5 Foods That Help You Heal Everyday Health Issues

eat health self care Jul 23, 2020

This week my carpal tunnel has been keeping me up!

Someone definitely told me CP would go after pregnancy - they lied! 5 years later and it's as bad as ever - even with the gorgeous black wrist splints I wear to bed (they really are a thing of beauty...lucky Joe ;))

So, this week I’ve been researching healthy ways to fight or overcome some of the chronic conditions we're all beginning to experience as we get older (sigh).

Because, whether we’re currently in pain or not, more and more of us are turning to foods to self - cure.

And, if you’ve heard of functional medicine, you’ll know that more and more medical professionals are also looking to food and lifestyle rather than medication as a way of treating and preventing health problems and diseases.

So this is what today’s article is all about – using healthy foods to encourage us to empower ourselves to take our health into our own hands.

In this article I share with you my 5 favourite health foods that are not only good for you, but may even help you cure some common, every day health problems.

1. GINGER FOR INFLAMMATION

Inflammation is linked to a variety of health conditions and diseases including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s Disease and sinusitis, to name just a few.

In fact, many doctors believe that inflammation affects every aspect of your health!

So eating foods which help prevent inflammation is really important for promoting optimum health.

And ginger is one such food. Chop and throw into a wok for a tasty addition to stir frys or even make some tea with it to drink every day.

We all know how important keeping hydrated is. So why not kill two birds with one stone and make up a herbal tea using fresh ginger?

My favourite ginger teas include lemon and ginger (a few squeezes of lemon juice and some grated ginger in some hot water (not boiling as this kills the vitamins in the lemon) or ginger green tea (add some grated ginger to a cup of green tea)).

2. SWEET POTATOES FOR MIGRAINES

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of magnesium and studies have found that magnesium is a powerful way to fight and prevent headaches and migraines.

So, if you suffer from any form of migraine, before you head to the medical cabinet, try eating some sweet potatoes.

My favourite ways to eat sweet potatoes are as sweet potato chips, mashed sweet potato or sweet potato gratin (although this takes way to long now I'm a mum plus the first two options are always a winner with the little people!)

3. PEPPERMINT FOR I.B.S

A study published in 2011 found that peppermint may help those with IBS because the compounds in peppermint activate an anti-pain channel in the colon.

Since then further studies have confirmed that peppermint oil is a beneficial, natural treatment for IBS.

So if you experience any of the symptoms of IBS (bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, pain in the tummy area) try inhaling some pure peppermint oil.

Simply add a few drops into the palms of your hands and cup them around your nose (close your eyes or they can sting) and breath rapidly and deeply for about 30 seconds.

This is actually a part of my morning routine as peppermint oil is excellent for waking up your senses and making you feel more alert and awake (definitely recommended if you have a small person who wakes you up through the night!)

4. BANANA FOR STRESS

Bananas contain Vitamin B6 which helps the brain to produce one of the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals; serotonin.

An increase in serotonin levels is a natural way to prevent anxiety and reduce stress levels.

Bananas are used in everything nowadays. Chop onto your breakfast porridge, blitz into a smoothie or make some kind of brownie with them.

5. YOGHURT FOR CONSTIPATION

Live-culture yoghurt is an excellent source of gut-friendly bacteria and the perfect remedy for constipation or wind (or 'farting' as my 3 year old loves to shout out - normally in the middle of the supermarket and accompanied by 'I'm just doing some farting').

This type of bacteria work to move food more efficiently through the gastro-intestinal tract and improve its ability to digest those foods which lead to wind.

Opt for natural yoghurts that aren’t sweetened or artificially flavoured.

There are lots of natural ways to promote your best health.

I’d love to hear your tried and tested favourites.

And if you'd like to work with me in more depth and get the low down on all the best, quickest, easiest and most sustainable ways to feel and look your very best then please do consider joining us for my 6 week online program which will transform your health and fitness. Click the link below to find out more.

With Love,

Bex xx