Many common ailments like headaches and the occasional upset stomach can be dealt with simply by eating everyday foods. So much better than reaching for the medicine cabinet! From pineapple for sneezing to ginger for nausea, these simple ideas are definitely worth a try.
- Tension headache? How about a potato! The 37 grams of carbs in a medium potato raise your seratonin levels and can ease that stress induced headache.
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Fatigued? Toss back some O.J. The fructose in a 4 oz.glass is a great pick-me-up and studies suggest that vitamin C's ability to combat stress caused by free radicals may provide energy, as well as playing a key role in helping your body metabolize iron, which in turn helps move energizing oxygen through your bloodstream.
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Stomach stirred up? Basil is amazing! This humble herb has a compound, eugenol, which studies suggest can keep your gut safe from nausea, cramps and diarrhea by killing bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria. Eugenol has an antispasmodic property that can ease cramps, and is easily added to salads or sauces1
High blood pressure? Try some raisins! 60 raisins, about a handful, contain 1 gram of fiber and 212 mg of potassium. Raisins contain polyphenols and have been shown to be effective in maintaining cardiovascular health, including bringing down blood pressure. Other grape-derived foods such as wine and juice are included in this group.2 Your local Farmer's Market may carry these and many more foods that can propel you toward a healthier lifestyle. You can check out this website for more information on the Farmer's Market locations in Corpus Christi and surrounding cities in the Coastal Bend.3
Ask your physician about the prospect of adding these foods to your diet if you are already on medication for one of these ailments, and if not, enjoy them as nutritional prevention.Be well!
Shelli Rossignol, LMT/CR http://www.kiaorashelli.com
1.M. Mattfeldt-Beman, PhD/Saint Louis University Dpet of Nutriton and Diatetics.
2.Prevention Magazine, June 2010
3. http://www.localharvest.org
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