Dietary Treatments and Healthy Eating for Common Ailments
People often use over-the-counter (OTC) medication as a quick fix for common ailments. However, this isn’t always the healthiest choice for an individual, since OTC meds are easy to abuse and often include chemicals that are unhealthy.
For instance, did you know that acetaminophen was associated with over 360 deaths in 2016? Using more than the recommended dosage contradicts the purpose of the drug in the first place; instead of making you better, it can make you sick in a different way. Before taking any medicine, you should definitely learn the correct dosage and any potential risks to avoid abusing it. Luckily, you can find health remedies outside of OTC medicine: in the food you eat every day.
There is a wide variety of foods necessary for your diet, and many have their own purpose. Some of them are especially helpful in combating potential health concerns. Looking at some of the most common ailments in modern times, it’s good to know which natural supplements have worked best against physical illnesses.
Here is a descriptive list of some common ailments and dietary treatments you may be able to use to prevent or treat them:
Rosacea
The American Academy of Dermatology sums up Rosacea as such:
Rosacea (rose-AY-sha) is a common skin disease. It often begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people. The redness can slowly spread beyond the nose and cheeks to the forehead and chin. Even the ears, chest, and back can be red all the time.
It’s a fairly common disease and affects people differently. It’s fairly common and has even affected many politicians and film stars. Among those who have struggled with the disease are former President Bill Clinton, singer Mariah Carey, actor Cameron Diaz, and the late Lady Diana.
Triggers for rosacea differ from person to person, but the most common triggers have been found to be alcohol, spicy foods, heated beverages, and marinated meats. Many health experts argue that you can combat this by eating probiotic foods, but more research is needed to say for sure if this is a valid way to avoid symptoms.
Some of the main probiotics recommended for rosacea are:
- Yogurt
- Kimchi
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Tempeh
UTIs and Yeast Infections
The difference between urinary tract infections and yeast infections is often a confusing matter to people. At the most basic level, UTIs are bacterial infections that affect the urinary tract system and often appear due to shared bacteria during sexual activity. Yeast infections, on the other hand, occur when a vagina produces more than the natural amount of yeast. This is most often due to a chemical disruption from a change in hormone levels, medication, or a sexual partner’s genitalia.
Some common dietary supplements to prevent UTIs are:
- Unsweetened cranberry juice or extract
- D-mannose
- Probiotics
Natural remedies for yeast infections are:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Apple cider vinegar
- Oregano oil
- Coconut oil
- Boric acid
However, there is additionally some overlap, as the two are so similar.
Some common remedies for treating both UTIs and yeast infections are:
- Garlic
- Vitamin C
- Probiotics
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is another very common ailment that can be helped with the right diet. According to Healthline:
- Acid reflux happens when contents from your stomach move up into your esophagus. It’s also called acid regurgitation or gastroesophageal reflux. If you have symptoms of acid reflux more than twice a week, you might have a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease … GERD affects about 20 percent of people in the United States. If left untreated, it can sometimes cause serious complications.
That said, sufferers should switch to an anti-reflux diet in order to combat their GERD. In this specific kind of a diet, fat-free foods are your best friends. It would be wise to avoid coffee, tea, and alcohol, in addition to spicy or citrusy foods. On the other hand however, the following are okay and can even —
Help to combat GERD:
- Water and skim/low-fat milk
- Plain meat
- Plain organic pasta and low-fat bread
- Plain organic rice
- Plain vegetables (excluding citrusy vegetables)
Note the emphasis on “plain” foods in this case. These can reduce your chances of suffering from indigestion.
Other Bacterial Infections
UTIs are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to bacterial infections. Some you may recognize are bacterial pneumonia, bacterial meningitis, and mycetoma. Additionally, drug-resistant bacterial diseases are significantly increasing around the world, and it may be wise to include more plants and herbs in your diet as a safeguard against them.
Some worthwhile foods for combating bacterial infections on a widespread level are:
It’s important to note that introducing these healthy foods into your diet to combat common ailments will only truly work if your diet is otherwise healthy. Junk foods are still a no-go. For instance, drinking blueberry juice doesn’t give you a pass on foods like white bread and fried food. Healthy habits require consistency.
Final Thoughts
Putting an emphasis on good foods may lessen your likelihood of getting sick, and it certainly can help in the middle of bacterial infections and other common diseases. Do not substitute it for medication that a doctor has recommended; at the end of the day you should always listen to your physician. But your diet will absolutely affect how your body reacts to sicknesses. The best you can do is to be well informed and try to stay healthy.
What do you eat to combat ailments, and why do you think it’s a good choice? Let us know in the comments below!
