The Pharmacy in Your Pantry

 

Everything you put into your mouth affects your health.  It is true of everything from pure water to the most potent drugs.  In fact, the active ingredients of most, if not all, drugs can be found in nature.  The only problem with getting your cures from whole foods alone is that active ingredients found in nature tend to appear only in trace amounts.  In other words, traditional pharmaceutical drugs are still most useful for getting dramatic results, but whole foods are helpful in prevention and treating minor ailments.

Disclaimer: In this article, I discuss my own opinions and observations on health topics.  I am not a doctor.  The information here is only observations and opinions, not medical advice.  Please consult your doctor before making any changes that might affect your health.

Your refrigerator, pantry, and spice cabinet are a stockpile of natural drugs.  Here’s a look at some natural food remedies:

Lowering blood pressure:  Eat more red bell peppers, broccoli, kiwi fruit, peaches, nectarines, avocado, pork, leafy greens, yogurt, sweet potato, quinoa, tilapia, bananas, citrus fruits, and white beans.

Lowering bad cholesterol:  Eat more oats, tomatoes, red grapefruit, salmon, apples, beans, nuts, dark chocolate, garlic, olive oil, spinach, and avocado.  Drink dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, or tea.

Increasing Testosterone:  Eat more honey, tuna, salmon, cabbage, eggs, asparagus, shellfish, garlic, oats, citrus fruits, beef, bananas, avocado, grapes, spinach, beans, watermelon, pomegranate, ginseng, almonds.  Drink more milk.

Relieving pain:  Eat more edamame, cherries, oranges, hot peppers, salmon, mushrooms, ginger, sweet potatoes, yogurt, mint, and turmeric.  Drink coffee or cranberry juice.

Killing bacteria:  Eat more coconut oil, oregano, basil, ginger, fermented foods, garlic, turmeric, lemons, horseradish, vinegar, pineapple, cabbage, honey, cranberries, pomegranate, blueberries, and mushrooms.  Drink more coffee.

Lowering glucose levels:  Eat more garlic, oatmeal, salmon, lean meats, avocados, nuts, fenugreek, leafy greens, cinnamon, spinach, strawberries, mushrooms, blueberries, broccoli, and cherries.  Drink more black tea.

Reducing stomach acid:  Eat more honey, ginger, apple, or alfalfa sprouts.  Drink some baking soda mixed with water.  Or drink milk, chamomile tea, or fennel tea.