SOME TIPS FOR FIGHTING COLDS AND FLU

The dreaded colds and flu can make us sick and miserable. Here are some foods that have been proven scientifically to be beneficial in fighting both colds and flu.

• Chicken Soup is known to help clear clogged airways, and the broth is nourishing to the body.
• Hot and Spicy Foods, such as garlic, onion, hot peppers and hot sauces, help break up congestion.
• Garlic, mentioned above, seems to especially reduce cold and flu symptoms. Use garlic liberally when cooking.
• Cirtus Fruits increase one's intake of vitamin C, a known fighter of colds and flu. Drink juice, add the fruit to salads or cottage cheese or simply eat the whole fruit. Potatoes, Bell Peppers (especially red ones), Strawberries and Pineapple are also good sources of vitamin C and should be part of your cold and flu fighting arsenal.
• Ginger, this spice is also known as a good cold and flu fighter. Add ginger to soups, stews, etc. You can also make yourself a cup of ginger tea as it is a good cold and flu fighter.
• Fluids are important at all times but especially so when fighting colds and flu. It is very important to stay hydrated, especially when running a fever. But your choice of beverages can make a difference. It is best to cut back on coffee and sodas and to increase one's intake of water and pure fruit juices. Hot tea and hot water with lemon added are also good choices.

I'm sure this is an incomplete list, but it is a good starting point. During cold or flu season, use some of these tips to keep yourself healthy, If you do get a cold or flu, this list can be helpful in helping your misery and to recover faster.

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GINGER CAPSULES FOR MOTION SICKNESS

Did you know that taking powdered-ginger capsules right before traveling can help with motion sickness? Studies have shown that taking the capsules right before travel can both delay the onset of nausea and help you to recover more quickly. One study, a few years ago, showed that people who were spun in a motorized chair but took up to 2,000 mg of ginger 20 minutes before went twice as long before getting sick than did those who took drugs. If you have a problem with motion sickness, give ginger capsules a try.

Note: This picture is not an endorsement of this particular brand.

SUMMER TIME AND JOINT PAIN

 For those of us who suffer from joint pain, soreness and stiffness, Summer can bring on some real challenges. According to The Journal of Rheumatology, not just my opinion, hot, humid days spur the swelling of joints and surrounding tissue. This increases the odds of soreness and stiffness by 140%! As many sufferers know, OTC medicines are not always helpful. Here are some "kitchen" remedies that are suggested. Dr. Melinda Jampolis says, "Turmeric, black pepper and ginger are the triad of pain-r relieving spices." When black pepper is combined with turmeric, it boosts the absorption of turmeric's curcumin by 2,000%! Indian research has shown that curcumin cuts joint pain by 70% in six weeks. Ginger is also known to relieve joint swelling and stiffness.

Also, a study in the United Kingdon found that bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, can cut joint pain. You might want to add some fresh pineapple and/or pineapple juice to your summer menus.  Michelle Schoffro Cook, Ph.D. says bromelain breaks down protein-coated molecules responsible for pain.

CINNAMON GINGER TEA FOR NAUSEA

If you are dealing with nausea and vomiting from illness or medication, try this recipe for a homemade Cinnamon Ginger Tea. Make your own or have someone make it for you. To get the full benefit, you need to use the fresh ingredients.

4 cups water

1 stick cinnamon

4 (1/2-inch) slices peeled, fresh ginger

2 tsp honey

In a saucepan bring the water, ginger, and cinnamon stick to a boil. Cover the pan and simmer for 10 minutes.

Remove and discard the cinnamon stick; stir in the honey. Serve immediately.

May be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. So keep some in the 'fridge for those nausea moments.

4 servings

Per serving: 13 calories, 0 fat, 3 grams carbohydrates, 0 protein, 0 sodium, 0 fiber.

GINGER

This statement about Ginger from the Ayurvedic (traditional Eastern Indian medicine) says that ginger 'fires' the body's digestive hearth to make the stomach and colon more efficient in metabolizing food.  

Ginger also contains tumor inhibitors.

Try this recipe for Ginger Ale with Frozen Grapes since it is important to make your own when using ginger ale for medicinal purposes.  Most store bought ginger ale only contains a minimun amount of ginger!

GINGER ALE WITH FROZEN GRAPES
4 cups water
2 cups sliced fresh, unpeeled ginger
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tbsp honey
frozen seedless grapes
sparkling water
mint springs for garnish, optional

In a saucepan bring the water and ginger to a boil; lower the heat, cover, and simmer 1 hour.  Uncover and simmer another 30 minutes.  Strain the mixture through cheesecloth and discard the ginger.  Stir in the lemon juice and honey.  Allow to cool to room temperature.

For Ginger Ale (per serving) add 1/4 cup of the mixture to a glass with the frozen grapes.  Fill the glass with sparkling water.  Add a mint sprig, if desired.

For a Hot Beverage stir 3 tablespoons of the mixture into 1 cup of hot water.  Add more honey and lemon to taste, if desired.

Store the syrup in refrigerator for up to a week.  Make drinks only as wanted rather than making up all the mixture at once.