Holistic Health for the Lungs and Large Intestines

The fall is the season corresponding to the large intestine complex. It is a great time to strengthen these organs as it is also a time when many “dis-ease” symptoms of these organs may be present. The lungs are considered the “tender organ” by Traditional Chinese Medicine because they are easily affected by external or environmental influences. The lungs govern respiration and water movement (especially in the upper portion of the body). In Eastern medicine the lungs also rule the exterior of the body, referring to the skin, sweat glands, body hair and major portion of the immune system. The lungs open into the nose and throat. When an imbalance or obstruction interferes with the lungs, impairing either the descending (inhalation) or disseminating (water circulation) function, symptoms such as cough, dyspnea (shortness of breath), asthma and chest distention, as well as problems with urination, edema and perspiration may develop. If any of these symptoms become chronic this may indicate a reduction in immune response. Foods that may help strengthen the lung, if eaten in moderation, are apples, asparagus, pepper, carrot, garlic, ginger, honey, grapes, peppermint and rosemary. The large intestine main function is the excretion of waste matter after final water absorption occurs. The large intestine has a mucosal lining and is nerve rich. Which is one reason why when there is inflammation, or obstruction in this organ it can cause major health problems in other parts of the body that are seemingly unrelated. Therefore, it is important to have a healthy diet consisting of foods which have a minimal transit time (the time it takes for foods stuffs consumed to exit the body via bowel movement). This will help prevent constipation, diarrhea or intestinal dysbiosis.

Plenty of clean water and foods high in soluble and insoluble fiber are imperative for a healthy, cancer free, colon. More than 135,000 colon cancer cases are diagnosed each year in the United States, and the number is growing. While the most recent studies claim there may be no link between a high-fiber diet and lowered incidence of colorectal cancer, we do know that many high-fiber foods contain cancer fighting nutrients. There are two main types of fiber. Soluble (gums, mucilage and pectin) which dissolves and blends with water to form a gel in the gastrointestinal tract. Most of the fiber in plant cell walls is soluble and promotes regular bowel movements and aids in weight loss by slowing down the passage of food, thus giving a full feeling. Soluble fiber is useful in managing diabetes, hypo- and hyperglycemia because it retards the absorption of glucose, allowing the body to release it gradually in to the bloodstream. Foods low in glycemic(sugar)value are whole grains, beans, seeds, soybeans, mushrooms, green leafy vegetables, cucumbers, zucchini, cabbage and string beans. Soluble fiber also helps lower elevated serum cholesterol and removes fat from the gastrointestinal tract. So eat more apples, barley, beans, oat bran and lentils. Insoluble fiber which relates to plant cell walls which do not dissolve in water commonly called “roughage”. These components are cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Consuming too much insoluble fiber may decrease the absorption of certain minerals, such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. Insoluble fiber does not breakdown during digestion, yet it can bind in water like a sponge. This absorption of water causes bowel movement to be softer and have greater bulk. This puts more pressure on the intestinal walls thus increasing peristalsis and speeds up transit time and evacuation of wastes. Finally insoluble fiber appeases the appetite, reduces bacterial toxins and absorbs toxins. Food sources include whole grains, brown rice, nuts, vegetables and fruits. Furthermore prolonged sadness, grief or depression will add to the dysfunction of the lung and colon. Eat and be merry with love!