Do you know that what you eat now in these warm summer months can protect you from colds and flus in the fall and winter? If you want to avoid a bad week of coughing and a stuffy nose in the near future, there are 3 main foods, eat more of this summer that will help you feel more energized, lean and clear.

Eating more of these foods will also help your skin look radiant and you will have less cravings for foods that don't make you feel good.

Top 3 Summer Detox Foods

Eat dark leafy green vegetables every day, such as salads, micro greens, sprouts or steamed kale. Pile greens into your wraps and sandwiches, your tacos and burritos and even in your fruit smoothies (try spinach or romaine).
Enjoy decadent amounts of berries, such as strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. They make great desserts, toppings and even taste delicious in salad.
Drink copious amounts of plain water to stay hydrated. Aim for 1/2 your ideal body weight in ounces every day (if you weigh 120 pounds, drink 60 ounces of water per day).

When you eat light, juicy seasonal summer foods, the intestinal mucosa in your digestive system will stay clear and healthy. Remember, in nature it is not about avoiding certain foods. It is about eating more of the good ones.

Learn more about this article from John Douillard! Summer Grocery List : By John Douillard, DC, PhD

This year, treat your cold and flu with acupuncture and herbs!

Can’t afford to be sick with a cold?

Do your symptoms linger for days or weeks after the flu is “over”?

Does taking cold medicine feel just as debilitating as having the cold itself?

Acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine are effective, natural methods of boosting your immune system to prevent getting sick in the first place, as well as minimizing the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms once they do occur.

All viruses are not the same! Elizabeth will diagnose your specific disease pattern, and tailor your treatment to best address your symptoms, whether they be clogged sinuses, head and body aches, sore throat, cough, fever, upset tummy, or fatigue. You will receive an herbal prescription to take home to help speed recovery, and lessen the possibility of having lingering symptoms that can weaken your system long-term.

Make your appointment with Elizabeth as soon as you feel the “ick” coming on - the earlier you receive treatment, the better chance you have of avoiding getting seriously ill. From now through the end of February, acupuncture and cupping treatments for colds or flu are just $40, plus the cost of herbs.

If you feel a cold coming on, you can try this home remedy:

• Make a tea by boiling a few slices of ginger and sliced green onion (white part only) in water for 10 minutes, and drink while warm.

• Be sure to cover up well after drinking (better yet, get under the covers) and allow your body to sweat out the ick.

• If you are having diarrhea as well, add in a few tablespoons of grated daikon radish while boiling. It will not affect the taste much at all. If you wish, eat the veggies after boiling for greater effect.

• Most importantly: REST! Your body is trying to fight something off, and it needs all the energy it can to do that.

Detox daily with these summer foods!