Yin Foods for Dried Out Athletes

Do you feel unusually thirsty, dried out, do you have tight and sore muscles? Do you sweat sometimes and not know why? Poor sleep, fatigue, agitation? Despite hydrating, I am seeing this more and more in my clinic not only with older patients but young as well. 

Why is this bad? Lack of fluids in the body can cause many conditions that are uncomfortable. Night sweats, fatigue, cramps, dry skin, blurry or poor vision, ringing in the ears to name a few. 

Of course, intense activity isn't the only thing which causes this condition, but I am seeing more and more young athletes with similar symptoms and issues that you would expect in say, someone creeping into their 40's. Intense activity burns up a lot of fluids in the body (yin). To keep going strong, we need to replenish that source. While there are many herbal formulas to help us achieve that balance, most of us just need to pay attention to our diet. It's not a quick fix, but a lifelong one. 

If any season is the time to back off of training for a bit and regenerate, it's now. But…since I know you won't, be sure to nourish your skin, blood, bones, and fluids with  dense, energy filled, nourishing winter foods. 

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Winter Vegetables

(think "in-season" foods)
Arugula
Bok Choy
Broccoli
Brown Sugar
Brussel Sprouts
Carrots
Chard
Chestnut
Kale
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Onions
Pomegranite
Root Vegetables (Rutabaga, Parsnips, Radishes…)
Rice
Squash
Sweet Potato (yum, with butter = heaven.)
Turnips
...

Eating Winter Style

Think soups & stews. Porridge or congee are also old standbys that exist in some form in many cultures. Bone broths, especially homemade are wonders of traditional medicine and go a long way to replenish and heal the body. 

Kidney Foods 

Winter belongs to the kidney organs which are associated with the fluids in the body. 
Add cloves, fennel seeds, black pepper, ginger, walnuts, turtle beans, onions, leeks, shallots, chives, chicken, lamb, trout and salmon to your diet.

Caution

These are great nourishing winter treats, but if you show signs of heat (thirst, red tongue, poor sleep, sweating, tight muscles, etc), avoid or eat in moderation 
ginger, cardamom, cinnamon or nutmeg, hot peppers, and alcohol. 

My Current Favorite Go-To's

Five Flavors Alchemy food blog
Food Renegade food blog
Fine Cooking magazine: It's like fine cooking made simple for people like me! Surprisingly easy recipes with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Love it.