Food Remedies For Minor Maladies
The next time you have heartburn or a headache, you might want to consider running for the refrigerator instead of the medicine cabinet.
The Saturday Early Show's Dr. Mallika Marshall says many foods contain properties that can ease your symptoms.
Marshall says the food remedies are just for minor ailments. If you have severe symptoms, such as the worst headache of your life, difficulty breathing, dizziness or vomiting, you should get to a doctor right away. And even for minor ailments, if you've tried these natural remedies but your symptoms don't improve, Marshall advises that you go back to you medicine cabinet or consult your physician. Here are her recommendations:
Migraine Headaches
There's some evidence to suggest that omega-3 fatty acids, which are plentiful in fatty fishes such as trout, sardines and herring, may have anti-inflammatory effects in the body and may be able to help reduce the pain associated with migraine headaches. Some nutritionists would recommend eating about two servings a week to reap the benefits of these beneficial fatty acids.
Marshall says some foods triggers migraines. Many people find that their migraines get worse if they eat foods high in MSG, caffeine, red wine, or certain cheeses -- even artificial sweeteners. If you suffer from migraines, Marshall recommends avoiding those foods.
Menstrual Cramps
When you have menstrual cramps, you're actually feeling the contraction of the uterus. These contractions are triggered by certain chemicals called prostaglandins. Women with higher levels of prostaglandins tend to have more painful cramps. Some doctors believe that flax seed can help reduce the level of prostoglandins and help ease the pain. Marshall says you can try one to two teaspoons of ground flax seed every day on your cereal, salad or even in a smoothie. You can find flax seed at most health food stores or you can buy it on-line.
Some women notice their cramps get worse if they eat a lot of saturated fat or foods with a lot of caffeine in them such as chocolate, coffee, tea and soda.
Fatigue
Certain types of foods can help you feel more energized such as those containing proteins and complex carbohydrates. Some studies suggest that magnesium and vitamin B can also give you a boost. Marshall says quinoa, which is rich in many nutrients, may also be helpful. Quinoa is a grain that can be cooked like rice or pasta, but it has to be rinsed well because it has a bitter outer coating. You can find it at health food stores.
Eating foods that are high in sugar and drinking a lot of caffeine can make you tired. You may get a quick boost in energy at first, but the effect is only temporary and you're likely to crash and feel more tired than you were before.
Irritability
Chocolate not only tastes good, but it can help elevate your mood. Chocolate contains a substance called tryptophan, which stimulates the production of serotonin -- a brain chemical that keeps your mood in check.
Alcohol can trigger irritability, according to Marshall. It may make you feel more relaxed and worry-free in the short-term, but over time, it's a depressant.
Joint Pain
Vitamin C may help relieve joint pain. A recent study from Boston University suggests that people who eat diets rich in vitamin C are less likely to have joint pain. Two helpings of citrus fruit, such as an orange or a grapefruit or even berries, a day may be beneficial
Heartburn
Ginger may help ease the indigestion and heartburn, Marshall says. Studies suggest that it can help strengthen the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach to help keep stomach acids from backing up into the esophagus. That's what causes the burning sensation. You can actually make a ginger tea by putting a half-teaspoon of ginger in a cup of hot water.
To avoid heartburn, Marshall said to stay away from any foods that are high in acids such as tomatoes. Other foods that can trigger that burning sensation include caffeine, alcohol, mint, onions and almost any spicy food.