"LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE" Vll

 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.

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"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.

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"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.

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"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.

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"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.

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PS: I have found that I can enjoy the occasional delicious cinnamon roll when it is made with a generous amount of real cinnamon.

"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.

"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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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