Laurie Clark

 Are you having health problems? Are you sick of doctors and medicines?

 

Nobody likes going to the doctor. And, nobody likes taking pills for whatever problem they may be having.

You know that exercise and a healthy diet are supposed to be a part of your life to keep you generally healthy. But did you know that eating specific foods can help with specific health problems?

 

PMS

To help with PMS symptoms, look for foods with vitamin B, potassium, vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium.

If you have PMS, you might try…

 

Sunflower seeds, almonds, pine nuts, bananas, chicken, sweet potatoes, whole grains, and beans, which are high in vitamin B.

Pecans, avocados, oily fish, and spinach, which are packed with vitamin E.  

Baked potatoes (with the skin on), dark leafy greens, yogurt, and avocados are high in potassium (which can also help with just a general sense of fatigue and irritability).

Foods with magnesium (which helps muscles and nerves stay healthy) can also play a big part in preventing PMS symptoms. Magnesium is found in dark leafy greens, fish, beans, and avocados. And finally, calcium can be found in milk, cheese, and yogurt (of course), but you can also get calcium through nuts and green leafy veggies.

 

Headaches

What's better when you have a headache—swallowing a pill (yet again), or eating a tasty snack?

If you have a headache you might try….

 

A baked potato (with the skin on) or a banana for potassium.

Soups, berries, tomatoes, lettuce, water melon, or even just a glass of water (if your headache is being caused by dehydration).

Fruit, yogurt, or oatmeal for healthy carbohydrates.

Coffee, tea, or soda (in moderation, caffeine can help headaches).

Almonds, avocados, cashews (high in magnesium)

Something spicy, which can help by decreasing congestion (which can cause a sinus headache).

Milk, yogurt, or leafy greens (anything high in calcium)

 

Nausea

True, if you are feeling nauseous, food is probably the last thing on your mind. However, you never know what might help. Try….

 

Foods that are high in starch, such as bread or crackers. These foods absorb any stomach acids that may be making you feel sick.

Foods that are high in protein. Nuts are good for nausea, because not only are they high in protein, but you can nibble on a couple at a time (who wants who down a cheeseburger when they feel nauseous just to get some protein?)

Bland foods like broth or bananas. It is good just to have something in your stomach, and a nice cup of warm broth might just do the trick to make you feel better.

Foods with fiber. Don't try to eat too much at once—nibble on some apple slices or other raw veggies.

Foods and drinks with ginger. Ginger in just about any form can help when you're feeling nauseous. Try ginger ale, ginger tea, or even some cookies with ginger in them. Health food stores have a variety of products with ginger in them.

 

 Changing your diet to address your health issues can mean better health, fewer visits to the doctor, less money spent on medicine, and your body not having to deal with a bunch of different prescriptions.

And, with this list of foods that can help you keep healthy, it also means a lot of tasty meals in your future.