Dr. Mark Hyman, a preventive medicine expert in the United States, states that for certain ailments, fresh food is the most effective "medicine." The latest article in the American magazine "Health" lists eight major health problems that can be solved with food.
Bloating: Eat celery
Dr. Elizabeth Somer, author of the book "Food and Mood," says that eating too much salt can disrupt the body's water balance, leading to bloating. Foods like cucumber and celery can help flush excess sodium from the body, thereby alleviating bloating.
Bloating: Eat papaya
Bloating can be a sign of intestinal dysfunction. Dr. Dalma Singh Khalsa, author of the book "The Food Pharmacy," suggests eating papaya after a meal. The digestive enzymes in papaya help break down protein, and its fiber also aids digestion. Eating papaya a few times a week can effectively regulate gastrointestinal function.
Bad temper: Eat breakfast on time
Dr. Somer notes that people who eat breakfast 1 to 2 hours after waking up have more stable moods and higher work efficiency. People who skip breakfast have poorer memory and feel tired and lethargic before noon. Breakfast should include whole grains, protein, and 1 to 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 in 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 the flight
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 circadian rhythm disruption. Dr. David Pollock from the Argonne National Laboratory in the US recommends that when flying across time zones, it's best not to eat too much besides water. Fasting helps the body use its stored energy, and having a normal meal the next morning can leave you feeling refreshed.
Insomnia: Eat a small snack at night
We all know not to eat before bed. However, complete fasting can lead to nighttime sleep problems, as hunger can make one irritable. Dr. Kelly Glazer Baron, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and a neurology expert at Northwestern University, states that a relaxed mind and body are essential for falling asleep, while a growling 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.
In addition, drinking an 8-ounce (about 227 ml) glass of cherry juice 1 to 2 hours before bed can significantly improve chronic insomnia. Whether fresh, dried, or juiced, cherries have anti-inflammatory properties and are also rich in melatonin, which regulates sleep.
PMS: Eat spinach
Research has found that women with iron deficiency are more prone to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which manifests as irritability, insomnia, headaches, and breast tenderness. Women who consume 20 milligrams of iron daily have a 40% lower risk of 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
Diet can be adjusted to enhance the skin's sun protection ability, preventing sunburn from the inside out. 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 to 12 weeks for these foods to take effect for sun protection.