Foods That Heal

What can these foods do for you?

Apples-protects the heart, prevents constipation, blocks diarrhea, improves lung capacity, and cushions joints

Apricots-combats cancer, controls blood pressure, saves your eyesight, shields against Alzheimer’s and slows the aging process

Artichokes-aids digestion, lowers cholesterol, protects the heart, stabilizes blood sugar and guards against liver disease

Avocados-battles diabetes, lowers cholesterol, helps stop strokes, controls blood pressure and smoothes skin, balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers.

Bananas-protects your heart, quiets a cough, strengthens bones, controls blood pressure and blocks diarrhea

Beans-prevents constipation, helps hemorrhoids, lowers, cholesterol, combats cancer, and stabilizes blood

Beets- Controls blood pressure, combats cancer, strengthens bones, aids in weight loss

Blueberries-combats cancer, protects the heart, stabilized blood sugar, boots memory, prevents constipation

Bok choy-bone strength

Broccoli-strengthens bones, saves eyesight,  combats cancer, and protects your heart

Cabbage-combats cancer, prevents constipation, promotes weight loss, protects heart, and helps hemorrhoids

Cantaloupe-saves eyesight, controls blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, supports immune system

Carrots-saves eyesight, protects the heart, prevents constipation and aids in weight loss

Cauliflower-protects against prostate and breast cancer, strengthens bones, and banishes bruises

Celery-bone strength

Cherries-protects the heart, combats cancer, ends insomnia, and slows the aging process

Chestnuts-promotes weight loss and aids digestion, protects the heart, lowers cholesterol and combats cancer

Chili Peppers-aids digestion, soothes sore throat, clears sinuses, and combats cancer

Eggplant-health and function of the womb and cervix of the female

Figs-promotes weight loss, helps stop strokes, lowers cholesterol and combats cancer, aids in male fertility

Fish-protects the heaert, boots memory and protects your heart

Flax-battles diabetes, improves mental health, boots immunity, protects your heart, and aids digestion

Garlic-lowers cholesterol, controls blood pressure, kills bacteria and fights fungus

Grapefruit-protects against heart attacks, promotes weight loss, helps stop strokes, and combats against prostate

Grapes-saves eyesight, conquers kidney stones, enhances blood flow

Grapefruit- assists in the health of breasts and the movement in and out of the breast

Kidney beans-heal and maintain kidney function

Lemons-combats cancer, protects your heart, controls blood pressure, smoothes skin and stops scurvy

Limes-combats cancer, protects your heart, controls blood pressure, smoothes skin and stops scurvy

Mango- regulates thyroid, aids digestion and boosts memory

Mushrooms-controls blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, and kills bacteria

Oats-lowers cholesterol, smoothes skin, battles diabetes and prevents constipation

Olives-assist in the function of ovaries

Onions-reduces risk of heart attack, fights fungus, kills bacteria, helps clear waste from all the body’s cells and lowers cholesterol

Oranges-supports immune system, protects the heart, and strengthens respiration, assists in the health of breasts and the movement in and out of the breast

Peaches-prevents constipation, help stop strokes, helps hemorrhoid aggravation and aids digestion

Pears-health and function of the womb and cervix of the female

Peanuts-protects against heart disease, promotes weight loss, and lowers cholesterol

Pineapple-strengthens bones, relieves colds, aids digestion, disolves warts and blocks diarrhea

Prunes-slows aging process, prevents constipation, lowers cholesterol and boosts memory

Rice-protects the heart, battles diabetes, and conquers kidney stones,

Strawberries- protects the heart, calms stress, and boosts memory

Sweet potatoes-saves eyesight, lifts mood, and strengthens bones, balances the glycemic index of diabetics

Tomatos-protects your heart, protects prostate, combats cancer, and lowers cholesterol

Walnuts-lower cholesterol, combats cancer, boots memory, develops brain function, lifts mood, and protects against heart disease

Watermelon-protects prostate, promotes weight loss, lower cholesterol, controls blood sugar

Wheat germ-combats colon cancer, prevents constipation, lowers cholesterol, helps stop stroke, improves digestion

Nutritional Supplements

Here I have listed nutritional supplements and what they each may be used for

Vitamin A -is used for acne, vision, immunity, and heavy menstruation 

Vitamin B1-is used for energy metabolism, brain and heart function

Vitamin B2- prevents migraines and produces energy

Vitamin B3-produces energy, red blood cell formation, and cognitive  function, and mood

Vitamin B5-metabolism of carbohydrates, produces energy, red blood cell formation, and production of adrenal hormones

Bilberry-used for diabetes, cataracts, diarrhea, glaucoma, and eyestrain, hemorroids, night vision and varicose veins

Biotin–used for hair and nails and the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates

Black cohosh–used for arthritis, fibromyalgia, depression, pms, cramping, and hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause

Bromelain–used for arthritis, burns, atherosclerosis, sinusitis

Calendula-used for dermatitis, eczema, and burns

Carnitine-used for angina, anorexia, fatigue, congestive heart failure, diabetes, heart attack recovery, high cholestorol, kidney disease, liver disease and premature infants

Cayenne-is used for digestiom, shingles, arthritis, psoriasis, congestive heart failure and atherosclerosis

Choline–used for hepatitis and liver cirrhosis

Chromium–used for prediabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, depression and weight management

CoQ10-used for gingivitis, fatigue, hypertension, headache prevention, alzheimer disease, angina, congestive heart failure,  and artherosclerosis

CLA-used for weight loss

Copper-is used for burns, to heal wounds, high cholestorol and osteoporosis

DHEA–used for arthritis, fatigue, depression and menopause

L-Carnitine–is used for weight loss , angina, congestive heart failure, and male infertility

Lutein-is used for cataracts

Halitosis/Bad Breath

Bad breath can be the result of a combination of things. It can result from a buildup of bacteria in the mouth, a digestive tract that is not working, gum disease, tooth decay, smoking, too much alcohol, poor dental hygiene, food allergies, eating garlic or onions, ear, nose and throat infections or even sinus infections.

Halitosis could be the result of a more serious issue such as diabetes, ketosis, toxicity, and even tumors. It may come from parasites and/or over eating on a regular basis. Syphilis and tuberculosis may cause halitosis as well. It is important to seek the medical attention of a physician if you suspect that one of the disorders listed above may be the culprit.

Implement the following to eliminate or reduce halitosis:

Brush and floss regularly. Brush after every meal and remember to brush your tongue. Use a new toothbrush every six to eight weeks.  

Use a tongue scraper, which is a u-shaped instrument that not only can get your tongue clean, but it will also assist in removing bacteria and mucous off of the tongue.

Implement more “green” in your diet. Try implementing a delicious green smoothie daily.

Increase consumption of yogurt, kefir and buttermilk, which all aid in improving digestion.

Herbs and supplements to consider

Chlorophyll—can sweeten the digestive tract because it binds toxins and removes heavy metals from the body. Chlorophyll can be found in wheat grass and barley grass and can be purchased at any local health food store.

Acidophilus—helps restore a healthy lining to the digestive tract, which can improve digestion.

Insomnia

Sleep is essential to our health and well being. Unfortunately many Americans have trouble either falling asleep or staying asleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 50 million Americans suffer from sleep deprivation. On average we should be receiving approximately eight hours of sleep per night.

Insomnia is a symptom with many different causes. Many individuals have disorders such as restless leg syndrome or even sleep apnea, which occurs when one stops breathing during sleep. Insomnia can be a result of  sleep walking, too much noise or light, lack of exercise, chronic pain, too much caffeine or tobacco. Other causes may include depression, menopause, too much nicotine, alcohol or sugar, too many supplements before bed, and even stress.

Herbs and Supplements to consider

Melatonin is a supplement that induces sleep and regulates the sleep/waking cycle. This supplement is best used when taken approximately two hours before bed time.

Calcium is a supplement that has a slightly sedating affect and calms nerves.

Magnesium is a supplement that has a muscle relaxing affect. Both Magnesium as well as Calcium affects the same part of the brain that sleeping pills affect.

Passionflower, Valerian and Chamomile tea, act as nervines, nervines not only soothe the nervous system, but reduce anxiety, relieve muscle aches and depress the nerve function which can essentially disturb sleep.

Kava Kava is used as a natural agent for eliminating anxiety. It also produces a calming affects which allow you to rest more successfully.

Other considerations

Stick to a sleep schedule

Avoid or limit naps

Exercise and stay active

Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine and other stimulants before your bedtime

Make sure that the bedroom, sheets, pillow and mattress are all comfortable 

Try a Relaxing hot bath

Avoid large meals before bed

Place and inhale Lavender or Peppermint Oil on all pulse points such as the wrists and temples  (produces a calming relaxing affect, relieves mild anxiety and depression)

 

**Please consider speaking with your physician for other methods to eliminate insomnia

Epistaxis/Nose bleed

Epistaxis or a nosebleed is the relatively common occurrence of hemorrhage usually from one nostril of the nose. “There are two types: anterior (the most common), and posterior (less common, more likely to require medical attention).” (Wikepedia) 

Many nosebleeds are caused by the winter dry air. However, nosebleeds may also occur as a result of blowing the nose abrasively, an accident, the body over heating during an activity, being in an environment that is too dry/and or humid, an infection with the sinuses, exposure to certain chemicals, mold and may even be a result of hypertension.

In order to alleviate the nosebleed, you can use an ice cold pack and place it behind the neck. If a cold pack is not available you can utilize ice or any other frozen item and place it upon the back of the neck, because the coldness causes blood vessel constriction. You should sit up straight and be calm so that you do not swallow any blood. You should then blow out all blood clots from both nostrils while simultaneously breathing through your mouth. You should also take a small cotton ball submerge it in hydrogen peroxide and place it in the bleeding nostril. The bleeding should stop within twenty to thirty minutes.

When the bleeding has stopped, relax and continue to hydrate yourself with water. You can also use aloe vera gel or petroleum jelly in order to keep your nostrils moisturized.

 Preventative methods can include consuming foods rich in Vitamin K or consuming the Vitamin K supplement. Vitamin K assists in blood clotting. You can also use a humidifier in order to provide moisture in any dry room.

 **Consuming nettle leaf tea as well may assist in the prevention of nosebleeds.

 

***Seek medical attention if nosebleeds become consistent

Essential Herbs

Many herbs are helpful for first aid and minor health problems. Others are useful for prevention of more serious conditions. Dosages vary depending on the illness, severity and the individual. Consult your health practitioner.

Aloe Vera -is an herb that is widely used to soothe wounds. It is used to treat minor skin irritations, cuts and burns.

Chamomile – is an herb that is used to treat insomnia, stress, stomach irritation, digestive disorders, as well as menstrual cramps.

Echinacea – is used to treat colds, influenza, respiratory infections, as well as urinary tract infections and wounds.

Feverfew – is used to treat headaches and migraines

Garlic – is used to ward of illnesses such as the cold and influenza, also used to treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, hardened arteries as well as heart disease. Garlic has also been used to prevent hair from shedding.

Ginger – is used to treat nausea, morning sickness, motion sickness, upset stomach and diarrhea.

Ginkgo Biloba – is used to treat problems with memory and concentration. It is possible that this herb can improve dementia as well as anxiety.

Ginseng –is used to treat concentration problems, stress, fatigue and aging

Goldenseal – is used to treat viral as well as bacterial infections and sore throats.

Passionflower – is used to treat anxiety, nervousness, insomnia and PMS.

St. John’s Wort  - is also used to treat anxiety, depression, burns and other skins injuries

Anemia

Anemia/Iron deficiency is a decrease in normal number of  red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin, which is the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from  the lungs to the rest of the body,  in the blood.

Symptoms include  feelings of weakness, or fatigue, headache and sometimes poor concentration. Individuals may  also report shortness of breath, on exertion.  Irritability, loss of appetite, pale skin, abdominal pain, coldness, fainting, sore mouth or tongue, brittle nails and/or hair, sore mouth and tongue are also symptoms of someone who may be anemic.

Individuals who are severely anemic,  may have signs of a hyper-dynamic circulation which is  a fast heart rate (tachycardia), flow murmurs, and cardiac enlargement. There also may be signs of heart failure.

Less common symptoms may include swelling of the legs, restless leg syndrome,  swelling of the arms, chronic heartburn, vomiting, increased sweating, and blood in stool.

Pica, which is the consumption of non-food based items such as dirt, paper, wax, grass and paint, may be a symptom of iron deficiency, although it occurs often in those who have normal levels of hemoglobin.

Causes of Anemia : can include excessive menstruation, gastrointestinal bleeding, pregnancy, autoimmune conditions as well as parasites. Stomach surgery, malfunctioning kidneys as well as an iron deficient diet may cause anemia as well.

Treatment:  The treatment of anemia depends on severity and the cause of the iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency anemia can be  treated by iron supplementation with ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous peptonates or ferrous chelates. Vitamin C  promote the body’s ability to absorb iron.

A multivitamin that contains Vitamin A will also assist with the digestion of iron. One should also consider Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E which both increase energy levels , Zinc which will promote endurance  and Folic Acid which assists in prevention of anemia.

Iron rich foods include red meats such as liver and other organ meats, veansm black strap molasses, dried fruits,  whole grains, brown rice, seafood, eggs, poultry and green leafy vegetables. Individuals should avoid almonds, black teas, coffee, beets, spinach, and  asparagus  because these items interfere with iron absorption.

 

**Please consult your physician/health care provider further for treatment.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which cells that normally line the uterine wall grows outside of the uterus such as in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, abdomen or other parts of the body. Outside the uterus, these cells thicken and bleed once a month in response to hormonal changes. This activity can cause abnormal bleeding, pain, infammation, cysts, the buildup of scar tissue and organ damage. Endometriosis can cause infertility.

The only way to diagnose endometriosis is is through a procedure called laparoscopy. Unfortunately,  diagnosis can take several months to figure out.

Some believe that endometriosis results from retrograde menstruation, which is menstruation that flows backward up through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity. Others believe that it results as a condition in which the body produces antibodies against itself  for no logical reason. Many have also investigated bleached tampons with pollutant residues and believe that may be the cause of endometriosis as well.

What to avoid:  using  an IUD , using pesticides, avoid bleached tampons

*Limit fried foods, shellfish and red meats

What to do:  Exercise moderately,  establish regular sleeping patterns, eat a high fiber diet, drink filtered water and eat organic as much as possible

Accupuncture or massage may relieve pelvic pain.

Nutrients to consider:  Magnesium, Vitamin B Complex, Gamma-linolenic or alpha-linolenic oil and DIM which may improve estrogen ratios which may reduce the cell overgrowth of endometriosis

Herbs to consider:  Black cohosh, wild yam, chastetree, dandelion, and motherwort

**Please consult your physician/health care provider further for treatment.