Foods to help you feel better.
Drug store shelves are packed with medications that treat common ailments like headaches, stomach aches, heartburn, and acne. But the fact is that for thousands of years, people have turned to food to help relieve discomfort. Here are 20 foods to battle common ailments.
Sometimes it’s necessary to use an over-the-counter or prescription medication to find relief. You should always follow your health care professional’s advice regarding medication. However, at other times, battling common ailments can be as simple as taking a trip, or sending a loved one, to the grocery store.
Whether you need foods to fight headaches, foods to fight stomach aches, or foods to fight acne, clean eating foods, like the ones below, can be effective remedies because they deliver specific nutrients that help the body function as intended. These foods aren’t just a smart choice when you’re feeling pain and discomfort. They’re also healthy additions to your regular menu, so be sure to add them to your shopping list.
What food remedies have helped you battle acne, stomach aches, or other ailments? Please share in the comment section below.
Foods to Help Headaches
1. Spinach
This leafy green is rich in riboflavin, which may help prevent migraines. Start your day with Slow Cooker Spinach and Mozzarella Frittata.
2. Watermelon
Foods with high water content, like watermelon, may help relieve headaches caused by dehydration. This melon also replenishes minerals, like potassium, that are lost through dehydration. Try Herby, Juicy Watermelon, Tomato, and Feta Salad.
3. Potatoes
Foods for headaches, like potatoes, contain potassium, which may provide relief. Try Twice-Baked Potatoes, or pop a potato in the microwave and top with clean-eating ingredients, like plain Greek yogurt mixed with fresh chives.
4. Almonds
These healthy nuts are high in magnesium, which may help prevent migraines. Blend up an Almond Protein Smoothie.
5. Whole Grain Bread
If you’re on a very low-carb diet, your headaches may be triggered by a lack of energy being delivered to the brain. Foods for headaches include this healthy carb, which nourishes the brain with high-quality energy.
Foods to Help Heartburn
6. Banana
This is a low-acid food that counteracts the acidity that causes heartburn. Snack on a fresh banana, or blend a delish Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie.
7. Salmon
Salmon is a smart entrée choice when you get heartburn on a regular basis, just be sure it’s served without a fatty sauce. Serve up super-easy Blackened Sockeye Salmon.
8. Green Vegetables
These foods for heartburn are naturally low in acid, helping to counteract acid in other foods you’ve eaten. Get your greens in a Chicken Pesto Pita.
9. Oatmeal
Start the day with a healthy, filling food that doesn’t trigger heartburn or acid reflux. Sink your spoon into Nutty Blueberry Banana Slow Cooker Oatmeal.
10. Root Vegetables
Potatoes, carrots, beets, and other root veggies are low in acid, so they work to help prevent and relieve discomfort. Enjoy a new spin on beets with Slow Cooker Beets with Creamy Goat Cheese Sauce.
Foods to Help Stomach Ache
11. Mint
This oldie-but-goodie remedy relaxes the stomach and decreases cramping. Drink mint tea or, if your stomach is ready for it, this Sparkling Lime-Mint Quencher.
12. Banana
This fruit is easy to digest, plus it offers potassium, an important mineral often lost through the dehydration that accompanies stomach bugs.
13. Fennel
Foods for stomach ache, like fennel, are high in antioxidants that help flush toxins from the system. Eat about half a teaspoon of fennel seeds or chew on fresh fennel for relief.
14. Papaya
A traditional remedy for upset stomach, papaya contains enzymes that break down foods that might be irritating the digestive tract. Learn the Top 5 Healthy Reasons to Pick Papaya as a regular part of your menu planning.
15. Plain Yogurt- Yogurt works by adding healthy bacteria back into the digestive system, which is critical to getting back on the mend. Choose low-fat, plain Greek yogurt to benefit from the probiotics plus a protein boost.
Foods to Fight Acne
16. Salmon
Fish is a fantastic source for the omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation, including the kind that triggers breakouts. Treat yourself to a café-worthy meal with Orange-Glazed Salmon with Wilted Kale.
17. Red Grapes
Like other foods for acne reduction, red grapes are high in substances that relieve the inflammation responsible for blemishes. Make it a healthy lunch with Chicken Salad Sandwich with Bok Choy, Red Grapes, and Walnuts.
18. Avocado
Avocado offers vitamin E for skin health, plus vitamin C, which works to decrease inflammation in cells. Add Grilled Chicken and Avocado Tacos with Cilantro Crema to your healthy-skin menu.
19. Brown Rice
The vitamin B found in rice helps regulate stress hormones that can contribute to acne. Try it in Stay Healthy Slow Cooker Brown Rice and Chicken.
20. Broccoli
This superfood offers vitamins A, C, and E, which help promote healthier skin. Roasted Broccoli with Red Peppers is a tasty side dish when you want foods to fight acne.
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