Introduction: The Delicious Path to Wellness
In a world where pills and prescriptions dominate, there’s a hidden superhero right in our kitchens—the humble food! Yes, you read that right. Forget the white-coated doctors for a moment and let’s explore how the right foods can be your allies in the battle for health. Welcome to the captivating journey of self-medicating with food!
How would you like to be self-medicating…but in the most powerful way so that you were losing weight & solving all your health problems?
Usually when we think of self- medicating, we think about harming ourselves, like coping with the ups and downs of life with that nightly glass (or 2 or 3) of wine.
Or eating a whole bag of chips (sabotaging your whole day of healthy eating) while in the car on your way home, or spending your day people pleasing by baking treats for others (knowing full well you’ll end up eating most of it), or how about wasting time scrolling the socials or watching television for hours a day and late into the night with that big bowl of buttered popcorn.
And, mixing and matching all the different pills your doctors have prescribed or the myriad of supplements you have purchased with the promise of melting away those love handles due to your insulin resistance. This can be a vicious cycle: go to work, become exhausted, drive home, try to get a few hours of sleep but wake up feeling crappy and day after day we do it all over and over again.
Years of research and medical evidence have shown conclusively that high fat, high cholesterol, and carcinogenic animal food and junk food are the root cause of the epidemics of obesity, heart disease, and type2 diabetes. This also includes the symptoms like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, digestive issues, hormonal issues, and not being able to control your weight.
The same evidence and science that shows this as the cause also shows how these conditions revert to normal when you completely replace these harmful foods with healing whole plant foods.
So, why not treat your food as your medicine??
The results: you’ll naturally and effortlessly drop excess weight, you’ll feel so great that you just might want to start exercising, you’ll call your doctor and ask if you can taper off your meds because you blood pressure and cholesterol has dropped drastically, you’ll be amazed that stiffness and body pain are resolving, making you feel younger, you’ll have folks ask you how come your skin looks so much better and need to know what you are doing so they can look and feel as good as well!
Let’s take a good look at some of our friends in the pantry.
1. The Nutrient Avengers
a) Vitamin C: The Immunity Shield
Remember Grandma’s advice to gulp down that glass of orange juice when you felt a cold coming on? She was onto something! Vitamin C, found abundantly in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and kiwi, is your immune system’s best friend. It fights off those pesky viruses and keeps you feeling invincible.
b) Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Brain Boosters
Chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, edamame, seaweed and walnuts—these unassuming foods contain omega-3 fatty acids that are like brain fuel. They enhance memory, improve focus, and even lift your mood. So, next time you’re feeling a bit forgetful, reach for that green smoothie packed with flax seed!
c) Fiber: The Digestive Sweeper
Whole grains, legumes, whole fruits and veggies—fiber keeps things moving smoothly in your digestive tract. It’s like a gentle broom sweeping away toxins and waste.
2. The Antioxidant Symphony
a) Berries: Tiny Powerhouses
Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries—these little gems are packed with antioxidants. They neutralize free radicals, slow down aging, and protect your cells. Plus, they taste like summer in a bowl!
b) Dark Chocolate: The Guilt-Free Pleasure
Yes, you read that right—dark chocolate is a health hero! Rich in flavonoids, it improves heart health, reduces stress, and makes you feel like you’re indulging in a forbidden treat.
3. Gut Health: The Microbiome Warriors
a) Probiotics: Your Tummy’s BFF
Kimchi, pickled vegetables, asparagus, pineapple, onion, garlic, kombucha and sauerkraut—these probiotic-rich foods nurture your gut microbiome. A happy gut means better digestion, stronger immunity, and fewer tummy troubles.
4. Spice Up Your Life
a) Turmeric: The Golden Healer
Turmeric, with its active compound curcumin, is an anti-inflammatory superstar. It eases joint pain, contains an active compound called curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. For chronic conditions where inflammation affects your body tissues, turmeric may be beneficial. Studies have shown that curcumin supplementation can help prolong remission in patients with ulcerative colitis and contributes to overall gut health.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that curcumin supplementation can enhance memory performance in adults without dementia. Researchers believe that curcumin’s reduction in brain inflammation and its antioxidant properties contribute to better neurocognition. Although more research is needed, turmeric may also play a role in preventing the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Turmeric has deep roots in traditional medicine for treating arthritis. Research suggests that taking turmeric extract could potentially reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis. However, it’s essential to combine turmeric with medical management for optimal results.
Turmeric is rich in antioxidants, and studies show that it may protect your body from free radicals by neutralizing them. These antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and preventing oxidative stress.
b) Garlic: Nature’s Antibiotic
Garlic is a plant in the Allium (onion) family, closely related to onions, shallots, and leeks.
When you chop, crush, or chew a garlic clove, sulfur compounds form. The most well-known of these is allicin. Other beneficial compounds include diallyl disulfide and s-allyl cysteine.
These sulfur compounds enter your body, exerting strong biological effects.
Garlic is a good source of: Manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Selenium and Fiber
Research suggests that aged garlic extract (AGE) can enhance your immune system.
People who took AGE supplements during the cold and flu season experienced less severe symptoms and fewer missed days of school or work.
Garlic may help: Lower blood pressure, Reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health
It’s believed that garlic’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties contribute to these benefits.
Garlic consumption has been associated with a lower risk of dementia.
Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects may play a role in brain health.
Some studies suggest that garlic intake is linked to a longer lifespan.
Including garlic in your diet may contribute to overall longevity.
Garlic’s ability to enhance circulation and reduce exercise-induced fatigue may benefit athletes.
Garlic supports liver function and helps detoxify your body.
Garlic contains nutrients like manganese that contribute to bone health.
c) Ginger: The Zesty Digestive Aid
Ginger is like a warm hug for your stomach. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds that function similarly to COX-2 inhibitors (drugs used to treat pain and inflammation). Studies have shown that ginger extract can be as effective as ibuprofen in managing arthritis pain during the initial treatment period.
Research involving ginger and Echinacea supplements found that they effectively reduced inflammation and pain after knee surgery.
Ginger extract, when taken in highly concentrated doses, helped reduce knee pain upon standing and after walking in people with osteoarthritis.
Animal studies using rats suggest that ginger can relieve joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Ginger’s antioxidant properties contribute to overall immunity, soothes upset stomachs and aids digestion, Ginger tea can help fight off cold symptoms and some evidence suggests that ginger may play a role in preventing dementia.
b) Cinnamon: The Sweet Spice with Surprising Benefits
Cinnamon isn’t just for cozy desserts; it’s a nutritional powerhouse.
Cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. Sprinkle it on oatmeal or add it to your morning coffee. It’s loaded with polyphenols to fight oxidative stress and support overall health. Cinnamaldehyde is the active compound in cinnamon and has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon may help reduce inflammation in the gut, lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, and some studies suggest that cinnamon improves cognitive function and memory.
Conclusion: Forks Over Pills
Next time you’re at the crossroads—should you pop a pill or savor a plate of roasted veggies—remember this blog. Food isn’t just fuel; it’s medicine. So, let’s raise our forks (and maybe a dark chocolate square) to a healthier, tastier life!
Remember, your body is your temple, and the kitchen is your pharmacy. Bon appétit!
This new way of eating is life changing and I would be honored to help guide you in making this positive change in your life!! For personalized nutritional coaching and more insights into adopting a heart-healthy diet, visit my Janie Priest RN's website.
I welcome each and every one of you to contact me to discuss just how with the miracle of holistic medicine, I can become your nutrition coach and mentor guiding you to your dreams of health and a longer life. So whether you are searching for a natural autoimmune treatment or simply better overall health, please feel free to fill out the contact form at https://www.janiepriestrn.com/ or contact me by phone at +1-559-901-3101
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