THE BEST FALL SPICES TO BOOST YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH
Something for Your Brain: Turmeric Recent research has found that turmeric can reduce inflammation. A compound in turmeric called curcumin has been shown to help reduce the pain and swelling associated with arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric may also help reduce inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to depression and Alzheimer’s. How to add more turmeric to your diet: Homemade curries are a great way to get a good dose of turmeric. You can also add turmeric to roasted vegetables or taco seasoning. Something for Your Stomach: Ginger If you’ve ever drunk ginger ale on a plane to calm your upset stomach, then you’ve already experienced the healing properties of ginger. Ginger can be used to treat nausea, including nausea due to motion sickness and pregnancy. Studies show that ginger can also offer relief to cancer patients suffering from nausea caused by chemotherapy. How to add more ginger to your diet: There are many baked goods that call for ginger. Your morning coffee or tea could also benefit from a hint of ginger.
It’s the season of fall spices. Pumpkin spice — which is actually a mix of many different seasonal spices — is a favorite, but it’s not the only one we should try this year. Seasonal spices are a fun way to literally spice up your meals, and many of them also have surprising health benefits! Something for Your Heart: Cinnamon Cinnamon can actually help lower your blood sugar levels, which is especially beneficial for folks with Type 2 diabetes. The Johns Hopkins Medicine website also reports that cinnamon has heart-healthy benefits. For example, studies show that cinnamon can reduce high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thus decreasing the risk of developing heart disease. How to add more cinnamon to your diet: Sprinkle cinnamon on oatmeal or plain yogurt for a warming boost of flavor. You’ll also find cinnamon in pumpkin spice, a seasonal favorite.
These are just a few spices that are also superfoods! Do some research to discover the secret benefits of your favorite spices.
How It Works and What Causes It Inflammation is a serious issue that affects millions of people. We all experience inflammation at one time or another, but many people experience inflammation on a regular basis. It can be uncomfortable, painful, and even debilitating, and it can lead to other serious health complications. Inflammation can happen just about anywhere in the body. It’s caused when your immune system attacks what it perceives as foreign bodies. During this “attack,” blood flow increases to the areas where these foreign bodies are concentrated. While your body is trying to protect you — and it does so effectively most of the time — this process can cause other problems, including pain and swelling. Over a long period of time, you may even experience tissue damage in inflamed areas. This is chronic inflammation. In many people, the immune system response is an overreaction or is related to a disorder (this includes allergies and autoimmune disorders). Inflammation is also related to diet and lifestyle. People who have high-fat or high-sugar diets and people who lead sedentary lifestyles experience much higher rates of disease related to inflammation, including high blood pressure, heart disease, joint problems, and several forms of cancer. Inflammation Basics
Inflammation can also occur when your microbiome is compromised. For example, if harmful bacteria are able to enter your bloodstream via your mouth because your microbiome was unable to keep them out, infection and inflammation may be the result. The best way to reduce inflammation is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and do what you can to reduce sources of inflammation, whether they are internal or external. Eat a diet rich in nutritious, organic foods and couple this with daily regular exercise, which is also extremely important. This is a great way to help you to maintain a healthy microbiome, which works in concert with your immune system, and to decrease inflammation in the body.
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