Dr. Mark Hyman, an American preventive medicine expert, states that for certain physical ailments, fresh food is the most effective "medicine." The latest issue of the US magazine "Health" features an article on eight major health problems that can be solved with food.
Bloating: Eat celery. Dr. Elizabeth Somer, author of the book "Food and Mood," explains that excessive salt intake disrupts the body's fluid balance, leading to bloating. Foods like cucumbers and celery help flush out excess sodium, thereby alleviating bloating.
Bloating: Eat papaya. Bloating can be a sign of intestinal dysfunction. Dr. Dalma Singh Khalsa, author of the book "The Food Medicine," suggests eating papaya after meals to relieve bloating. The digestive enzymes in papaya help break down proteins, and its fiber also aids digestion. Eating papaya a few times a week can effectively regulate intestinal function.
Irritability: Eat breakfast on time. Dr. Somer notes that people who eat breakfast within 1-2 hours of waking up have more stable moods and higher work efficiency. Those who skip breakfast tend to have poorer memory and feel tired and lethargic before noon. Breakfast should include whole grains, protein, and 1-2 servings of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, research has found that women with low selenium in their diet are more prone to depression and anxiety. The recommended daily intake of selenium is 55 milligrams, which can be obtained from foods like tuna and eggs.
Acne: Eat more onions. Valerie Trelor, a dermatologist from Massachusetts, USA, states that sulfur-rich vegetables like onions, leeks, and scallions can curb the inflammation that causes acne. These foods are best eaten raw or lightly stir-fried.
Jet lag: Only drink water during flights. Jet lag refers to the physical changes caused by crossing multiple time zones in a short period, such as headaches, tinnitus, palpitations, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and disrupted circadian rhythms. Dr. David Balogh of the US Argonne National Laboratory advises that when crossing time zones, it's best to avoid eating too much besides drinking water. Fasting helps the body burn its energy stores, and eating normally the next morning can leave you feeling refreshed.
Insomnia: Eat a small snack at night. We all know we shouldn't eat before bed. However, complete fasting can lead to nighttime sleep problems, as hunger can make a person irritable. Dr. Kelly Glazer Baron, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and a neurology expert at Northwestern University, explains that a relaxed mind and body are essential for falling asleep peacefully, while an empty stomach can easily cause one to wake up in the middle of the night. It is recommended to have a small snack 30 minutes to an hour before bed, such as a whole-wafer cracker, a handful of almonds, or a banana. Furthermore, drinking an 8-ounce (about 227 ml) glass of cherry juice 1-2 hours before bed can significantly improve chronic insomnia. Whether fresh, dried, or juiced, cherries are anti-inflammatory and rich in melatonin, which helps regulate sleep.
PMS: Eat spinach. Research has found that women with iron deficiency are more susceptible to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which manifests as irritability, insomnia, headaches, and breast tenderness. Women who consume 20 milligrams of iron daily are 40% less likely to develop PMS than those who consume less than 10 milligrams. Experts recommend eating iron-rich foods such as animal liver, spinach, and wood ear mushrooms.
Prone to sunburn: Eat more carrots. You can enhance your skin's sun protection ability from the inside out by adjusting your diet. Dr. Wilhelm Stahl, a biochemistry professor at Heinrich Heine University in Germany, states that consuming more foods rich in carotenoids (such as carrots, spinach, and pumpkin) helps prevent UV damage. It should be noted that it takes 10-12 weeks for these foods to take effect for sun protection.