Explore with me and discover how food can heal!



As my knowledge of food science gradually increases, I have discovered that the quote sometimes attributed to Hippocrates really is true: "Let your food be medicine and your medicine be food." As a former pre-med student and the mother of seven children I have found over the years that the medicinal band-aids so often administered by the doctors of our day are far less effective than the consistent consumption of whole foods accompanied by physical activity. Often medications and treatments are prescribed with rarely a word about improving an individual's diet. Foods provided to patients in hospitals reflect the misconceptions that many in the medical establishment have about nutrition. And while I find myself in disagreement with the methods employed by some doctors, I do recommend that you seek the advice and help of a qualified physician who places great emphasis on nutrition and preventive therapies. If you have a good one, count yourself as blessed!

While the information on this website is intended to be as true and accurate as possible, visitors are advised that it is for educational purposes only and its use is meant to complement, not substitute, for the services of your professional healthcare provider. "Healing Power of Food" is not affiliated with any organization. No personal information about visitors is collected, stored, sold or reused. This blog exists to share my journey to better health through implementing the knowledge I gain about whole foods. I invite you to join me!


Friday, June 20, 2008

Motivation to Learn

When my children get sick there is a ton of motivation to figure out what to do to help them heal. During recent weeks an intestinal bug has taken its time moving through our family and several of us took rounds of antibiotics. One child was even hospitalized overnight for observation. The doctors suspected appendicitis, but after blood work and a CT scan they decided it was more than likely an intestinal viral infection. He did not have surgery. It was a long sickness, lasting for about two weeks for each child. Nothing but rest and waiting seemed to help them get well.

I have started looking a little more intently at what we have been eating (or not eating). Our family frequently takes chewable acidophylus and we keep yogurt on hand for those who like it. For years we've also taken garlic gels to ward off sickness which has helped tremendously, but these days I have been much more interested in searching for which FOODS can help with intestinal upset as well as help strengthen the cells and tissues of the body in order to prevent disease in general.

For this particular time of sickness in my family, I did some searching for info on what foods might help strengthen the digestive tract and immune system. I discovered that FRESH garlic not only has the anti-viral and anti-biotic properties I am familiar with, but can also aid in the digestive process. And I love the smell! (Aromatherapy is good for you too!)

Here's info that's new to me: Pineapple ~EATEN ALONE~ offers great benefits for the intestinal tract. Apparently, the bromelain in the pineapple helps with inflammation and digestion. I also read that it can help speed wound healing and relieve muscle soreness among other things. And as always, the WHOLE FOOD may be much better for you than any powdered concoction or tablet made by man. Not that they're all bad... just that the whole food is usually better. Remember, whole foods contain enzymes (along with many yet to be discovered components) that work along with particular compounds, minerals, and nutrients in foods so that their maximum benefits can be realized.
So, I'm off to cut up the pineapple that's waiting on my kitchen counter and chill it in the fridge to eat later this afternoon. Want some?
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