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nature has the cure - top 7 food as medicine remedies from Nutrition Bliss
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nature has the cure

nature has the cure

Image of herbs representing food based supplements at nutritionbliss.com

Top 7 Food as Medicine Remedies

What do you typically do when you’re feeling under the weather ? Sleep? Look in your medicine cabinet? Drink lots of water?

This is the time of year we always need extra support. In the winter months we want immunity boosts, digestive support, and a way to comfort our aches and pains. What if I told you that food in your pantry is just as powerful as the items in your medicine cabinet? It’s true! Shifting our view point from food providing calories and energy to nourishing our body to feel our best is an important one. Once you begin to understand more about “real” food, it’s healing properties are truly amazing. Today I wanted to share a few of my favorite go-to “food as medicine” remedies.

Digestive Health

Apple Cider Vinegar is a fermented form of apple cider. This fermented vinegar is full of life and contains beneficial probiotics to improve digestion, reduces acid reflux, and can help balance your blood sugar. Add 1-2 tbsp in an 8-ounce glass of water first thing in the morning for overall health benefits. For reflux and blood sugar support, drink 1 tbsp in 8 ounces of water before each meal. Braggs is the brand that I like to use. It’s organic, raw, unpasteurized, and unfiltered – which means it has all the good stuff you want!

Ginger has been used for centuries for in Ayurvedic & Chinese medicine. Ginger is very powerful and is used to help the body absorb nutrients, reduce nausea, stimulate digestion, and to ease digestive discomfort. The simplest way to enjoy ginger is tea. Sip on this tea throughout the day or before meals. Simply peel & slice a 2 inch section of ginger root and add hot water. Cover and allow to seep for 5 minutes. The ginger pieces will sink to the bottom. Strain out the ginger or enjoy the tea directly. It is mild and very soothing.

Peppermint Tea is an amazing digestive support that helps to reduce abdominal pain, reflux (burped up stomach acid), and indigestion. Boil water and add to two tea bags. Allow to seep for 5 minutes while covered (important to retain oils). Following your meals is the best time to receive the benefits. Here is an organic Peppermint Tea option I recommend.

Immunity

Elderberry Syrup. Similar to Echinacea, dried elderberries support the immune system.  Using these berries in combination with other anti-viral ingredients to make a syrup is tasty plus it has anti-viral properties. It is very safe (even for kids!) and will adhere to the viruses, protecting your system. This time of year, who doesn’t need a little extra support?

Click here for a simple homemade recipe or you can purchase a store bought version here.

 

Anti-Inflammatory

Garlic is such a powerful food, it is anti-viral, anti-microbial, and can help improve immune function! Add 2 cloves of raw garlic to your daily routine (or as needed). This is considered a therapeutic dose and can help achieve amazing benefits! Here are some simple ideas to add raw garlic to your diet:

  • Chop and add to hummus and enjoy with veggies or crackers.
  • Add to Homemade Salad Dressing.
  • Add to homemade salsa (mix canned or boxed tomatoes, raw garlic, and onions – option to add cilantro).

 

Turmeric is incredibly anti-inflammatory (think natural NSAID like ibuprofen or aspirin). This anti-inflammatory food can be enjoyed in three different ways:

  • Whole food form. It’s a root that looks similar to ginger that can be added to recipes & soups.
  • Use as a powdered spice to easily add to soups, warm dishes (Indian recipes often use turmeric), and warm beverages like Golden Milk.
  • Supplement form (Curcumin)

For a simple Coconut Turmeric Latte recipe, click here. For more ideas, check out this blog post from The Food Babe

Stress & Anxiety

Chamomile Tea has a sedative effect, regulates neurotransmitters, and aids digestion. It can be beneficial to calm restlessness and be supportive for anxiety or mild depression. Make a cup of tea using two tea bags, seep in hot water while covered for 5-8 minutes prior to drinking. Drinking daily before bed can help establish a bedtime ritual and contribute to restful sleep.

Choose 2 of the suggestions above and try incorporating in to your daily routine. These simple habits can can make you feel great and transform how you think about food. Enjoy!

Jen
jen@nutritionbliss.com