Health Tips for May
- Jeannine Love
- May 1
- 2 min read
Aaahhh – it’s May! There’s a lot of “green” in nature, and flowers are blooming. The days are getting longer and warmer, so we turn our attention to being outdoors more. To stay healthy, follow some of these health tips for May, including diet, herbs, and lifestyle.
Health Tips for May
Diet
With the cold weather behind us, you may notice that you’re craving lighter foods like fruit and vegetables. Well, this is your body’s way of telling you to lighten up your diet. It’s time to cut down, or avoid heavy foods, such as meat, wheat, dairy and sugar. Go for lighter foods like greens, as well as lighter grains, such as barley, amaranth, and quinoa. Favor small legumes, like red lentils and mung beans. Berries, particularly strawberries, are ideal now. Berries are high in antioxidants and will help cool you in the warmer weather. Also, as the weather becomes warmer, it’s important to stay hydrated, so watch your water intake, particularly if you become more physically active.
Herbs
Bitter herbs, especially the ones cropping up in our yards or in open fields now are great to add to salads, or to make a tea. Look for chickweed, violets, dandelion, and lamb’s quarters. Cilantro is a wonderful herb for digestion, yet it’s cooling, unlike many other digestive herbs. Other benefits of cilantro include cleansing the liver, calming the immune system, and clearing inflammation. So, garnish your dishes with lots of cilantro.
Lifestyle
With longer days and warmer weather (although it’s not too hot yet), go outside and spend more time in nature. Garden, walk, hike, or bike – just be outside.
Look for an outdoor yoga class in your area. My Yoga in the Park class starts June 6th, so if you’re in the Rio Rancho, NM area, check us out. Be sure to incorporate some twisting yoga asanas (postures) in your yoga practice to stimulate your digestive system, such as Supta Matsyendrasana (supine spinal twist), or Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes).
If allergies are still an issue, use a neti pot to keep them clear; and if your sinuses are dried out, try Nasya Oil. Stinging Nettles are abundant now and are great for allergies. Make a tea with nettles or try a Stinging Nettles Tincture.
Take care and enjoy the month of May.
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