Continuing the series about foods as medicine, we reach number 7. Number 7 is garlic and other allium family members. Those family members include garlic, onions, leeks, shallots and scallions. According to the American Institute for Cancer Reasearch, research shows probable evidence the foods listed above reduce the risk of developing common cancers. I believe that is enough to make sure at least some of these foods are included in your diet on a regular basis.
Helping you know how to use foods as medicines. You can help your body to heal and stay healthy by the foods you eat!However, with any medical condition, always consult with a physician before any changes in routine, diet or medication.
Saturday, August 30, 2025
"LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE" Vll
Friday, August 29, 2025
"LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE" Vl
Number six on our list of foods as medicine series is Fermented Foods. Fermented and cultured foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, etc are known to support both digestive function and a healthy immune system. Give at least some of the above foods a try on a regular basis.
Thursday, August 28, 2025
"LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE" V
Today as we move along in our food as medicine series, we turn to FISH. That's right, fish, and I hate it. My health would have probably been better over the years if I had eaten more fish, but when I became an adult and could use what I ate, fish were out. If I had known then, what I know now, I'm sure I would have forced more fish into my diet. But that's enough about me. I hope you enjoy fish and make it an important part of your diet. Fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids that have great anti-inflammatory properties. The AHA (American Heart Association) recommends eating at least two servings (3.5-ounces) of fatty fish such as salmon or black cod a week to help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
"LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE'' lV
Today's food as medicine post features cranberries. It is suggested by research that cranberries may be very helpful in preventing urinary tract infections, more commonly known as UTIs. It is believed that is because cranberries prevent bacteria from adhering to cells inside the bladder. You should choose pure cranberry juice, instead of juices that are diluted with other juices and sweeteners.
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
"LET FOODS BE YOUR MEDICINE" lll
Continuing with common foods that have great medicinal value, today's is cinnamon. Cinnamon can help balance blood sugar. As little as 1/2 teaspoon a day can help keep blood sugar in balance. As a diabetic for the past 18 years, I can personally vouch for this information. I have found that using cinnamon on a regular basis in my cooking and baking allows me to use less medication. The best part? Cinnamon adds great taste to so many things, it is easy to use.
Monday, August 25, 2025
"LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE" II
Continuing with the medicinal values of foods, we go to broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. These vegetables contain several phytonutrients that research suggests have a variety of positive effects on human health, including reducing chronic inflammation and cancer risk. Both chronic inflammation and cancer issues we all wish to avoid. And remember, even if you don't like broccoli, cabbage, etc, you don't have to just eat them. You can sneak them into casseroles, soups, etc. Give it a try, your body will probably thank you.
Saturday, August 23, 2025
"LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE"
In the 4th Century, Hippocrates authored this famous oath, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be they food". Today, in the 21st Century, the MAHA movement is turning our attention back to what we eat, how it affects our health, overuse of medications, etc. Over the next few days, my posts will discuss foods with the most promising disease-busting benefits. This will be about the foods that should definitely be a part of your diet. These foods will be discussed in alphabetical order, not in any order of one being more important than another. The information was compiled by Carrie Dennett, MPH, RDN. We will start today with BERRIES.
Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are a rich source of numerous phytochemicals that research suggests have a variety of positive effects on human health, including reducing chronic inflammation and cancer risk. Eat your berries!
ANXIETY? TRY THESE TIPS
If anxiety is a problem for you, here are some tips to try. If you are able to tackle anxiety without medication, good for you. Below are some tips to try.
- Before trying any anti-anxiety products, consult your doctor.
- If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications for other health conditions, consult your doctor before taking over-the-counter products.
- Have you tried lifestyle changes such as regular exercise (as simple as walking) or meditation and/or prayer?
- Are you partaking in alcohol and/or tobacco? Both can lead to anxiety, especially if you are trying to cut back on the amount or even trying to quit. Either of those can cause high anxiety.
- If you are an avid coffee drinker, remember that caffeine, especially in large amounts, can cause anxiety.
Thursday, August 21, 2025
AMERICANS FOOD SHOPPING
Americans, we buy too much processed foods even when fresh foods are available. Researchers from the University of North Carolina asked over 150,000 households to use barcode scanners to record all food and beverage purchases they made for at least one year. The study took place from 2000 to 2012. And guess what? It will probably not surprise you to know, more than 60% of the calories in the foods we buy were made up by highly processed foods. Let's work on getting more fresh meats, veggies, fruit, etc into our carts when grocery shopping.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
DANGERS OF TOO MUCH SALT
We know too much salt can contribute to high blood pressure, but that is not where it stops. Eating too much salt may damage your blood vessels, heart, kidneys, and brain. This information is from scientists at the University of Delaware. They found that high salt intake may impair the endothelium, which is the inner lining of blood vessels involved in blood clotting and immune function, increase hardening of the arteries, weaken heart and kidney function, and interfere with the sympathetic nervous system (the flight-or-fight response.) The USDA recommends no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day.
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
TOMATOES TO TAME INFLAMMATION
According to scientists in the journal Molecules we are 60% less likely to battle aches if our diets are rich in lycopene. Lycopene is the pigment that gives tomatoes their cheery red hue. Lycopene blocks the release of inflammation-triggering enzymes (COX-2 and TMF alpha) inside tissues. Tomatoes when cooked have more lycopene than do fresh tomatoes. That can make pasta sauces and other tomato-based sauces good for us. So, enjoy some lycopene meals when the aches set in.
Monday, August 18, 2025
YOGURT PLAYS A ROLE IN TAMING INFLAMMATION
Preliminary research is suggesting that yogurt may help fight inflammation. The reason? It appears that the beneficial bacteria in fermented dairy products, such as yogurt, may play a role in inhibiting inflammation. In addition to the common uses of yogurt, try using yogurt as a replacement for sour cream. I, personally, like to sub it for sour cream in baking.
Sunday, August 17, 2025
COOK WITH TURMERIC TO TAME INFLAMMATION
Today we turn to a spice to help us tame inflammation. This spice is Turmeric Curcumin, an antioxidant that gives turmeric is yellow color, is a potent inflammation fighter. Turmeric is easy to use in cooking as it is a good seasoning in soups, stews, sprinkle on cauliflower when roasting. You can also steep slices of fresh turmeric in hot water to make an inflammation-fighting tea.
Saturday, August 16, 2025
BRAZIL NUTS FOR TAMING INFLAMMATION
Brazil nuts, sometimes known as the 'Giants of the Nut World', are known to help prevent inflammation. The reason? The nuts contain a bundle of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals associated with improving blood lipids and reducing inflammation. A good way to get more Brazil nuts into your diet is to sprinkle them over salads, soups and your morning oatmeal.
Friday, August 15, 2025
GRAPEFRUIT TAMES INFLAMMATION
A Harvard study has shown that women with higher intakes of flavonoid antioxidants from grapefruit had significantly lower inflammation markers compared to those with lower intakes. Personal note, if you are taking medication for high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit while taking such drugs. I have no idea why this study only included women. Perhaps this could also apply to men.
Thursday, August 14, 2025
SALMON FIGHT INFLAMMATION
Salmon is another good food to fight inflammation. The reason? Salmon is loaded with eicosapentaenoic acid. This acid is an omega-3 fat that lowers inflammation. Omega-3 fats are healthy fats that many of us do not get enough of.
There are many ways to enjoy salmon. Grilled, poached, seared. tacos, salads, sandwiches, patties, in pasta dishes. I'm sure there are more but in full disclosure, I do not eat seafood. Yes, I do know that I should eat it. I just can't get it down.
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
EAT LEGUMES TO TAME INFLAMMATION
Continuing on with foods to tame inflammation, we turn to Legumes. Spanish scientists found that eating 4 servings of legumes per week can reduce inflammation. There should be some legumes almost anyone would eat. Some examples of legumes are lentils, beans, peas, chickpeas, carob, and peanuts. The list is long when you consider the different types of beans, peas, etc. The scientists determined the synergy of fiber, vitamins, and minerals are probably the explanation of why legumes fight inflammation.
Eating 4 servings per week should not be hard as they are good in soups, salads, used to replace meat in some instances, and simply by themselves.
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL TO TAME INFLAMMATION
As we continue with our foods to tame that pesky inflammation, we will turn to a Mediterranean staple, olive oil. The oil contains oleocanthal, a naturally occurring compound with anti-inflammatory powers similar to ibuprofen. A good way to use EVO is in homemade salad dressings, pesto, and to drizzle over fresh sliced tomatoes.
Monday, August 11, 2025
WHEAT BERRIES HELP TAME INFLAMMATION
Continuing with foods to help quell inflammation, today is Wheat Berries. According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating whole wheat and the polyphenol antioxidants it contains can lower inflammation.
Want to try an inflammation-busting lunch salad? Toss chewy cooked wheat berries with chopped vegetables and lemon vinaigrette.
Saturday, August 9, 2025
TAME INFLAMMATION
There are many articles on this blog about inflammation. Inflammation that rushes to a wound to help with healing is a good thing but the low-grade inflammation in our bodied can cause major problems. This low-grade inflammation operates stealthy for years going unnoticed in many people for years while others of us have to battle its results daily. Some, just a few, of the results of this low-grade inflammation can be cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis as well as other types of arthritis, and heart disease. Over the next few days this blog will focus on ordinary foods that should be a part of your diet to fight inflammation. Here is the first one, broccoli.
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables such as kale and Brussels sprouts are linked with lower inflammation. It is thought antioxidants in these vegetables might be responsible for this benefit. This information is from a study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Friday, August 8, 2025
WINTER TIREDNESS
As we in America are heading into Fall and Winter, I thought I would share some information from Dr. David Brownstein, MD. Several people notice they feel tired in the winter, often starting in late Fall. It is a fact that we get less sunshine during the winter months, thus we are getting less vitamin D. If you find yourself experiencing more tiredness during the winter, you are probably low on vitamin D. You might try a vitamin D for a while to see if that helps.
As always, I recommend my readers see their doctor for continuous problems. They may be the symptom of a more serious condition.
Thursday, August 7, 2025
HIGH-RISK MEDS FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Did you know there are certain medications that are high-risk for geriatric patients? You can check out the list at www.americangeriatrics.org You will find a list of such medications and possible alternatives. Always check with your doctor before dropping or changing medications.
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
CUCUMBERS TO REDUCE STRESS
According to Indonesian investigators, nibbling on refreshing cucumber slices may be what you need for your rattled nerves. In addition, it could trim a few numbers off your blood pressure. One heaping cup a day is recommended. Remember on hot days or when you need to be hydrated, cucumbers are high in water content, too. Why do cucumbers help with stress? The investigators found that these three key minerals in cucumbers, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, calm jangled nerves and relax tight muscles.
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
ANOTHER REASON TO EAT BELL PEPPERS
Bell peppers are good for us in so many ways (there are several posts on this blog about them). Now some Italian scientists say bell pepper pigments (carotenoids) are good for the brain. They reviewed 9 studies and found that the compounds fuel the growth of healthy new neurons. They also boost the production of focus-enhancing neurotransmitters, cutting the risk of brain fog and memory lapses by up to 65% if you eat 3/4 cup daily. This applies to eating the peppers raw or cooked.
Monday, August 4, 2025
MACA POWDER FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS RELIEF
According to a study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, persons with osteoarthritis who consumed maca daily for eight weeks reduced overall pain by 62% and stiffness by 51%. The reason? Maca powder helps tame inflammation and trigger cartilage repair which in turn relieves joint aches and improves mobility. If you are interested, I posted a smoothie recipe today on my grandmaskitchenmedicine blog.
ZUCCHINI
Zucchini is a tasty, healthy, versatile food. It has been around forever, cultivated by the Native Americans before the New World was ever discovered. It was a favorite of the likes of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson who both grew it in their gardens. It is inexpensive to grow with a single plant often producing a bushel basket of zucchini.
Whether you sauté it, use it in a casserole, bake it in breads and muffins, etc, just be sure to include it in your diet.
Sunday, August 3, 2025
CITRUS FOR NAUSEA
Feeling queasy? Try cutting open a lemon (or other citrus) and take several slow deep sniffs of its aroma. Aromatic particles in the fruit's oils calm overstimulated nerves in the nausea center of the brain. This can make the stomach steadier in as little as 1 minute.
Saturday, August 2, 2025
SMELLY FEET
Are you or a loved one bothered by smelly feet? Here are a couple of easy ways to try for combatting the problem.
- After washing feet, apply hand sanitizer. It is believed the alcohol content kills odor-causing bacteria.
- Add 3 tablespoons baking soda to a basin of warm water and soak feet in the water. Baking soda is known to neutralize odors.
Friday, August 1, 2025
NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER
Quick Facts:
- Lung cancer happens when cells in the lungs grow out of control and form tumors.
- Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer.
- Lung cancer is serious, but there are many treatments available. Research into new treatments is ongoing.
- The sooner cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of a good outcome. Do not be afraid to go to the doctor if you think there might be a problem.