how to use foods to boost immunity (wei qi)

Wet breakfast to boost immunity (wei qi). Millet congee with spring onions, ginger and tamari with an egg.
​Infusion of dried citrus peel, ginger, fennel seeds and organic raw honey 
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Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.
― Hippocrates​

​It is well known that foods can either cause harm or benefit. Chinese medicine has a  sophisticated understanding of the effects of foods on our body. When food is consumed in higher quantities or very frequently it either becomes a therapy or a poison.

Following on from this article, we now examine how to use foods to enhance your immunity through building wei qi.

Brief lifestyle recommendations
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• Rest well ~ being tired reduces immune function by depleting Kidney Yang.
• Smoking ~ don't quit yet! Instead reduce to about 10% of current consumption.
  
• Get some sunshine & fresh air 
• Some gentle exercise that focuses on stretching and breathing such as qigong.

Brief dietary therapy recommendations 

• Hydrate well ~ dehydration reduces immune function by reducing Stomach Fluids. This includes good dietary oils.  
• Eating well ~ poor food choices compromises immune function.
• Reduce or avoid the following foods :
  • cold drinks and raw foods 
  • gluten, sugar, dairy (particularly cheese).
  • alcohol consumption 
  • deep-fried foods ~ these raise mucus and reduce immunity
• Add the following foods
  • seed spices in cooking ~ mustard seed, cumin seed, star anise, Szechuan peppercorns, and others.
  • wet-cooked porridges for breakfast ~ these are easier to digest and recommended for the sick, convalescing, and elderly
  • whole grains ~ unless you’re sick as they’re more difficult to digest
  • plenty of fresh greens, root vegetables, seaweeds, mushrooms, nuts, seeds, beans
  • some but not a large amount of meat, poultry, fish.
  • snacks ~ replace sweets for nuts and dried fruits; for example, almonds and dried figs.

A tea / infusion to support a weak digestion 

Steep the following  in a mug of boiled water...

• fresh ginger root - 2-3 pieces thinly
• squeeze a wedge of lemon or lime ~ try to get unwaxed or wash off 
• 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon of honey

Sip when cool enough.
Best consumed before meals.

Ginger warms the Stomach and protects the lungs from phlegm. Citrus peel helps to handle phlegm and keeps breathing open. Honey supports the aspect of digestion called transformation in Chinese medicine.

Coming up is an explanation why these lifestyle and dietary measures are so effective at boosting your immunity through supporting wei qi.