[Akroncooperative-news] A few natural health tips

[Lawrence Parker]

8 Ways to Help Your Health Naturally
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I've always been a little squeamish about taking medicine. Blame my
dislike of forced medicine as a kid, but if there's a way to treat an
ailment without drugs, sign me up. I usually opt for an ice pack to
treat postworkout soreness instead of a painkiller, and I try to get
all my vitamins and nutrients from whole fresh foods (fruits, veggies,
nuts and lean meats) rather than popping a pill. Maybe that's why I
love these all-natural ways to help your health. Salud!

Soothe sinus trouble
If
you're congested, headachy or feverish, it could be the start of a
sinus infection. Boil a few white onions. Breathing in the stinky steam
with your head under a towel for several minutes can help open
stuffed-up nasal passages, plus onions have proven antiviral properties.

Strengthen your heart
A
handful of nuts (particularly almonds or walnuts) can lower cholesterol
and blood pressure. The snacks are high in heart-healthy
monounsaturated fat and omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce LDL
("bad") cholesterol and keep the walls of the arteries healthy and
elastic. Nuts also naturally curb cravings: People who eat 2 ounces of
almonds a day consumed less food at subsequent meals, researchers from
Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, report. They seem to curb
my desire for sweets--the fatty-sugary treats like brownies or cookies
I usually reach for when I'm in need of a sweet fix.

Stabilize your blood sugar
Sprinkle
cinnamon on your latte: Consuming as little as 1/4 teaspoon daily helps
reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The spice,
which has insulin-enhancing compounds, also lowers triglycerides, LDL
and total cholesterol.

Heal wounds
Honey can
disinfect cuts and help them heal faster. The syrup contains an enzyme
that produces hydrogen peroxide, which kills germs, as well as
antioxidants that may reduce inflammation. Raw honey is the most
effective, but even the variety in packets will work. Warm it in the
microwave, apply a tablespoon to a gauze pad and secure with medical
tape. Reapply daily.

Banish bad breath
Cinnamon-flavored
chewing gum has been shown to reduce bad-breath-inducing bacteria by
more than 50 percent, according to researchers at the University of
Illinois at Chicago.

Prevent tummy trouble
Love
sushi? Don't ignore the wasabi on your plate. Yes, it looks like
Play-Doh, but the green paste, which is the Japanese version of
horseradish, has antibacterial properties that can help stave off food
poisoning. Swirl it into soy sauce (low sodium is best!) for a kick of
flavor and tummy protection.

Avoid falling asleep at the wheel! 
Put
a drop of peppermint essential oil in a tissue, and inhale the scent
while you're delayed in traffic or on a long, leisurely drive. Catching
a whiff can help make you more alert as well as lessen frustration of
being stuck at the wheel.

 Lawrence A. Parker
Program Administrator
The Akron Cooperative
234-525-0543

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