Natural remedies

Ezrie Camp, Features editor

   In today’s world, it is so easy to rely on medicine to fix a lot of health problems. As great as some medicines are, there are many foods that are natural remedies for a lot of the minor health problems people have today. Sometimes too, the body is more accepting of natural sources of necessary vitamins, minerals and food are a great way to get those things. 

Anti Inflammatory:

   These foods help to reduce inflammation of joints that causes discomfort in everyday movements and particularly in active individuals. Foods considered to be natural anti-inflammatories include:

  • Turmeric
  • Cherry juice

Iron:

   Iron is a mineral that aids the body in the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that helps to transport oxygen throughout the body. This promotes recovery as the muscles receive the oxygen they need to repair. The travel of oxygen also helps the brain to be more alert and high functioning because it is receiving what it needs from the blood. Overall, iron is beneficial to both mental and physical performance. Foods high in iron include:

  • Red Meat
  • Spinach

Blood Oxygenation:

   This is similar to the benefits of iron. High blood oxygenation is also extremely helpful in athletes as it helps the body to recover quicker and allows the body’s oxygen stores to be replenished faster. Foods that help with blood oxygenation include:

  • Beet Juice or any other beet products

Magnesium Rich Foods:

   Magnesium has many health benefits and can be absorbed through many everyday foods. One benefit of magnesium is that it reduces the occurrence of migraines, a common symptom of magnesium deficiency. It also helps to increase athletic performance as it aids in the breakdown of lactic acid in muscles, which can help with muscle cramping and overall muscle endurance. Magnesium also helps with heart health as it helps to regulate a person’s heartbeat and protects the heart from stress. Foods high in magnesium include:

  • Pumpkin Seeds
  • Beans
  • Dark Chocolate
  • Avocado

Potassium:

   Potassium is most well known for preventing muscle cramps as well as helping muscles to contract properly and nerve cells to respond more efficiently. Foods high in potassium include:

  • Bananas
  • Dried fruits (raisins, apricots)
  • Potatoes 

Nausea:

   One of the best-known foods to help with nausea and digestive problems is ginger. It comes in many forms, such as candy, juice, crystallized natural ginger, and all-natural ginger root that can be incorporated into a variety of dishes. Ginger can help with nausea that spans from car sickness to morning sickness and even just a stomach bug. 

  • Ginger

Sleep:

   Many foods that are high in melatonin are a great way to help with sleep. Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland in the brain. It helps to control the sleep-wake cycle. Foods high in melatonin include:

  • Almonds
  • Chamomile Tea

   There are many natural remedies for a lot of common minor health problems that people have. A lot of the natural minerals and aids can be found in foods that are easy to incorporate into a person’s everyday diet, but they can make a world of difference in a person’s everyday functions.