Therapeutic Foods

By Holly Dunbar, CMT, RH (AGH)

Part 2
Digestive health is important not only for lack of discomfort but because a properly functioning digestive system plays a vital role in a healthy immune system, will ensure the optimal assimilation of vitamins and minerals so one can derive the maximum energy from food and be less likely to overeat, and can even affect mood and emotions.
Fermented foods are not only nutritionally sound, but add valuable beneficial bacteria to the gut lining. Beneficial bacteria can be depleted through antibiotic use and other pharmaceuticals, overuse of herbal antibiotics such as goldenseal and coptis, processed foods, and an overly acidic diet from excessive intake of meat and dairy products. Eating fermented foods both introduces and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria. Examples of fermented foods include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and miso paste. It is especially useful to eat these foods after taking antibiotics, if experiencing symptoms of candidiasis, if the digestion is generally weak, or one keeps catching every cold that comes around. Individuals who are prone to constipation may find they have to introduce these foods slowly, or else they will cause excessive gas. This is basically a good sign of the body attempting to break up undigested food, however, it can cause discomfort, so beware.
Aromatic, essential oil rich foods to try for digestive benefits include fresh ginger root, fennel bulb and seeds, anise, fresh basil and oregano, cinnamon, and citrus peels. Fresh ginger is cheap and readily available year round and can be finely minced and added to foods both savory and sweet. It promotes gastric secretions, eases gas and bloating, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is an antidote to food poisoning. Fennel bulb is one of those adventurous vegetables to try that can add a welcome note of surprise to a dish, and promote a healthy digestion at the same time. Its sweet, yet sharp flavor can enhance salads and baked vegetable dishes. Citrus peels, preferably from organic produce as pesticides concentrate in the peels, can be grated and added to teas with fennel or anise seed, or cinnamon to make a tasty after dinner tea. Citrus is helpful for those prone to loose stools, gas and bloating, and helps decrease phlegm in the body.
Honey should be a staple in ones medicinal kitchen pantry. Honey is one of the best anti-tussive, or cough, remedies. It decreases phlegm in the body and soothes dry coughs and sore throats. In small amounts it promotes good digestion and is soothing to the stomach lining. It also has remarkable anti-bacterial qualities and can be helpful to ease ulcer pain and with wound healing of all kinds.