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Free Food Cures

Science has shown that many common ills today are caused or made worse by our food choices. Consequently, many conditions should improve if we decrease or increase certain nutrients. Free food cures may not work quickly, but usually the results are lasting. Vitamins and supplements only replace nutrients that we should have obtained from the food we eat. Eat the right foods for your condition and you will not need the supplements and drugs.

  1. Antibiotics

    • Garlic and onions contain allicin, natural antibiotics, antifungal and antiviral properties and strengthen the immune system. These free food cures thin mucus, thus relieving symptoms of asthma, bronchitis and coughs. Because of its antifungal properties, garlic can also treat athlete's foot. In this case you do not eat it but rather apply it to the feet. Honey contains natural antibiotic compounds and is used topically to treat wounds and sores. Acupuncturist and author Brian B. Carter states on PulseMed.org that cranberries and cranberry juice can reduce the occurrence of urinary tract infections.

    Vitamins and Minerals

    • Many illnesses are caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Free food cures more effectively treat these than pills, yet vitamins and mineral supplements have become big business. In almost all cases, eating the right food will cure the deficiency. According to "Food Facts" from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there may be some risks from taking supplements. Eating the proper food will seldom create risk. A few vitamin food cures are well-known.

      Carrots provide a good source of vitamin A, recommended to treat phlebitis and eye conditions. Leafy green vegetables are rich in magnesium and help relax bronchial tubes in asthma or bronchitis. Magnesium also relaxes muscles, soothing muscle spasms and cramping. Extra magnesium has been used to help calm ADHD symptoms. According to the article "Food Cures That Add Up" by Winne Yu on Prevention.com, 1/2 cup of kale contains 12 mg of lutein, necessary to combat macular degeneration. Bananas, which are high potassium sources, prevent leg cramps. Vitamin C in citrus boosts the immune system. Vitamin C also protects against colds and helps iron absorption, important in iron deficiency anemia.

    Digestion

    • Stomach and intestinal problems create a market for many over-the-counter and prescription medications. Most can be relieved with free food cures. Heartburn and nausea during pregnancy respond well to raw almonds. For nausea or when recovering from illness, a simple broth is nourishing and may be tolerated when nothing else is. Ginger will also prevent motion sickness and the nausea of pregnancy.

      Prunes, apricots and several other fruits and juices contain compounds and fiber to relieve constipation. Blackberries and blackberry brandy are as effective in stopping diarrhea as over-the-counter remedies.

      Although apples contain carbohydrates, apples, applesauce and apple cider vinegar all help stabilize blood sugar. Add cinnamon to your applesauce for double effectiveness. Pumpkins and squash also help lower blood sugar and contain good supplies of vitamin A.

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