Everyday Foods that Can Heal (Part Three)

Yes, it is time again for another in this health series about foods that can heal your body. In this segment we will take an in depth look at the various conditions that face many of us everyday and the ways to prevent, treat and in many cases heal through a healthy diet.

Again, this information has been compiled to take the guess work out of it and provide a comprehensive guide to healthy living. Each section has been written with a variety of resources by doctors and other health professionals to back it up. The medical data about these foods have been plucked and organized to make it a little easier for my readers to gain access to.

Foods That Heal: Hormonal Balance

Thyroid Disease is one of the major problems that affect a lot of women, but men do get it as well. The thyroid is the control system for your metabolism, it secretes hormones into the blood. If it does not function properly you can become over weight due to the inability to properly burn fat, and you can even come down with goiter. Depending on the type of issues you are having with your thyroid a few things can be eaten to relieve the condition. If a person is gaining weight for no reason and feels tired then they may have hypothyroidism. Iodine helps regulate this function so eating foods rich in this important nutrient is helpful. Kelp is high in iodine- but remember that if you take too much you can do more damage than good. Your goal is to heal with the foods.

Fiber is another needful thing. Raw fruits and veggies are a great source. Another problem is Goiter and if you have this condition you would need to stay away from kelp and other foods with high levels of iodine.

Foods That Heal: Infertility

Infertility is a problem many people world wide face. It can be a great strain on couples who wish to conceive. There are many treatments that can be used to make a couple fertile, however few people turn to the less expensive route to try first...The way they eat.

Many studies have shown that foods you consume can greatly impact how fertile your body can be. The more caffeine and alcohol you consume, the less likely you are to become pregnant. The same goes both ways. Alcohol even taken is small amounts can diminish the overall health of the sperm, again making it less likely for you to have a baby.

Men's health is just as essential as women's. Foods that they can consume are oysters...Why? They actually contain and overload of zinc which gives the sperm ability to have better mobility. Zinc truly does amazing things for men's health and that is why men should consume an overload of it as well as vitamin C. Even beef is good containing 4 milligrams of Zinc (per 3 ounces).

Foods That Heal: Gout

Gout is a painful illness that many people face. Although it is more common in overweight men 40 years of age and older, Women can experience it as well. Gout can almost instantly come about and usually you experience the sharp pains starting in the ankles, shoulders, knees and hands. What causes this you ask? Well it breaks down to simply the breakdown of uric acid is not taking place. Normally, uric acid is filtered through the kidneys and is disposed of through urine. Gout is caused by the uric acid condensing into small sharp crystals that pierce joints and connective tissues; this of course happens over time but is quite painful.

Unfortunately there is no cure for gout but there is things you can do to reduce the pain and discomfort that occurs. There is a food that has been known to help, that food is cherries. There have been reports that black cherry juice has significantly reduced the symptoms of gout. Foods you should steer from are those high in purines. Some examples of these types of food are sardines, asparagus, liver, sweetbreads, and mushrooms. Also drinking in moderation can help. Exercise is also necessary.

Foods That Heal: Obesity

Obesity is widely known, especially in America. There are so many 'diets' out there that claim to work but usually lead to disappointment. Foods you eat can help you heal your body and get you on the right rack for loosing weight and fighting obesity.

When it comes to low fat foods it doesn't mean by eating them you will lose weight. They still have calories. You should stick to naturally low-fat and less calorie foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

As far as carbs go it is a myth that they will make you drop the pounds. Carbs actually are not only essential to regular healthy diets but also make you feel fuller making you not want to reach for a snack right away. The more sugary or fatty things you consume you are more likely to eat more because they are lighter in the sense that they do not satisfy the appetite.

Foods That Heal: IBS

Although the reason behind IBS is still not known it still exists and is uncomfortable form the cramps, gas, diarrhea etc. People who have this problem are aware of what foods can set them off.

Things you can do to help yourself start with is to consume less fat. IBS causes more fat to form in the body to try and calm down the irritable bowels. Be sure and stalk up on your fiber as well as whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Yes, even herbs can help with this type of problem in turn with making better choices of what you eat. Just a few examples are peppermint, psyllium, and licorice root. The herbs I have listed are not the only ones known to help, there is plenty more at your fingertips, these are just examples.

Foods That Heal: Celiac Disease

This condition called Celiac Sprue or Celiac Disease is caused by a body's sensitivity to gluten. Gluten is found in foods such as wheat oats rye and barley. This means breads are the culprit. This condition causes pain and discomfort in your intestines.

To make sure that you can incorporate breads into your diet you would need to boost your vitamin intake of A, D, E and K. Make sure that you do not buy gluten products. Here are some alternative choices so you do not need to go without foods like bread: potato, corn, soy, arrowroot, and many more such flours are available

Now then, here are the foods to stay away from: Hydrolyzed vegetable proteins, white vinegar, malts, modified starches, red and yellow food dyes.