HL Topic of Week of May 19-25 ~ 16 SIMPLE HEALING FOODS

16 Simple Healing Foods

Banish the occasional headache or upset tummy with remedies straight from your kitchen

1. Banana
Cure for: Stress or anxiety
Next time you feel stressed, reach for a banana, says Molly Kimball, RD, a certified specialist in sports dietetics with Ochsner’s Elmwood Fitness Center in New Orleans. With only 105 calories and 14 g of sugar, a medium banana fills you up, provides a mild blood sugar boost, and has 30% of the day’s vitamin B6, which helps the brain produce mellowing serotonin, getting you through a crisis peacefully.

2. Raisins
Cure for: High blood pressure

Sixty raisins—about a handful—contain 1 g of fiber and 212 mg of potassium, both recommended in the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. Numerous studies show that polyphenols in grape-derived foods such as raisins, wine, and juice are effective in maintaining cardiovascular health, including bringing down blood pressure.

3. Yogurt
Cure for: Constipation or gas
One and a half cups of live-culture yogurt (high in gut-friendly bacteria) pushes food more efficiently through the gastrointestinal tract, says a 2002 study in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. The beneficial bacteria also improve your gut’s ability to digest beans and dairy lactose, which can cause gas, adds Kimball.

4. Apricots
Cure for: Preventing kidney stones

Eight dried apricot halves have 2 g of fiber, only 3 mg of sodium, and 325 mg of potassium—all of which help keep minerals from accumulating in urine and forming calcium oxalate stones, the most common type of kidney stones, says Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD, an integrative nutritionist in private practice in Sarasota, FL, and a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

5. Can of tuna
Cure for: A bad mood

A 3-ounce serving of canned white tuna has about 800 mg of omega-3s, which research suggests may treat the kind of blues that leave you feeling low or anxious. The fatty acids in fish have been endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association as an effective part of depression treatment, says Elizabeth Somer, RD, author of Eat Your Way to Happiness. For a seafood-free way to get happy, nosh on a small bagel. The 37 g of carbs will give you a dose of mood-boosting serotonin.

6. Ginger tea
Cure for: Nausea

Dozens of studies reveal that ginger (1/4 teaspoon of powdered, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of minced gingerroot, or a cup of ginger tea) can ease nausea from motion sickness and pregnancy, says Gerbstadt. Researchers are unsure which oils and compounds in ginger suppress nausea, but it’s safe and has none of the side effects (dry mouth, drowsiness) of OTC meds.

7. Basil
Cure for: Tummy troubles

Studies suggest that eugenol, a compound in basil, can keep your gut safe from pain, nausea, cramping, or diarrhea by killing off bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria. Eugenol even has an antispasmodic property that can keep cramps at bay, says Mildred Mattfeldt-Beman, PhD, chair of the department of nutrition and dietetics at Saint Louis University. Use minced fresh basil in sauces or salads.

8. Pear
Cure for: High cholesterol
One medium pear has 5 g of dietary fiber, much of it in the form of pectin, which helps flush out bad cholesterol, a risk factor in heart disease.

9. Buckwheat honey
Cure for: Coughing
In a study at Pennsylvania State University, 2 teaspoons of thick, dark brown honey were more effective than OTC cough medicines at limiting the severity and frequency of a cough in children. Honey’s antioxidants and antimicrobial properties may soothe inflamed throat tissues, says John La Puma, MD, director of Chef Clinic in California.

10. Cabbage
Cure for: Ulcers
A 2002 study at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine found that sulforaphane, a powerful compound in cabbage, clobbers H. pylori (the bacteria that causes gastric and peptic ulcers) before it can get to your gut, and may even help inhibit the growth of gastric tumors. For only 34 calories a cup, cabbage provides 3 g of fiber and 75% of the day’s vitamin C.

11. Turkey
Cure for: Sleepless nights

A 3-ounce serving of turkey has nearly all the tryptophan (an essential amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin and melatonin, hormones that regulate sleep) you need in a day, says La Puma. Studies show that people who suffer from insomnia are deficient in tryptophan.

12. Figs
Cure for: Hemorrhoids
The 3 g of fiber in four dried figs helps create soft, regular stools that will keep hemorrhoids from returning, says Somer. Figs also provide about 5% of daily potassium and 10% of manganese.

13. OJ
Cure for: Fatigue
The fructose in a 4-ounce glass is a perfect pick-me-up, says Gerbstadt. Some studies suggest that vitamin C’s ability to combat oxidative stress caused by free radicals may provide energy, and the vitamin plays a key role in metabolizing iron, which helps your body move energizing oxygen through your bloodstream, she adds.

14. Garlic
Cure for: Yeast infection
Garlic contains essential oils that can inhibit the growth of the Candida albicans fungus, the culprit in the pain, itch, and vaginal discharge of yeast infections, says Gerbstadt. Recent studies suggest that thyme, cloves, and even the essential oils from oranges are also effective fungicides, she adds. Include garlic in sauces, salad dressings, and marinades.

15. Chamomile tea
Cure for: Heartburn
"Chamomile can ease digestive inflammation, spasms, and gas," says Dale Bellisfield, RN, a clinical herbalist in New Jersey. Steep 2 teaspoons of the herb in10 ounces of very hot water for 20 minutes, covering the cup to keep the essential oils in the water. You may have to drink the tea a few times a day for complete relief.

16. Potatoes
Cure for: Headache
The 37 g of carbs in a medium potato can ease a tension headache by upping serotonin levels, as long as you keep the fat and protein below 2 g.

Good morning to you Early Bird - chickadees - - - -
I'm putting this up on here late Friday night - because I just took cold Rx - and hopefully will be sleeping in tomorrow morning. LOL
We shall see.......................
dh has big plans of getting up and doing some things to the yard / and back porch 1st thing in the morning - - - then heading out to a nearby town for "Trade Day's" - - -
dh's partner bought it - and they have it every 3rd weekend of each month - - - so should be lot's of fun.
I think it's really like one gigantic garage sale. :)
I'll tell ya all about it when I get back.

Hope you enjoy this weeks topic, I think I eat all of the above, but just because I like them.  Didn't know they would have such 'healing' effects. 
I need some of the Buckwheat honey right now.
I've been cleaning out (fluffing up the closets) again today  -   have some really old quilts that I'm going to fluff up in the dryer, hope I don't ruin any.
Have lot's of old photo's and photo albums that I'm going to seperate for me, my sister and my cousin - and also bring some to the NH.  Think they would like to look back at the fun times and memories.

 - - - and Muril - - - you have a fun time in TN !!!

Hope to check back in before Trade Day's, but if not I'll chat with you all tomorrow night.
(((((Hugs))))) to all !

Morning.

Thanks for the start Debi. I eat most of these, don't eat a lot of dried fruits, fresh you don't have to count on WW, but dried you do. I think it is strange that fresh fruit doesn't count, still has calories and they count.

Got up at 4:30 this morning so have a lot of time. Hope I can get my hair to do something this morning. Got it cut yesterday and like it. She cut it just below my ears. Haven't colored it in over 2 months, lots of gray showing, think the back is my natural color. Not sure it has been so long since I have seen it, at least 20 years. No shine now.

Need to get the stuff together that I am taking to hospital this morning.

Hugs to all

morning everybody! Good article Debi.

Working at hospital next couple of days so probably won't be on much. Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Feeling better this morning!  Cleaned up the kitties living space, changed closets, organized my bedroom and helped DF. 

Yes he needed the shop swept, but his real agenda was a heart to heart with his daughter!  My DF LOVES to analyze everything.  I think you can over analyze for life is how it is.  Family dynamics are events played by a lifetime of actions.  You can only be incharge of yourself and cannot control how others perceive or interact with you.  No matter the explaining, each person forms their own ideas and actions.  I love to listen to his thoughts and reasons for he is pretty practical.  They make sense to me.  I hope someday my siblings will accept his plans and the three of us can keep communications open.

Graduation cards (for some reason my heart is not into them this weekend), pack, lunch, shower, graduation party and then DM and I are painting Wichita with fun!!!  We won't be back until tomorrow sometime.

Debi - Love the article and food choices!  Hope you got a good night's rest and woke up feeling better!  Enjoy "Trader's Day"!  You are so energetic and organized by separating your photos!

Dusta - Glad you are enjoying your haircut!  Hoping you and Mel have a better day!

Sherry - Hoping your shifts are enjoyable!  So excited for you on reaching 227 and seeing your toes!!!  Keep up the dedication!

Jill - I'm sure your DH and his band played well today!  Have a good time mingling with your company

Rebecca - Are you busy finishing laundry and setting things out for your exciting trip?!?  When do you leave?  I know it's soon!

Dawn - Have a great weekend with Miss Samantha and all your projects!  When does her "dance listens" begin?

I know Candy, Muril, and Natasha are enjoying their vacations!

Aawww!  It's the weekend!

Hi Healthy Beauties!

Debi, thanks so much for starting us up. Hope you got a good nights sleep. I love all of these ideas! DH almost lives off the candied ginger for his nausea when he takes pain meds. We keep a stash in the car and house.

Sherry, have a lovely day at work!

Kris, Sounds like you had a nice heart to heart with your Dad. That's sweet. Have a fun day!

Dusta, hope Mel is having a good day today and gets all of his treatments on schedule- that will help him heal faster. If you want to go natural with your hair- there may  be a product to add back some shine to your hair. I have a feeling you are going to color it though- don't blame you there. I am using my Natural Instincts again- it doesn't last long but it gives a little softer look to the gray just for a while.

We are pretty much packed up and ready to go- we will leave early in the morning. We went to a few y.s today and I found a few cute dresses for Macie girl and a few necklaces- the ones that break apart and back together easily should she pull them off- which she does! LOL The dresses are so cute and were only about 25cents each- talk about a bargain! Still no dollhouse, but I am a patient Mommaw! :)

Sherry, have a good day at work!

Hope everyone has a lovely week. I may stop by later today or at least in the morning before heading out. Hugs and Waves to everyone! Love you girls!

What would you think of a hospital that didn't have a person on the weekend to do the breathing treatments?The nurse had to do it and she never had, so I had to tell her what  to set it on and how. It was not her fault and don't blame her.

Kris glad you can talk/listen to your Dad.

Muril thought you were leaving today. There are a lot of ys in this area today, but didn't stop. Have fun.

Long story, but I got too hot and had to leave the hospital, come home and rest. Just as I dozed some man called wanting to talk to Melvin.  I knew I wasn't going to doze again and 5 minutes later Mel called to see if I was feeling better and I am.

later

Hello Beauties - - - -

We went to the Trade Day thing - - - and it was a bit interesting.
Mostly a big garage sale - - - no antiques or anything unusual.  Just junk mostly -
Now there were some pretty rose bushes and other plants - but we didn't buy anything.
A man tried to sale me a little goat for $100.    LOL
He was a miniture - and was a cutie pie - - - there were 3 little goats.  Much smaller than my dogs.
cute.

Dusta - I bet you are just worn out girl.  Glad to hear that you are feeling better.

Muril - I should look for some y.s. around here - that would probably be fun to do.

Kris - It's good that you can talk to your father like that - - - and I bet he does have a lot of wisdom to be used and cherished.  I miss talking with my Dad - he always had something to say. ;)

Waving to Sherry  - - - and everyone else who pops in - - -
hope I didn't miss anyone -

I'm gonna go see what I can get into outside - - - - dh is repairing / replacing some latice on the 'barn' - - - he might need me to tell him if he is doing it right or wrong.     ;)
Later Taters..............

howdygirlies!  Happy Saturday!

Katie had her last volleyball game today - kind of a let down, her coach was sick so no after game party - boo hoo, but they have improved greatly so that was fun to see!  Lost anyway!  hahahaha  they don't seem to care at all, so it's all good.

Debi, nice topic, now you are gonna make me actually read and pay attention!  Sounds like a fun day anyway at the trade sale thingie ... no little goat for you?

Dusta, I do think that is unacceptable to not have a respiratory therapist on the weekend ... that's crazy ... what about people that are intubated and what not?  Doesn't sound right.

Kris, that's neat that you talk to your dad like that  - my dad and I do not have thta kind of relationship - oh, he likes to talk ... :)

hope everyone who is traveling is having a safe day with great weather!

X XOO

Dusta....I do not think that is acceptable not to have an RT on weekends. I understand that in some places the nurses do give the respiratory treatments, but here we have to have them not only to respond to codes and to do breathing treatments, but also to draw arterial blood gasses

Morning.

I am sorry to vent again, but some of the people that work at that hospital must be from another world. Mel called me at 8 last night and said the clerk (use to be aids) came in and said you need to get in the wheel chair and go to speach therapy, he was asleep. He said I am not going, the man argued with him and told him he had to go. I think Mel shouted at him and he went out and got one of the women that works there, more shouting on Mel's part, then some really blue language on Mel's part. They left came back with the charge nurse and I am not sure what was said on his part, but when I got there Mel's nurse was there talking to him and he told him he was right he did not have to go, all he had to say was no and that was suppose to be the end of it.  Now Mel is not there for speach therapy, physical and that is it. I don't understand why, even if he was suppose to why they would come in there at night,  when he was there awake most of the day. I was soooooooooooo unset almost cried. I told his nurse I was going to report it Monday and he said yes do it, shouldn't have gone as for as it did.

It was after 10 before I left and went to sleep but got up at 3:30

Computer was acting crazy, decided I had better post that or I might lose it. My stress level is pretty hight now, wish I could ride the bike this morning, but will be going up there and it will not be light enough.

Hope you all have a great Sunday and hugs.

Good Morning and Happy Sunday Healthy Beauties!

I am getting ready to get my shower and we will eat B'fast and off to TN! Woo Hoo!

Dusta, that is totally uncalled for- I am so glad that Mel has a mouth on him! LOL (((((HUGS)))))

Debi, that's cute about the goat. :)

Rebecca, woo hoo that Katie and her volley ball team are improving!

Hi Sherry, glad you can keep us informed on what we are supposed to have- seems like a RT would be mandatory on weekends- one needs to be able to breathe clearly no matter what.

Okay, off for a cup of coffee and then get ready! Hugs and Waves to everyone! Will miss you girls!

Dusta, that is just weird. WHy would they make somebody go to speech therapy at night? Our therapists aren't even there at night. They do have the right to refuse therapy. With our rehab, they have to get in at least 3 hours of therapy a day and if for some reason they miss some, they have to make it up on the weekends....but not at night. Especially if he didn't have speech therapy ordered. Hope he is able to get out of there soon.

225.8 this morning, so making progress at least. Working today again. Yesterday wasn't bad except I was the charge nurse so had to spend a lot of time doing staffing and assignments and so got out about 1/2 hour late.

Off tomorrow, but it will be kind of on the busy side. Have a heparin class I need to go to and then I have to run to gas station and post office.

Muril, have a good trip.

Sherry he never misses his physical thearpy, except the time he was having a horrible breathing day. And no he is not ordered for speech therapy.   Hope you have a good work day.

Muril know you are gone by now, but have a fun, relaxing trip.

Came home to eat breakfast, may lie down for a bit, I am so tired this morning.

hugs to all