Tame leg cramps with tomato juice

At least one in five people regularly struggle with leg cramps. The culprit?
Potassium deficiencies, which occur when this mineral is flushed out by diuretics,
caffeinated beverages or heavy perspiration during exercise. But sip 10 ounces of
potassium-rich tomato juice daily and you'll not only speed your recovery, you'll
reduce your risk of painful cramp flare-ups in as little as 10 days, say UCLA
researchers.

Fight breast pain with flax

In one recent study, adding 3 tablespoons of ground flax to their daily diet eased
breast soreness for one in three women within 12 weeks. Scientists credit flax’s
phytoestrogens, natural plant compounds that prevent the estrogen spikes that
can trigger breast pain. More good news: You don’t have to be a master baker to
sneak this healthy seed into your diet. Just sprinkle ground flax on oatmeal,
yogurt, applesauce or add it to smoothies and veggie dips.

Heal mouth sores with honey

Dab painful canker and cold sores with unpasteurized honey four times daily until
these skin woes disappear, and they’ll heal 43 percent faster than if you use a
prescription cream, say researchers at the Dubai Specialized Medical Center in
the United Arab Emirates . Raw honey’s natural enzymes zap inflammation,
destroy invading viruses and speed the healing of damaged tissues, say the study
authors.

Beat bladder infections with blueberries

Eating 1 cup of blueberries daily, whether you opt for them fresh, frozen or in
juice form, can cut your risk of a urinary tract infection (UTIs) by 60 percent,
according to researchers at New Jersey’s Rutgers University. That's because
blueberries are loaded with tannins, plant compounds that wrap around
problem-causing bacteria in the bladder, so they can’t get a toehold and

create an infection, explains Amy Howell, Ph.D. a scientist at Rutgers
University.

Heal sinus problems with horseradish

Latest studies show sinusitis is the nation’s number one chronic health problem.
And this condition doesn’t just spur congestion and facial pain, it also makes
sufferers six times more likely to feel achy all-over. Horseradish to the rescue!
According to German researchers, this eye-watering condiment naturally revs up
blood flow to the sinus cavities, helping to open and drain clogged sinuses and
heal sinus infections more quickly than decongestant sprays do. The studyrecommended
dose: One teaspoon twice daily (either on its own, or used as a
sandwich or meat topping) until symptoms clear.

Wash away pain injuries with water

Whether it’s your feet, your knees or your shoulders that are throbbing, experts at
New York ’s Manhattan College , say you could kick-start your recovery in one
week just by drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Why? Experts say
water dilutes, and then helps flush out, histamine, a pain-triggering compound
produced by injured tissues. “Plus water is a key building block of the cartilage
that cushions the ends of your bones, your joints’ lubricating fluid, and the soft

discs in your spine,” adds Susan M. Kleiner, Ph.D., author of the book, The Good
Mood Diet. “And when these tissues are well-hydrated, they can move and glide
over each other without causing pain.” One caveat: Be sure to measure your
drinking glasses to find out how large they really are before you start sipping, she
says. Today’s juice glasses often hold more than 12 ounces, which means five
servings could be enough to meet your daily goal.

Give your back some TLC with grapes

Got an achy back? Grapes could be the ticket to a speedy recovery. Recent
studies at Ohio State University suggest eating a heaping cup of grapes daily can
relax tight blood vessels, significantly improving blood flow to damaged back
tissues (and often within three hours of enjoying the first bowl). That’s great news
because your back’s vertebrae and shock-absorbing discs are completely
dependent on nearby blood vessels to bring them healing nutrients and oxygen,
so improving blood flow is essential for healing damaged back tissue, says
Stengler.

Relax painful muscles with peppermint

Suffering from tight, sore muscles? Stubborn knots can hang around for months if
they aren’t properly treated, says naturopath Mark Stengler, N.D., author of the
book, The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies. His advice: Three times each

week, soak in a warm tub scented with 10 drops of peppermint oil. The warm
water will relax your muscles, while the peppermint oil will naturally soothe your
nerves -- a combo that can ease muscle cramping 25 percent more effectively
than over-the-counter painkillers, and cut the frequency of future flare-ups in half,
says Stengler.

Prevent digestive upsets with pineapple

Got gas? One cup of fresh pineapple daily can cut painful bloating within 72
hours, say researchers at California ’s Stanford University . That's because
pineapple is natually packed with proteolytic enzymes, digestive aids that help

speed the breakdown of pain-causing proteins in the stomach and small
intestine, say USDA researchers.

Soothe foot pain with salt

Experts say at least six million Americans develop painful ingrown toenails
each year. But regularly soaking ingrown nails in warm salt water baths can
cure these painful infections within four days, say scientists at California ’s
Stanford University . The salt in the mix naturally nixes inflammation, plus it’s
anti-bacterial, so it quickly destroys the germs that cause swelling and pain.
Just mix 1 teaspoon of salt into each cup of water, heat to the warmest
temperature that you can comfortably stand, and then soak the affected foot
area for 20 minutes twice daily, until your infection subsides.

End endometrial pain with oats

The ticket to soothing endometriosis pain could be a daily bowl of oatmeal.
Endometriosis occurs when little bits of the uterine lining detach and grow
outside of the uterus. Experts say these migrating cells can turn menstruation
into a misery, causing so much inflammation that they trigger severe cramping
during your period, plus a heavy ache that drags on all month long.
Fortunately, scientists say opting for a diet rich in oats can help reduce
endometrial pain for up to 60 percent of women within six months. That’s
because oats don’t contain gluten, a trouble-making protein that triggers
inflammation in many women, making endometriosis difficult to bear, explains
Peter Green, M.D., professor of medicine at Colombia University.

Tame chronic pain with turmeric

Studies show turmeric, a popular East Indian spice, is actually three times
more effective at easing pain than aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, plus it can
help relieve chronic pain for 50 percent of people struggling with arthritis and
even fibromyalgia, according to Cornell researchers. That’s because
turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, naturally shuts down cyclooxygenase 2,
an enzyme that churns out a stream of pain-producing hormones, explains
nutrition researcher Julian Whitaker, M.D. and author of the book, Reversing
Diabetes. The study-recommended dose: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of this spice
daily onto any rice, poultry, meat or vegetable dish.

Prevent PMS with yogurt

Up to 80 percent of women will struggle with premenstrual syndrome and its
uncomfortable symptoms, report Yale researchers. The reason: Their nervous
systems are sensitive to the ups and downs in estrogen and progesterone
that occur naturally every month. But snacking on 2 cups of yogurt a day can
slash these symptoms by 48 percent, say researchers at New York ’s
Columbia University . “Yogurt is rich in calcium, a mineral that naturally calms
the nervous system, preventing painful symptoms even when hormones are in
flux,” explains Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a professor of gynecology at Yale
University.

Fight tummy troubles with fish

Indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases...if your
belly always seems to be in an uproar, try munching 18 ounces of fish weekly
to ease your misery. Repeated studies show that the fatty acids in fish, called
EPA and DHA, can significantly reduce intestinal inflammation, cramping and
belly pain and, in some cases, provide as much relief as corticosteroids and

other prescription meds. “EPA and DHA are powerful, natural, side effect-free
anti-inflammatories, that can dramatically improve the function of the entire
gastrointestinal tract,” explains biological chemist Barry Sears, Ph.D.,
president of the Inflammation Research Foundation in Marblehead , MA . For
best results, look for oily fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, trout and
herring.

Chase away joint and headache pain with cherries

Latest studies show that at least one in four women is struggling with arthritis,
gout or chronic headaches. If you’re one of them, a daily bowl of cherries
could ease your ache, without the stomach upset so often triggered by today’s
painkillers, say researchers at East Lansing ’s Michigan State University . Their
research reveals that anthocyanins, the compounds that give cherries their
brilliant red color, are anti-inflammatories 10 times stronger than ibuprofen and
aspirin. “Anthocyanins help shut down the powerful enzymes that kick-start
tissue inflammation, so they can prevent, as well as treat, many different kinds
of pain,” explains Muraleedharan Nair, Ph.D., professor of food science at
Michigan State University . His advice: Enjoy 20 cherries (fresh, frozen or
dried) daily, then continue until your pain disappears.

Erase earaches with garlic

Painful ear infections drive millions of Americans to doctors’ offices every
year. To cure one fast, just place two drops of warm garlic oil into your aching
ear twice daily for five days. This simple treatment can clear up ear infections
faster than prescription meds, say experts at the University of New Mexico
School of Medicine. Scientists say garlic’s active ingredients (germanium,
selenium, and sulfur compounds) are naturally toxic to dozens of different
pain-causing bacteria. To whip up your own garlic oil gently simmer three
cloves of crushed garlic in a half a cup of extra virgin olive oil for two minutes,
strain, then refrigerate for up to two weeks, suggests Teresa Graedon, Ph.D.,
co-author of the book, Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy. For an
optimal experience, warm this mix slightly before using so the liquid will feel
soothing in your ear canal.

Heal heartburn with cider vinegar

Sip 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 ounces of water
before every meal, and experts say you could shut down painful bouts
of heartburn in as little as 24 hours. “Cider vinegar is rich in malic and
tartaric acids, powerful digestive aids that speed the breakdown of fats
and proteins so your stomach can empty quickly, before food washes
up into the esophagus, triggering heartburn pain,” explains Joseph
Brasco, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Center for Colon and
Digestive Diseases in Huntsville, AL.

Cure a toothache with cloves

Got a toothache and can’t get to the dentist? Gently chewing on a clove can ease tooth pain and gum
inflammation for two hours straight, say UCLA researchers. Experts point to a natural compound in
cloves called eugenol, a powerful, natural anesthetic. Bonus: Sprinkling a ¼ teaspoon of ground
cloves on meals daily may also protect your ticker. Scientists say this simple action helps stabilize
blood sugar, plus dampen production of artery-clogging cholesterol in as little as three weeks.

Make muscle pain a memory with ginger

When Danish researchers asked achy people to jazz up their diets with
ginger, it eased muscle and joint pain, swelling and stiffness for up to
63 percent of them within two months. Experts credit ginger’s potent
compounds called gingerols, which prevent the production of paintriggering
hormones. The study-recommended dose: Add at least 1
teaspoon of dried ginger or 2 teaspoons of chopped ginger to meals
daily.

Amazing facts about BANANA fruit

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout.

No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

 

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

 

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B 6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

 

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

 

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

 

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

 

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

 

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

 

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

 

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

 

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

 

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
 
Overweight and at work?

Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

 

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
 
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B 6, B 12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

 

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

 

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say,

 

"A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

 

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