midpoint for me represents optimal health.
I know our bodies are actually quite amazing in their ability to continuously seek refinement; to bring us back to a healthy middle ground. Yet they can get pretty congested after a long winter. They are as complex as the universe some might say and constantly adapting to whatever we come in contact with. And yet I also know that I mess with my body’s self-regulating powers when I am constantly under stress. If I add a bombardment of poor nutritional choices – something as simple as baking a birthday cake and having it around the house – I double the strain. The same thing happens in an office where sweets are brought in as the norm for morning meetings.
So who can I use as my allies in this spring mid-point quest? To re-balance and support internal systems I’m headed back to the tonic herbs. Herbs such as:
- Tumeric – Known to accelerate detoxification and to improve circulation, tumeric (Radix curcumin) is also a potent anti-inflammatory. (I highly recommend Super Bio-Curcumin, by Life Extension)
- Dandelion – A powerful liver support reducing swelling and congestions, a natural diuretic and regulator of hormones. (I pick those tasty early spring greens every chance I get and eat them in salads).
- Citrus peel – From organic ripe oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, limes and lemons, they help lower cholesterol, re-balance blood sugar, regulate spleen/pancreas digestive energy, thin the blood and move a stagnant liver. (Just simmer the peel in water for 20 minutes and drink the tea).
- Milk Thistle – An excellent liver cleanser, milk thistle can stimulate growth of new liver cells doing major repairs. (Look for a high quality brand)
- Astragalus – Known to restore metabolic balance she likes to normalize our body functions and greatly benefits the immune system improving energy levels, heart health and circulation. (I take a dropperful of tincture morning and night).
I also use another welcome ally to start my day: a teaspoon or two of organic vinegar plus a teaspoon of honey in water. Both the bitterness of vinegar and the sweet of honey have detoxifying affects on the liver. And spring is all about healthy livers. The body is naturally trying to cleanse itself after winter’s sluggishness and just like the freshening air around us our bodies try to create an inner spring. Finding a mid-point for balanced health should be easy by including these supportive foods, drink and supplements. Now if I could just recreate this cleanse in my household environment…
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