Tag Archives: ginger

Dealing with Inflammation

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Which Foods Should You Cut to Fight Inflammation?

foods inflammationNobody ever really looks into solutions and therapies for inflammation until it comes time to deal with it. If you’ve ever suffered from inflammation or the number of diseases that stem from it, such as arthritis and other chronic diseases, you’ve probably asked what solutions there are to help relieve the pain.

What you should be asking is how you can prevent inflammation in the first place.

Inflammation is a natural product of the body to repair tissue injury, chronic inflammation is when that process gets out of hand and can’t stop. This overreaction is brought on by certain foods that you consume every day, but luckily they are easily removable!

So what foods should you avoid?

Here is a list of the 3 major chronic inflammation causes:

1. Anything That can Trigger an Allergy

If you have any sort of allergy, you know that it sets your body off in the wrong way. But who knew this could also affect your body’s inflammation processes in the wrong way? It’s important to make sure that you are not eating anything that your body can’t handle, even if it is only a mild reaction.

Common allergens like eggs, dairy products and vegetables are the hardest to avoid since they can be found in some foods that you wouldn’t expect. Make sure you check the ingredients of the food you eat for any form of what you’re allergic to! You might be surprised that something you love actually contains that pesky allergen!

2. Fried Foods

You probably already know that deep fried foods are bad for you for other reasons, but they actually do their part in promoting inflammation as well.

It’s in the oil. Most oils used in fried foods are already stripped of their natural nutrients, and whatever might be left over is destroyed in the heat needed to fry the food. What is left is a kind of toxin that overloads the elimination system of the body and causes the inflammation process to go crazy.

3. Processed Foods and Drinks

Just like the oil in fried foods, most things that are processed before being sold in supermarkets end up losing the majority of their nutrients. Pastries, processed soups, fizzy drinks, all of these and more have been altered so that they do more bad to our bodies than good.

Cutting these foods out of your diet will help your inflammation system do only what is necessary to repair your tissue and nothing else. No overtime, no chronic inflammation, no arthritis.

And don’t you worry, there are other solutions as well!

If you already find yourself with chronic inflammation there are many natural foods that contain anti-inflammatory properties that are readily available at the supermarket such as:

-Coconut oil: the nutrients in coconut oil are not destroyed when cooked, and are easily digested.

-Fish: contains natural anti-inflammatory properties and is known to encourage the production of pain relieving hormones in the body.

-Ginger: Contains significant anti-inflammatory properties in the root.

-Cayenne peppers: contains capsaicin, an anti-inflammatory agent.

from:    http://www.realfarmacy.com/inflammation-foods/

Detox Water Recipe

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Great Detox Ingredients You Should Be Adding to Your Water This Summer

 
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By Heidi Kristoffer

If you want to flush out toxins from your body, this simple method is probably the most effective way: lots and lots of water. You don’t have to drink the plain water directly, add a little flavor with these tasty additions. Plus, they are all with great detoxification function.

Lemon:

Lemon water helps to cleanse and alkalize the body. Add one thinly sliced lemon to a large pitcher, or squeeze fresh lemon juice into your glass. Drink it first thing in the morning, and wait about 30 minutes to have breakfast. This will help you fully receive the benefits of lemon water, which are listed below:

  • Reduces inflammation
  • Aids digestion
  • Helps you lose weight
  • Keeps your skin blemish-free
  • Gives your immune system a boost
  • Excellent source of potassium
  • Freshens your breath
  • Gives you an energy boost
  • Helps fight viral infections

Mint:

Mint adds a touch of sweetness without the sugar to your water, and it also helps settle your stomach and aids in digestion as well.

Cucumber:

Cucumber water is one of the most refreshing and delicious ways to take advantage of the great beneficial effects that cucumbers can deliver. Adding a few slices of cucumber to your water makes for excellent rehydration, and cucumber also contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger:

The spicy root helps cleanse out your system, aids in digestion, and settles your stomach. Add a few thin slices or grate a tiny piece into your water and taste before adding more as necessary.

To make one serving of detox water, add three to five slices of cucumber, half a lemon, and a few sprigs of mint leaves to 24 ounces of ice-cold water. You can also add sliced peeled ginger (about a one-inch piece of ginger root, or to taste) for a spicy kick.

from:    http://blogs.naturalnews.com/great-detox-ingredients-adding-water-summer/

Eating Away Inflammation

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Inflammation: Tame This Silent Killer With Simple Food-Based Solutions

Inflammation31st January 2014

By Carolanne Wright

Contributing Writer for Wake Up World

The bane of health, chronic inflammation, is at the root of most disease. Cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cardiovascular troubles and periodontal issues are all influenced by an overactive inflammatory response.

Fortunately, we have a powerful ally against inflammation residing in our kitchen. Through select foods and dietary adjustments, we can subdue this unruly beast and create a solid foundation for a healthy future.

The Primary Culprit: Poor Food Choices

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, helping to heal damage throughout the system. And yet, this mechanism can lead to serious illness when left unchecked.

Dietary choices are the number one trigger for an exaggerated inflammatory reaction – especially sugary, high-glycemic and processed carbohydrates. Poor-quality fats like those found in meat and dairy, as well as trans fats in refined vegetable oils, are also problematic.

In the scholarly paper “Control of Systemic Inflammation and Chronic Diseases – The Use of Turmeric and Curcuminoids”, researcher Stig Bengmark observes:

“The world suffers an epidemic of both critical illness (CI) and chronic diseases (ChDs), and both groups of diseases increase from year to year, and have done so for several decades. It is strongly associated to the modern, so-called Western, lifestyle: stress, lack of exercise, abuse of tobacco and alcohol, and the transition from natural unprocessed foods to processed, calorie-condensed, and heat-treated foods.

“There is a strong association between reduced intake of plant fibers and plant antioxidants and increased consumption of industrially produced and processed products especially dairy, refined sugars, and starch products and ChDs. Heating up foods such as milk (pasteurization) and production and storage of milk powder produce large amounts of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and advanced lipid oxidation end products (ALEs), known as potent inducers of inflammation.”

Be that as it may, just as the diet can exacerbate inflammation, specific foods can also heal it.

Edible solutions

A number of foods offer exceptional protection against inflammatory reactions. For instance, sulfur compounds found in garlic, and polyphenol antioxidants in green tea, both successfully discourage excessive inflammation. [1][2]

Golden-hued turmeric is another example. In laboratory tests, the anti-inflammatory characteristics of turmeric are effective in mitigating skin, lung and neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, cataracts and intestinal diseases. [3]

Healthy fats are also important. As an outstanding source of omega-3 fatty acids, sardines, fish oil supplements and wild-caught salmon, or vegetarian options like hemp seed, flaxseed and walnuts, provide the building blocks for healthy inflammation levels. [4][5][6] Moreover, oleic acid in olive oil supplies a good measure of anti-inflammatory omega-9 fatty acids. [7]

Don’t forget to add a bit of spice to your life. Over 25 years of research on ginger has established the herb as one of the foremost anti-inflammatory foods around. A study in the Journal of Medicinal Food discovered that two ginger extracts, Zingiber officinale and Alpina galanga, inhibit several genes responsible for inflammatory reactions. [8]

And Karen Lamphere, MS, CN, recommends a dash of heat. “Some of the most potent anti-inflammatory vegetables are peppers and the spices derived from them, such as cayenne pepper. All chili peppers include capsaicin (the hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it has), which is a potent inhibitor of substance P, a neuropeptide associated with inflammatory processes.”

Over and above dietary choices, lifestyle options such as reducing stress, detoxifying and exercising regularly contribute to lower inflammation levels too. In the end, sidestepping the risks of this silent killer is a straightforward daily task when armed with whole foods and healthy habits.

from:    http://wakeup-world.com/2014/01/31/inflammation-tame-this-silent-killer-with-simple-food-based-solutions/

Natural First Aid Kit

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Natural Remedies First Aid Kit

25th July 2012

By Natural Home & Garden

Pack these multipurpose herbal remedies for minor illnesses, scrapes and irritations that can threaten to derail vacation enjoyment.

Whether you’re sampling the local fare in Mexico, scuba diving in the Caribbean or hiking in the Rockies, these multipurpose herbal remedies—treating everything from blisters to upset stomachs to sleeplessness—can help ensure your travels are more enjoyable. Packed in a small case, these first-aid remedies will be ready to toss into your luggage, car or backpack.

All of these items are readily available at health-food stores and by mail-order. Be sure to buy pure essential oils, not fragrance oils. To prevent breakage, wrap glass bottles in small pieces of thick flannel.

Natural First-Aid Kit

1. Valerian tincture

The sedative properties of valerian make it useful for relieving anxiety, insomnia and tension; it may also provide mild pain relief.

2. Eucalyptus essential oil

A potent antibiotic and antiviral, eucalyptus is excellent for treating colds and sinus infections when used as a steam inhalation.

3. Witch hazel extract

Distilled witch hazel has reported astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, useful for treating insect bites and skin irritations. It’s also an excellent base for diluting essential oils for topical application. Do not take it internally.

4. Herbal insect repellent

Herbal insect repellents work well when applied liberally and frequently.

5. Arnica gel or cream

Arnica flowers have anti-inflammatory and circulation-stimulating properties; the gel or cream may help relieve sore muscles, sprains, strains and bruises. Do not apply arnica to broken skin.

6. Grindelia poison ivy treatment

Grindelia, also known as gumweed, contains resins and tannins that help relieve the symptoms of plant rashes such as poison ivy and poison oak.

7. Lemon essential oil

Uplifting, clarifying lemon essential oil can be used as aromatherapy to help dispel mental fatigue. It is also antiseptic, but should be diluted before being applied to the skin.

8. Echinacea liquid extract

Rich in phytochemicals that boost immunity, versatile liquid echinacea extract can be used internally to treat infections and externally for wounds and burns.

9. Calendula/comfrey salve

With calendula’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and comfrey’s ability to help heal wounds, this salve is perfect for minor cuts and scrapes.

10. Goldenseal capsules or powder

A powerful antimicrobial, goldenseal is effective against a variety of microorganisms that cause traveler’s diarrhea. The powder also has antiseptic properties and can be sprinkled onto cuts or wounds to stop bleeding. Do not use during pregnancy.

11. Ginger capsules, tea bags or crystallized ginger

The antispasmodic and gas-relieving properties of ginger soothe digestive upsets. Ginger also has been shown to relieve motion sickness better than Dramamine, the conventional drug treatment.

12. Peppermint essential oil and tea bags

Peppermint soothes an upset stomach, eases congestion from the common cold and curbs itching from insect bites. If you have sensitive skin, dilute peppermint oil before applying. Peppermint tea may aggravate heartburn.

13. Eleuthero standardized extract

An excellent adaptogen, eleuthero can help prevent jet lag. Standardized extracts guarantee you’re getting sufficient amounts of eleutherosides, the herb’s active compounds.

14. Lavender essential oil

Multi-purpose lavender has sedative, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It’s helpful for anxiety, insomnia, headaches, wounds and burns. Most people can tolerate lavender essential oil applied directly to the skin. Do not take more than 1 to 2 drops internally.

15. Chamomile tea bags

Gentle enough for children, chamomile tea promotes relaxation, relieves indigestion and, applied topically, soothes skin irritations.

16. Elderberry capsules or liquid extract

Elderberries can help prevent cold and flu viruses from invading and infecting cells. If you’re flying or otherwise potentially exposed to viruses, taking elderberry is a good preventive. If you come down with a cold or flu, elderberry can hasten your recovery time.

17. Aloe vera gel

Cooling and healing, aloe vera soothes the inflammation of sunburn and mild kitchen burns.

Additional Essentials

Along with multipurpose essential oils, tinctures and herbal teas, you’ll want to pack useful tools to help heal minor injuries. Make sure your natural first-aid kit includes the following:

• Adhesive bandage strips in various sizes
• A small bottle of rubbing alcohol
• Bandage materials including sterile gauze pads, gauze and adhesive bandage tape
• Elastic bandages for wrapping sprains
• A powdered electrolyte replenishment such as Emergen-C
• Moleskin blister treatment
• Scissors and tweezers
• An instant-read thermometer

from:    http://wakeup-world.com/2012/07/25/natural-remedies-first-aid-kit/