SPRING
FEVER -- NOT JUST A MYTH
With
such a late start to winter this year and the severity of the season I think
just about everyone is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the warmer milder days
of spring. One might say we have spring fever. But spring fever is more than
just an emotional state of longing. Spring heralds major physiological changes
in the body that instead of leaving one feeling exuberant and light we can be
left feeling tired and out of gas. Such an enigma, finally the weather is right
and weÕre not.
So
what exactly is spring fever and what causes it? The symptoms can be as wide
and varied as there are individuals. Farmers were known to suffer attacks of
bleeding ulcers, those who suffer from psoriasis find their symptoms much
worse, allergies flair, spring colds and flu turn into bronchitis and
pneumonia, bouts of depression and suicide increase. So yes, spring fever can
be more than just a lighthearted thought or song lyric.
Twice
a year, pre-spring and pre-fall your body shifts gears in preparation for a
change in seasons. Heavier foods needed to keep the body warm through the cold
of winter will no longer be needed. More water and fluids will be required to
keep the body cool as the weather warms. Fresh food, outdoor exercise and more activity
in general will call for nourishing foods yet ones that will not weigh the body
down. As the body works to make these major metabolic shifts you may feel
tired, flat or you may find a symptom/illness you thought you were past
reappearing again and again each season.
To
help your body make this shift with greater ease and more health consider these
suggestions:
Get
out of your eating rut. Try letting
go of your morning coffee, orange juice and a bagel. Instead drink some herbal
tea, fenugreek, ginger with lemon or green tea. Have a bowl of oatmeal with
nuts, raisins and soy or rice milk. Rotate your foods, especially fresh
vegetables. Instead of iceberg lettuce and tomatoes try fresh spinach or baby
greens with sliced cucumber, baby carrots and celery. Just mix it up- what ever
you like but get out of that same food eating rut.
Consider
one day of fasting: Drink herbals
teas, purified water with lemon or some fresh vegetable juices. If the hunger
becomes overpowering eat all the apple you would like.
Try
getting the eight hours of sleep you
need and so richly deserve. Remember your body is shifting gears and will need
more rest.
Drink
extra water. Nothing will help your
body make its metabolic shift faster than giving it plenty of fresh water.
Try
mixing up your exercise program.
Instead of pounding it out at the gym why not go for some relaxing walks until
your body feels more energized.
Spring
is a joyous time, a time of change. These few simple shifts can help you enjoy
it to the fullest. Till next time, Rebecca