BAY LEAF IS HELPFUL FOR MANY HEALTH PROBLEMS

Bay Leaf have a soothing and relaxing effect on the digestive tract.  If you need relief from abdominal cramps and gas, eat foods cooked with bay leaf.  Fresh or dried bay leaves have a distinctive flavor and fragrance that is used to flavor soups, stew, and braises. The flavor is similar to oregano and thyme.  The fresh leaves are very mild and do not develop their full flavor for some time after picking. 

Many of the properties in bay leaves may make them useful for treating high blood sugar, both bacterial and fungal infections, and gastric ulcers.  Bay leaf and berries properties have been used in astringents, digestives, diuretics, and stomach remedies.  Bay oil is used in liniments that are used for bruises and sprains.  Bay leaf has been used as an herbal remedy for headaches since it contains compounds which have proven useful in the treatment of migraines.  Bay leaf has also been shown to help the body process insulin more efficiently, which leads to lower blood sugar levels.  Bay leaf contains a property called eugenol which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.  Bay leaf is considered an antifungal and antibacterial and has been used to treat rheumatism. 

DIGESTIVE ISSUES AND FODMAPS

If you suffer from any type of digestive issues, you are undoubtedly familiar with some or perhaps all of the following: gas, bloating, swollen belly, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation and pain. Some people have mild symptoms while others have symptoms so severe they isolate themselves socially and often suffer depression. Help is available often through medications and one can almost always help themselves through their diet. Since the 1990s ongoing research has suggested that FODMAPs could be the culprit. FODMAPS, certain short-chain carbs, are more fully described in my post yesterday. There is also a picture with that post of some low FODMAP and some high FODMAP foods. Unfortunately, FODMAPs are found in many of the foods we eat on a daily basis. My next post will offer ways to help sufferers ease their symptoms. In the meantime, below is a listing of low to high FODMAP sugars and sweeteners.