August's Natural Medicine Cabinet: What Late Summer Foods Can Teach Your Chronic Illness

There's something strangely earthy about strolling through a farmer's market in August. The harvest is so abundant on the ground, it's almost shy—tables brimming with colors I'd forgotten to expect of the gray winter months. But for patients of chronic illness, late summer produce needs to provide us with more than novelty. They coincide with a period when our bodies are most in need of that little extra assistance in dealing with heat-related exhaustion and the strange risks of being sick at the height of summer.

I've reached the point where August's harvest is nature's pharmacy. Not metaphorically, at least not the way I wish it were, but the way that it just keeps popping up in researches that some of the chemicals contained in foods during this time of year will actually cure the very disease for which so many of us are afflicted today.

Peaches: Anti-Inflammatory Relief That's Gentle

August peaches aren't just 'grammable—they contain compounds that actually combat inflammation. Polyphenols from the skin of peaches were discovered to lower inflammatory markers, which is a good thing to have if you've got autoimmune issues or chronic pain exacerbated by heat.

Among other reasons peaches are so handy in chronic disease care is that they are highly digestible. When drug-induced nausea or heat is making it tough to eat, peaches provide fluid, natural sugars for energy, and vitamins without irritating your stomach.

The fiber also assists in intestinal health, which science is starting to link to immune function and controlling inflammation. Up to 70% of the activity of the immune system takes place in the intestines, so having healthy intestines is especially crucial for anyone suffering from autoimmune disease.

Tomatoes: Lycopene for Cellular Protection

Tomato season exists for the period when all of us stand to gain from additional cell protection against summer stress. The red coloring matter in tomatoes, lycopene, is a subject of research for decades due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature.

Lycopene supplements lowered levels of markers of inflammation in those with metabolic disease in a 2017 study in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. Another problem is chronic disease, and again, anti-inflammatory activity has benefit in rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or fibromyalgia.

Unexpectedly, preparing tomatoes divides the lycopene to release more of it, so even on symptom days when cooking is simply too much, canned tomatoes or simple sauces still provide the benefit. That's a plus on symptom days when complicated food preparation is not possible.

Corn: Unlikely Antioxidant Powerhouse

Raw corn is written off as "just carbs" but is a concentrated source of lutein and zeaxanthin—eye-friendly antioxidants and possibly for inflammation too. The majority of drugs that are prescribed to manage chronic disease have some effect on eyesight over the long haul, so these vitamins are particularly prized.

Corn is also a rich source of folate, which is typically depleted by autoimmune medications such as methotrexate and other immunosuppressants. Supplementing this B-vitamin is particularly useful if medications also interfere with nutrient intake as well.

For those with energy problems or chronic fatigue, the corn gives sustained energy without the blood sugar spikes that will exacerbate symptoms. Fiber is the guarantee of not absorbing glucose too fast and holding off the crashes in energy that occur after consuming foods with high sugar levels.

Watermelon: Hydration and Recovery Aid

Watermelon contains about 92% water, and it is a dehydrating patient's life raft—a something that is not typical with the majority of disease and medication. Watermelon also has L-citrulline, an amino acid utilized during the recovery of blood and muscles.

A Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry study found that watermelon juice reduced exercise-induced muscle pain. Though tried with sportsmen, its anti-inflammatory component can benefit those suffering with chronic disease or post-disease flare-ups.

The electrolytes naturally restore those lost through profuse sweating, drug-induced body fluid imbalances, or illnesses like POTS that require excess sodium and fluid intake.

Berries: Dense Anti-Inflammatory Power

Berries come into season in August, and those little fruits deliver an incredible nutritional wallop that can have a measurable effect on the symptoms of chronic disease. Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries all contain anthocyanins—phytochemicals responsible for their deep color and also potent anti-inflammatory agents.

In 2018, researchers documented a study presented in the journal Nutrients indicating that daily consumption of berries decreased inflammation markers and improved cognitive function among the elderly. Mental acuity of this sort is particularly precious to a group of people suffering from brain fog as a side effect of long-term illness or medication.

Berries contain less natural sugar than most fruits and thus are acceptable for the individual having difficulty with blood sugar as well as with chronic illness. Fiber also keeps energy level on an even keel throughout the day.

Zucchini: Easy Nutrients When Digestion Is Sore

Summer zucchini is tasteless, maybe, but a source of comforting nutrition when digestive issues are rendering meals agonizing. It is watery and quenches thirst without further inflaming angry stomachs.

Zucchini contains potassium, which aids in balancing fluids—a characteristic that becomes helpful for individuals taking drugs that alter electrolyte balances or are diagnosed with conditions such as POTS. The tastelessness is also suitable for individuals with altered sense of taste due to drugs.

The magnesium has a role in the muscle function and quality of sleep, both disturbances of which are far too common in the treatment of chronic disease. Patients with autoimmune disease are particularly at risk of magnesium deficiency, possibly creating vicious cycles with fatigue and pain.

Bell Peppers: Vitamin C Without Citrus Intensity

August bell peppers contain more vitamin C per serving than oranges without the acidity that will bother an upset stomach or interfere with medication. Vitamin C supports immune function and collagen growth, both of which are helpful to individuals who have connective tissue disease or slow-healing wounds.

The vitamin will also aid in iron absorption, which will be beneficial in those patients who have anemia secondary to chronic disease or drug action. Patients with chronic disease will be most likely iron deficient, so foods containing vitamin C will be of great benefit.

The bell peppers are also rich in compounds that will affect histamine, which will be of benefit to mast cell disease or autoimmune disease with allergic factor patients.

Getting August to Cooperate

The key to seasonal food cooperating with chronic illness is keeping them on good and bad days. Cooking ahead on better energy days can get healthy meals onto flare days.

Frozen food is the easiest nutrition with the least effort. Pre-cut vegetables, even more expensive, are sometimes the difference between healthful eating and not eating on bad days.

Think about your own limitations and medication interactions. Some must avoid foods with potassium, others must avoid high-fiber foods during certain treatments. Discuss with your medical team which holiday foods will be safest in your own situation.

Beyond Individual Foods

Although every nutrient is valuable, the greatest benefit comes from utilizing seasonal eating to sustain overall health in times of challenge. The harvest in August offers a chance to boost nutrition when symptoms and temperature might otherwise render food unpalatable.

The goal isn't optimal nutrition—it's actual nutrition that functions under the given parameters and demands of your body at the moment. On certain days that will be watermelon for breakfast because that is an option. On certain days that will be covering what you can find with berries.

Food as medicine, but not necessarily fancy medicine. August's harvest provides simple ways of feeding your body through the specific needs of late summer, bite by scrumptious bite.