10 ingredients for your winter kit

When temperatures drop, the body tends to function more slowly. Sudden changes in temperature weaken the immune system and we are more prone to infections.

If there is already an underlying pathology, then flu, fatigue, kidney pain, cystitis, painful periods, pharyngitis, otitis, rhinitis, bronchitis or even pneumonia appear.

Cold induces muscle contraction, which will cause people with rheumatic diseases to feel more pain. Exposure to cold also does not help cardiac pathologies as it causes an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, factors that force the heart to make a greater effort. If the disease is of the obstructive type, the coronary blood vessels will be compromised and may trigger episodes of arrhythmias and heart failure.

Cold intolerance is one of the main symptoms of hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone deficiency). The metabolism is reduced and the body does not generate heat, which is why people with this problem may suffer the worst in the months when temperatures are lower.

We can also see how dermatological disorders such as psoriasis or dermatitis worsen. For example, during the winter, atopic dermatitis can cause eczema to appear on the skin, and in the case of psoriasis, it worsens and can affect the joints, as well as causing redness, flaking, pain and swelling. Another of the discomforts of the cold is the appearance of itching and reddening of the skin and the creation of wheals due to the drop in temperature, touching frozen objects or exposure to wind or cold.

A good balanced and appropriate diet for the winter that generates warmth and a good home medicine kit will help us get through the winter with minimal impact on the body.

1. Of course the queen of winter is the azuki bean. It revitalises the kidneys. A good stew with this legume accompanied by carrots and kombu seaweed. Add grated mochi and a little miso to generate internal heat.

2. The broth from cooking azuki is a good remedy for cystitis.

3. A good kukicha tea infusion with a few drops of tamari and an umeboshi plum is a good remedy to combat the initial stages of colds and to help the metabolism. It is also a good alkaliser and a good way to start the day when tiredness sets in. 

4. Tekka seasoning, among many other properties, helps to combat anaemia. If we add it to wholegrain cereals and vegetables and add a little bit of nori seaweed, we will be taking a good heart protector.

5. Shiso leaves are a good remedy for rhinitis. Sprinkle them on the vegetables and you will get a good natural antihistamine.

6. A good miso soup is a winter must. Prepare a soup with: mugi miso, dried burdock, wakame seaweed, ginger and turmeric powder, carrot and onion and add some fresh spring onion on top. This will help to keep your immune system up, alkalise your body and combat fatigue. In case of a cold you can add three cloves of garlic. If you have a cold you can serve it with a fried mochi cube.

7. Dried daikon is a great help in eliminating excess fat, arterial plaque and cholesterol, as well as contributing to good digestion. Dried daikon can be added to miso soup along with kombu seaweed.

8. The classic recipe for fighting colds, generating vitality and alkalising the body is the kuzu-tama-umeboshidrink.

9. According to macrobiotics, buckwheat is energetically warming and nourishes the kidneys. It combines perfectly with seaweed gomashio.

10. If you have a sweet tooth, I recommend using amazake in your recipes. It is a sweet that does not chill the body.

RECIPE Amazake dessert

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons amazake

Cinnamon powder

A pinch of salt

1 teaspoon kuzu

Elaboration:

1. Heat the amazake over moderate heat.

2. Dilute the kuzu in a little cold water.

3. Add the kuzu to the amazake and stir until transparent.

4. Serve with sprinkled cinnamon and a pinch of salt.

Enjoy your meal.

Article written by Patricia Restrepo, director of IME and macrobiotic consultant.