Food Is Medicine: A Different Perspective

Many of you have heard the phrase “you are what you eat”. This statement is true on so many levels. Everything we consume in all aspects has an effect on our bodies.

Food is our life force! It’s what drives our vessel day in and day out. Food is also the OG of medicine! I see a lot of people reaching for vitamins, supplements, and prescription medications when the truth is that almost everything can be found in delicious food. I know I’d much rather eat some juicy sweet strawberries and oranges rather than popping some vitamin c tablets.

When we consume the right things our immune system stays on point making it easy for us to stay healthy and keep us from getting sick. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying all you can eat is fruits and vegetables, it’s perfectly fine to indulge in those sweet and salty snacks. It’s a matter of balance and knowing what your body needs when it needs it. Our bodies tell us through cravings what we are lacking and it also sends us signals about what we’re overconsuming.

When a person has a headache it’s become the norm to go to the medicine cabinet and take two pain relievers. In my opinion, it’s nicer to walk into my kitchen and find something good to eat. For some reason when people think of food as medicine they seem to imagine the most horrible tasting foods ever but that is so far from the truth. Just take a look at these 20 delicious foods that help alleviate headaches according to the well-known nutritionist (RHN) Allison Day posted on Food Network.

When it comes to dealing with pain and illness there is an arsenal of foods that can help us heal. Whether it is pain brought on by inflammation or something like the common cold there is an array of amazing foods we can eat that will heal us! Let’s take a look at some of the more common aches, pains, and illnesses that affect us, as well as, what foods fight for us.

• Inflammation/Pain: Inflammation is one of the leading causes of pain. Whether it is a headache, toothache, or sore muscles. Inflammation can also be a symptom that there is something more going on with your body such as disease. Eating foods like tomatoes, nuts, strawberries, greens, blueberries, oranges, and fish can be of help. Instead of reaching for OTC medications go make yourself a fruit salad topped with chopped nuts.
• Infection: There are several types of infection and each is treated a little differently yet somewhat similarly. Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections are the most common. When fighting off an infection it is crucial that we consume foods rich in antioxidants. Vitamins A, C, and E are all full of them. Another thing our body needs to fight off infection is antibiotics which can also be found in tasty morsels.
• Allergies: When it comes to any type of allergy what our body truly needs are antihistamines. Our body naturally produces histamines which is our bodies natural reaction and response to allergies, as well as, injury. Inflammation is a key player in allergic reactions. Are you starting to see the circle of healing? Foods such as pineapple, onion, apples, and vitamin c filled fruits contain natural allergy relief.
• Anxiety: Anxiety and anxiety related issues seem to be on the rise. Anxiety is sometimes overlooked as being treatable with holistic healing and it shouldn’t be. Chamomile tea, lavender, and even dark chocolate are all great edibles to help calm those nerves.

Food is one of the many wonderful gifts nature provides. A lot of the food we eat can help us heal, all we need is the wisdom of how it works and when to work it. Eating a balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals is one way to help keep our body healthy. Consider food as a preventative measure that can help keep us from getting sick, if we only consume it the right way. I hope you’ve enjoyed this article. Happy Healing!

*Disclaimer: I am by no means a doctor. This article is intended for informational purposes and is no substitute for medical advice. Please consult your health care providers with any questions, symptoms, or concerns. *