Red wine, chocolate, caffeine, cheese and citrus fruit are all triggers for migraine and headache sufferers. However, it’s not always that simple as different foods affect different people and sometimes it is a combination of factors such as stress, fatigue, PMT and food which provoke and attack. A common trigger for a migraine, especially in children, is hunger and low blood sugar levels. Therefore it is important not to skip meals. Migraines that occur first thing in the morning can often be prevented by having a snack last thing at night. Weekend headaches may be cause by "lying in" and delaying breakfast. You could try getting up at the normal time, having something to eat and going back to bed again. If you think your migraines are linked to PMT, avoid foods that may trigger an attack for the week before your period. Dehydration is also a common cause of headaches so make sure you drink enough water.
Stomach Cures
Bad breath can sometimes be caused by an imbalance of microorganisms in the bowel due to an overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria. Taking a probiotic supplement and having probiotic-fortified drinks may help restore the balance. Make sure you brush your teeth well and floss regularly. Drink plenty of water, use a non-alcohol based mouthwash and a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from the back of your tongue. Gastric ulcers can also be a problem. A dessert spoon of active manuka honey after each meal and at bedtime is a natural treatment to help heal stomach ulcers and kill the H.pylori bacteria that cause them. Active manuka honey contains compounds that prevent the growth of H.pylori bacteria.
Constipation Cures
Increase your fibre intake by eating wholegrain cereals, such as brown rice, wholemeal pasta, wholemeal bread and high fibre breakfast cereals as a natural treatment for constipation. Also, drink at least eight glasses of water a day and eat prunes as these contain a substance call hydroxyphenylisatin, which stimulates the muscles in the bowel and acts as a gentle laxative. Prune juice works just as well.
Mouth Ulcers
These are often a sign that you may be run down. Try eating natural yoghurt, keeping it in your mouth for a several minutes before swallowing. The acidophilus bacteria in the yoghurt will help the ulcer heal faster.
Psoriasis Cures
A natural treatment for this skin condition is eating more oil-rich fish which is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and can have an anti-inflammatory effect. Aim to eat at least three servings a week as a psoriasis cure.
References:
The Way of Herbs; Michael Tierra LAC, OMD; Pocket Books 1998
Join the Conversation