Healing the Body with Natural Remedies

There's a saying that goes like this: When you have your health, you have everything. With the cost of health care coverage out of the reach of many, and the price tag of drugs escalating with no sight of cost coming down, many people have been choosing alternative approaches to maintaining good health and preventing and treating various ailments.

Based on many studies, there is a strong correlation between diet and the status of your health. We know that consuming more of certain foods may help reduce our risk of getting certain types of cancer and may treat many diseases. Some of the best healing remedies can be found right in your kitchen cupboard. However, every body is different, and what works for one individual may not do much for another person. There are also other factors which must be taken into consideration, such as age, gender, heredity, lifestyle, and the environment. The following ingredients may help regenerate the body. One important note: If you suffer from any type of food allergy, illness or medical condition, or you're taking medication, please consult with your physician, a licensed nutritionist or a registered dietitian before trying any these substances.

Acidophilus Milk* is great for replacing useful bacteria and may reduce the risk of colon cancer by attacking cancer-causing enzymes.

Yogurt (low fat or non fat) with live cultures is the same as acidophilus milk.

Honey (unprocessed)* contains an anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal agent and is excellent as an antiseptic for sores, wounds, ulcerations, and burns. It helps relieve constipation and diarrhea. Honey should never be given to infants or toddlers. Check with a pediatrician before giving a child honey. If you're a diabetic, seek advice from your physician.

Bananas, peaches, apricots nectars, boiled or mashed potatoes fight certain types of diarrhea, help ease constipation, and lower blood pressure.

Barley may help lower cholesterol.

Legumes (beans and peas) help to control cholesterol.

Acerola Cherry also known as West Indian Cherry or Barbados Cherry has the highest source of Vitamin C. Just one cherry has over 134 percent of the required amount needed for this vitamin and helps the body to absorb iron and calcium, aids in wound healing, lowers cholesterol, fights infections and prevents gum bleeding. Acerola may be purchased in any Korean, Caribbean or Spanish food market.

Citrus Fruits contain pectin, and it helps to lower cholesterol and the body to absorb iron and calcium. Because these fruits are high in Vitamin C, they may also help fight certain types of viruses.

Olive, Canola and Peanut Oils assist in lowering cholesterol and raise the good cholesterol (HDL).

Milk - add one cup of milk to your bath water to help soothe, soften and moisten dry skin.

Powdered Ginger or Ginger Capsules may prevent nausea and motion sickness. Take 2 (450 mg. capsules or 2 teaspoons of powdered ginger when you feel queasy.

Cayenne Pepper Powder is good for relieving sore throats and laryngitis. Add 1 teaspoon to a cup of boiling hot water, stir, let stand for 15 minutes and sip slowly.

Sugar (table sugar) helps relieve a burned tongue. Sprinkle sugar on the tongue.

Coffee - 128 grams (4 grams = 1 teaspoon) of strong coffee may relieve an asthma attack if you're caught without your asthma medication. Caffeine is related to a common asthma pill.

Garlic and Onions help to lower blood cholesterol and may reduce the risk of getting stomach cancer. However, an excessive amount of raw garlic can be toxic.

Psyllium Husks Powder* - helps lower cholesterol, relieves constipation and nourishes the intestinal tract.

Kyolic Garlic* has no odor and contains an anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial agent.

Flaxseed Oil* - helps lower cholesterol, contains soluble fiber and can be used as an effective laxative.

Rice Bran* - helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL).

*May be purchased in health food stores.