Health Benefits of Foods and Supplements: General Information, Related Research, Conventional & Holistic Treatment Options as well as Disease Prevention with information on Nutritional Support

Extensive research went into identifying supportive nutrition and supplements that have shown to be effective against various ailments.

However, what works for one segment of the population, may not work for another and may even be harmful. These concerns are not as great with healthy food items as they are with supplements. If given a choice, healthy food items with the nutrients that support your particular health concerns are a safer and better choice than supplements that often offer synthetic versions of the natural nutrients in healthy foods. The risk of overdoses is also higher with supplements. Also, synthetic vitamins are not as absorbable as natural vitamins.

It is always best to work with a qualified holistic physician and nutritionist -- and this is even more important if you are suffering from serious health problems. Any change in diet needs to be carefully supervised - preferably by a physician with experience in supportive nutrition and alternative treatments.

When considering supplements (herbs, vitamins, minerals, etc.), please discuss with your pharmacist any potential adverse drug interactions! To be on the safe side, it is recommended to discuss it with a qualified health practitioner as well ...

Did you know?

A recent study suggests that a healthy diet can add as many as 14 years to your life.

  • Eliminate trans fats to cut your risk of heart disease by 50%. High cholesterol is not as dangerous to your health as trans fats and hydrogenated oils.

  • Eat one small daily serving of dark (raw) chocolate to improve hypertension

  • For overall health, incorporate "superfoods" in your diet, such as beans, blueberries, broccoli, oats, oranges, pumpkin, salmon, soy, spinach, tea, tomatoes, turkey, walnuts and yogurt.

  • Following the introduction of low-fat products, Americans got fatter, not thinner. So remember: not all fats are bad. Incorporate monosaturated fats (olive oil) to enhance your cardiovascular health.

  • Eggs are a nutritious, high-protein, whole food full of vitamins and minerals. They are also relatively low in saturated fat and calories.
 

Red fruits and vegetables contain the important phytochemicals, lycopene and anthocyanins ...

  • that help promotes heart health, memory function, urinary tract health, and provide some cancer protection.

  • recommended produce: tomatoes, watermelon, cherries, cranberries, pomegranates, beets, red peppers, radishes, radicchio, red potatoes, rhubarb
 

Yellow-orange vegetables and fruits contain the important phytochemicals, carotenoids, and flavonoids ...

  • that help promote heart health, vision, healthy immune system. Lower your risks of certain cancers.

  • recommended produce: apricots, cantaloupe, grapefruit, lemons, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, persimmons, pineapple, tangerines, squash, carrots, yellow peppers, pumpkin, rutabagas, sweet potatoes
 

Blue-purple vegetables and fruits contain the important phytochemicals, anthocyanins, and phenolics ...

  • that help promote urinary tract health, and memory function. Also lower risks of certain cancers.

  • recommended produce: blackberries, black currants, dried plums, elderberries, purple figs, red grapes, plums, raisins, red cabbage, eggplant, and purple peppers. Blueberries have an oxygen radical absorption capacity value of 2,400 per 100 grams of antioxidant power and they are rich in anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and phenolic acids. They help fight bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections, and blueberry extract may combat pain. Fresh and frozen (without added sugar) are comparable from a nutritional standpoint, but dried blueberries contain lower amounts of antioxidant anthocyanins.
 

Yellow-green vegetables and fruits contain the important phytochemicals, lutein, and indoles ...

  • that help promote strong bones and teeth and healthy vision. Also lower risks of certain types of cancers.

  • recommended produce: avocados, green apples, green grapes, honeydew melon, kiwifruit, limes, green pears, artichokes, arugula, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, cucumbers, endive, leafy greens, green onions, okra, peas, green peppers, snow peas, sugar snap peas, spinach, watercress, zucchini
 

White-green vegetables and fruits contain phytochemicals, allyl sulfides, and allicin ...

  • that help promote heart health, and healthy cholesterol levels. Also lower risks of certain types of cancer.
  • recommended produce: leeks, garlic, onions, chives, bananas, brown pears, dates, cauliflower, ginger, mushrooms, shallots, and turnips ... *Note: Ginger can decrease blood clotting and should not be taken by people with bleeding disorders.
 

The Top 10 Healthiest Beverages

Mark Stengler

Medicinal Foods, Herbs, Spices

"Food is the cause of the vast majority of our health problems, and food is also the solution"
Dr. Victor Marchione
"Index of Diseases / Health Conditions"

Please refer to Disclaimer.

Top Foods to Boost Your Immune System

Smart Food Choices for Common Health Problems


AnchorListing of Diseases / Conditions:

ADD / ADHD

Adrenal Exhaustion / Adrenal Dysfunction / Adrenal Fatigue

Aging Skin

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Aging

A 20-year study in Great Britain showed that a combination of a sedentary lifestyle (less than two hours of physical activity a week); eating fewer than 3 servings of fruits and vegetables a day; smoking tobacco; and 3 alcoholic beverages a day for men and 2 for women will drastically shorten people's lifespans. In fact, it can age people by 12 years.

Alkalizing Foods

Allergies

Alzheimer's Disease

Angina

Anti-aging for Your Skin (Natural)

Anti-fungal:

  • Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil (EVCO) - effective against internal fungal issues as well as for topical applications.

    Note: It is important to use the extra virgin coconut oil as opposed to the processed kind - as it has a higher acid content. It has several medium-chain saturated fatty acids - like lauric, palmitic, myristic, and caprylic acids. It contains oleic and linoleic acid as well.
    • Caprylic acid is said to have anti-fungal properties, and is often recommended for the treatment of candidiasis. Caprylic acid is also used in the treatment of some bacterial infections as it has little difficulty in penetrating fatty cell wall membranes, hence its effectiveness in combating certain lipid-coated bacteria, such as Staph Aureus and various species of Streptococcus.
    • Lauric acid is believed to have anti-microbial properties and is also capable of stimulating metabolism in which can affect the thyroid. Lauric acid is also referred to as Monolaurin or Lauricidin.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Arrhythmia

The popular arrhythmia drug sotalol works as it should for many men -- but it can raise a woman's risk for a potentially deadly arrhythmia. Ask your doctor for a safer alternative.

Arteriosclerosis

Asthma

Aspergillosis

Asthma

Attention Deficit Disorder

Arthritis

Back Pain

Bipolar Disorder

Bladder Control Problems

Blood Glucose Levels (High or Low)

Blood Purification

Blood Pressure

Blood Sugar Regulating

Bone Strength

Brain Function

Breeder's Lungs

Bronchitis

Bruising, Tissue-damage and Soreness.

Cancer

Candida Infections

Cardiovascular Health

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Cataracts

Cavities:

Celiac Disease

Cholesterol

Colics

  • Chamomile

Chronic Fatigue

Cold Feet

Cold can trigger muscle spasms and constrict small arteries in your feet resulting in uncomfortable cold-feet sensations. Curing it for good could be as simple as getting enough vitamin B6 and magnesium. These 2 nutrients prevent that from happening and promote better blood vessel health.

Cold Sores

Colon Cancer / Colorectal Cancer

Colon Health

Common Cold

Congestive Lung Problems

Constipation

COPD

Increasing vitamin E prevents COPD [Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, chronic bronchitis] (Agler AH et al. Randomized vitamin E supplementation and risk of chronic lung disease (CLD) in the Women's Health Study. American Thoracic Society 2010 International Conference, May 18, 2010.) Summary at http://www.thoracic.org/newsroom/press-releases/conference/articles/2010/vitamine-e.pd

Dandruff

Deep-venous Thrombosis / Deep-vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Dementia / Memory Loss

Dental Health:

Detoxification

Diabetes

Diabetic Retinopathy:

Diarrhea (see Digestion)

Digestion

Enzymes

Food RemediesEczema:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids are a key ingredient for beautiful skin. Most people are seriously lacking in these fats that are vital for radiant, healthy-looking skin. Eczema, dry skin, cracked heels and premature aging are all signs of omega 3 deficiency. Omega-3 fats prevent dehydration in the cells so that the skin cells are strong and full of moisture.  Cod liver oil/fish oil and Alaskan wild salmon are good sources of omega 3. Vegetarians may substitute with hemp, linseed, and chia seeds Click here  for info on Omega-3 fatty acids.

Emphysema

Epilepsy

400 IU of Vitamin E per day reduces epileptic seizures in children by more than 60%. (Ogunmekan AO, Hwang PA. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate [vitamin E], as add-on therapy, for epilepsy in children. Epilepsia. 1989 Jan-Feb; 30(1):84-9.) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2643513

Eye Health

Fibroids:

Up until now, you had to choose between surgery or uterine artery embolization -- tying off arteries that feed the fibroid. Both are agonizing. There is now a new alternative that uses noninvasive ultrasound to erase fibroid tumors without cutting or prodding. For this procedure, you simply lie down inside an MRI scanner, which generates images of the fibroid. Then a technician treats the fibroid with focused ultrasound. Side effects are very few and no hospital stay is required. You normally feel warmth in your abdomen. After treatment, the fibroid shrinks and gradually disappears.

Fibromyalgia:

Aspartame (artificial sweetener) appears to worsen or mimic the symptoms of such conditions as fibromyalgia, MS, lupus, ADD, diabetes, Alzheimer's, chronic fatigue, and depression.

Lack of Digestive Enzymes

Mercury Poisoning: Involved in various autoimmune diseases, such as fibromyalgia and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Mercury poisoning is the most common heavy metal problem. Mercury is a CUMULATIVE heavy metal poison. Over time it will accumulate in our bodies and can damage the central nervous system and other organs or organ systems, such as the liver or gastrointestinal tract. Most common sources of contamination are Mercury-Amalgam Fillings are commonly referred to as silver fillings or simply amalgam fillings.

Flatulence

Flu

Food Intolerances / Food Allergies / Food Sensitivities

Foot Fungus:

Frost Bites:

Fungal Infection:

Gallstones

The Health Benefits of Coffee / Caffeine

Gas

Glucose Levels (High or Low)

Gout

Gum Disease:

Obesity & Diabetes Increasing Gum Disease: A study conducted by researchers at Boston University and published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found the following: "These data indicate that obesity interferes with the ability of the immune system to appropriately respond to P. gingivalis infection," the researchers wrote. They noted that the generalized immune system suppression seen in the obese mice might indicate that obese people are more vulnerable to bacterial infections in general than people of healthier weight. Periodontal disease is incredibly common, affecting approximately 40 percent of adults around the world. "The importance of the current findings is underscored by the facts that millions of people worldwide are affected by this infection every year," the researchers said, "and the universal prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions."

Another recent study may also link gum disease to obesity. Researchers at the School of Dental Sciences at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom have discovered a connection between Type 2 diabetes, which is often correlated with obesity, and severe forms of gum disease. "We found that periodontal disease was often of the more aggressive form in patients with diabetes," researcher John Taylor said. "It is possible that obesity may be compromising the immune response, leading to increased susceptibility to periodontal disease."

Hangovers:

Headaches:

The Health Benefits of Coffee / Caffeine

Hearing Loss

 

Heartburn:

  • Calcium (1,000 - 1,200 mg)
    • Found in dairy foods, canned salmon (with bones), sardines, dark-green and leafy vegetables, almonds, asparagus, figs
  • Vitamin B12 (30 - 100 mcg)
    • Found in meat, dairy foods, liver, shellfish, fish
  • Bananas
  • Chew gum to neutralize acids
  • Eliminate foods that you suspect trigger the heartburn

Heart Disease / Heart Health

Heavy Metal Poisoning

Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HH)

Iron overload in humans is a hereditary disorder. It is most prevalent in those of Celtic ancestry (Irish, Scottish, etc.) and in African Americans, but not limited to those ethnic backgrounds. One in eight people is a carrier for HH and one in 200 has full-blown iron overload and the many physical ailments that develop from it:

  • liver disease which can lead to primary liver cancer
  • heart disease
  • diabetes (known as bronze diabetes as the skin takes on a "bronze" color)
  • joint disease
  • and many other problems caused by the storage of iron in the organs.

Even certain carriers are at risk and can become symptomatic. HH is the most overlooked genetic disorder out there yet among the most easily diagnosed and treated. Since it is hereditary, once diagnosed, all blood relatives and their descendants should be checked for it (DNA blood test or cheek swab).

Once diagnosed, the treatment is to de-iron as quickly as possible through phlebotomy (removal of blood) to force the body to draw on the stored iron to make new red blood cells. This can take anywhere from a few weeks/months up to a year or more, depending on how much iron is stored. Lifetime maintenance is regular blood donation through a blood bank to prevent the storage of iron.

Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores)

High Blood Pressure

HIV:

  • Spirulina: The National Cancer Institute has announced that sulfolipids in spirulina are remarkably active against HIV.

Hyperglycemia (High Blood Glucose) / Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose)

Hypothyroidism

Immune System

Incontinence:

According to the National Institute on Aging, bladder control problems affect about one in 10 people age 65 and older. Women are more likely to be affected than men. Causes include nerve damage, loss of muscle tone, or, in men, enlarged prostate.

Urinary incontinence can sometimes be resolved with non-drug treatments, such as exercises, biofeedback, and keeping to a schedule of bathroom breaks.

  • Kegel Exercise:  In most cases, the safest and most effective way to remedy incontinence is a pelvic-muscle exercise called "Kegels." This exercise is already quite well known amongst female populations; however, research now indicates that 95 percent of men who performed this exercise regularly after prostate surgery were able to eliminate urinary incontinence.

  • Buchu leaves  have been used for centuries to treat incontinence, painful urination, and bladder inflammation, Although the effectiveness of this plant has not been scientifically proven - it's worth a try. The general recommendation is to steep three to four tablespoons of dried buchu leaves in hot water, strain, and drink three times a day until the condition improves.

  • Incontinence Drugs: According to a study led by neurologist Dr. Jack Tsao commonly used incontinence drugs may cause memory problems in some older people. He cautions: "Our message is to be careful when using these medicines. It may be better to use diapers and be able to think clearly than the other way around."

The findings of this study were released at a meeting of the American Academy of Neurology and are a result of an analysis of the medication use and cognitive test scores of 870 older Catholic priests, nuns, and brothers who participated in the Religious Orders Study at Chicago's Rush University Medical Center. The average age was 75. Researchers tracked them for nearly eight years, testing yearly for cognitive decline. They asked them to recite strings of numbers backward and forward, to name as many different kinds of fruit as they could in one minute, and to complete other challenges during the annual testing. Nearly 80 percent of the study participants took one or more of a class of drugs called anticholinergics, including drugs for high blood pressure, asthma, Parkinson's disease and incontinence drugs such as Detrol and Ditropan. The people who took the drugs had a 50 percent faster rate of cognitive decline compared to those who didn't take any. The researchers considered other risk factors for memory loss, such as age, and still found the link. The researchers found no increased risk for the memory-robbing disorder Alzheimer's in people taking the drugs. The incontinence drugs were among the most potent and were the most frequently taken of all the anticholinergics in the study. That's why the researchers believe they are driving the memory problems, Tsao said.

Infections

Insomnia

Irritable Bowel Disease (IBS):

Up to three in four people are affected by IBS which is often caused by food intolerance. The four main types of food intolerance are: Dairy, Fructose, Yeast and Gluten intolerance. Many women are misdiagnosed with IBS. They actually have celiac disease (CD).

Diarrhea is a common symptom of all four main food intolerances. Chronic diarrhea leads to social embarrassment, dehydration, loss of precious vitamins and minerals, and stress. If left untreated it can soon lead to anemia, osteoporosisdiabetes, and even cancer.

Joint Health - Also refer to Arthritis or Knee Health

Kidney Disease

Knee Health

Liver Disease

Lung Cancer

Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Menopause

Men's Health:

  • Pumpkin Seeds

Mood:

Morning Sickness:

Mosquito Bites:

Muscle Cramps

  • Mustard

Memory Loss

Menopause

Migraine:

  • Food Triggers that can cause migraine: Alcohol, caffeine, beans, tobacco, cheese, nuts, aged cheese, chocolate, grapes, avocado, and fresh-from-the-oven bread all have caused migraine/headaches in some people.
  • Helpful Supplements: Magnesium, Vitamin B2, Co-Q10..

Morgellons's Disease

Multiple Sclerosis:

Symptoms: muscle weakness, stiffness, fatigue, and irritability.

Potential Causes:

The Vitamin D Cure:  Current government recommendations for Vitamin D intake is 400 or 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D. However, researchers from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine and Creighton University (CU) School of Medicine found that when higher doses of vitamin D were taken daily, the risks associated with developing several major diseases are reduced by about half. Cedric Garland, DrPH, professor of family and preventive medicine at the UCSD Moores Cancer Center, stated as follows: "We found that daily intakes of vitamin D by adults in the range of 4000-8000 IU are needed to maintain blood levels of vitamin D metabolites in the range needed to reduce by about half the risk of several diseases -- breast cancer, colon cancer, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes."


Nails: What do they say about your health?

 

Nerves:

Obesity

Osteoarthritis:

Osteoporosis

Pain / Soreness:

  • Avoid today's top "painkiller." For over 25 years, acetaminophen has been America's best-selling pain medicine, largely because people assume it's safe. Yet our experts report it may be the least effective pain pill for women -- and worse, it doubles a woman's risk of high blood pressure. Ibuprofen and naproxen relieve the pain a bit better, but not as well as they do for men.
  • The secret to pain management without drugs is endorphins -- these mood-enhancing hormones prevent nerve cells from releasing pain signals. These hormones are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in vertebrates during strenuous exercise, excitement, pain and death. Endorpines bind to your brain’s natural receptors and are responsible for the so-called runner’s high, which is described as a feeling of euphoria after you have been exercising for a while.
    • Acupuncture and massage treatments also cause the release of endorphins, which explains why people don't only feel less pain, but also feel so great after these treatments.
    • Click here to learn more about the benefits of massage therapy.

Pancreas Health / Pancreatic Cancer

Paralysis / Spinal Cord Dysfunction:

According to animal studies, the Ayurvedic herb Mimosa pudica (the sensitive or touch-me-not plant) promotes neuronal health. Specifically, scientists have observed in rats with experimental injury of the sciatic nerve regeneration was 30-40% higher in the animals treated with the Mimosa pudica extract. A small pilot study testing the effects of a multi-herbal product containing Mimosa pudica in paralyzed veterans (i.e., “Re-Gen Nerve” from Maharishi Ayur-Ved Products, Colorado Springs, CO, USA) was carried out. Twelve men and one woman with an average age of 52 were recruited, nine with SCI, two with multiple sclerosis, and one each with spinal meningitis, and spinal cerebellar degeneration. Although no statistically significant functional improvements were noted as expected for a small pilot study of limited duration, subjects reported a variety of subtle effects. Click here for more info.

Parasite Infections:

Anti-parasitic foods include the following:

  • Fennel is a very potent antiparasitic
  • Ginger (that's why it is commonly added to sushi dishes - to counteract any parasites in the raw fish) - *Note: Ginger can decrease blood clotting and should not be taken by people with bleeding disorders.
  • Black currant, root, and/or bark
  • Feverfew (do not take if using blood thinner medications)
  • Cinnamon - the most potent form being the Chinese Cinnamon
  • Calendula (do not take if allergic to ragweed)
  • Anise
  • Ginseng
  • Cloves
  • Cumin
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Sage
  • Rosemary
  • Carroway seeds
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic/Allium sativum
  • Onions
  • Turmeric
  • Oil of Oregano

Parkinson's Disease

Peptic Ulcer:

  • Cabbage

Physical Performance:

The Health Benefits of Coffee / Caffeine

PMS:

Prostate Health

Psoriasis:

Respiratory Diseases / Lung Diseases

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

Seizures

Folic Acid (200 - 800 mcg) - naturally found in beef liver, legumes, dark-green and leafy vegetables

Stomach Ulcers

Trichomoniasis

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

X-ray Protection:

In a recent study, researchers took cells in a test tube and cultured them with a mixture of vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and CoQ10, alpha lipoic acid, and N-acetyl cysteine. They then exposed those cells to a wide variety of radiation sources. The result: The cells were almost completely protected, even from highly damaging gamma radiation.

Source / Recommendation by "Second Opinion" Magazine (Special Edition, Winter, 2008): Take a high-quality multivitamin before an x-ray or airplane flight.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):

  • Bananas ... full-spectrum lighting

Toxic OverloadSeborrhea (a condition of red, scaly, oil eruptions on the eyelids, eyebrows, nose, ear, upper lip, chin, chest, and groin)

  • Aloe (Aloe creams usually relieve symptoms of seborrhea in 4 to 8 weeks)

Sinus Infections

Skin Conditions:

Sleep Apnea

Spider Veins

Stress:

Researchers at Penn State University found that an ounce and a half of pistachios (nuts) reduces the body's response to stress by relaxing arteries and keeping blood pressure low.

Stroke

Sunburn Care

Swelling / Sores:

  • Arnica - to relieve soreness and swelling following an injury or surgery.

Ulcerative Colitis:

  • Aloe  creams usually relieve symptoms of seborrhea in 4 to 8 weeks. Aloe "juice" lowers the blood sugar levels of diabetics and helps relieve ulcerative Colitis

Ulcers

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Thyroid Health

Tissue Damage:

  • Arnica - to relieve soreness and swelling following an injury or surgery.

Varicose Veins

Vision

Warts:

Weight Gain

Wheat Intolerance

Wound Care

Women's Health / PMS / Menopause

Wrinkles / Aging Skin

Yeast Infections

Natural Antibiotics


Information contained on this website is provided as general advice only and does not replace the recommendation of a medical professional. Before beginning any treatment protocol, please consult with your doctor and/or vet.

In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act.


GreenAndHealthy.Info strives to maintain accurate and up-to-date information; however, mistakes do happen. If you would like to correct or update any of the information, please send us an e-mail. THANK YOU!


Information contained on this website is provided as general reference only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought.


GreenAndHealthy.Info strives to maintain accurate and up-to-date information; however, mistakes do happen. If you would like to correct or update any of the information, please send us an e-mail. THANK YOU!