Holiday Survival Guide

Preventing illness and stress begins by avoiding the triggers that cause them.  Most commonly this means eating healthy, whole foods (and avoiding most processed ones) and managing our stress levels effectively.  Symptoms are just our body’s way of trying to communicate with us.  It is our job to listen and interpret exactly what it is trying to say.  As the fast pace and stressors of the Holiday season steadily approach, I would like to offer that sometimes the most natural and simple solutions may provide the best relief from stress related symptoms without the serious side effects of prescription and over the counter medicines.

Don’t let symptoms weigh you down. Try these easy swaps that really work as a natural alternative to synthetic drugs in order to feel better, minimize illness, and increase your energy levels.  Feel the benefits of long term health and wellness.

If you suffer from Insomnia and /or stress:

• Bananas, dates, nut butters, tuna, plain yogurt, salmon and turkey are all high in tryptophan and can be helpful in promoting sleep.
• If you are not allergic to ragweed, a cup of chamomile tea is another nice way to prepare your body for sleep.
• Raw nuts & seeds, whole grain brown rice and avocados are excellent sources of magnesium which aids the body in relaxing.

To eliminate Sour Stomach & Heart Burn:

• Try ¼ cup of aloe vera juice on an empty stomach first thing in the morning and at bedtime.
• Eat fresh papaya and fresh pineapple both of which offer beneficial digestive enzymes.
• Try a couple tablespoons of sauerkraut or cabbage before meals to stimulate digestive enzymes & good digestion.

Headaches:

• Eat your vegetables to get plenty of important minerals such as magnesium and calcium.
• Hydrate with water.  A headache is a common symptom if dehydration.

Allergies/Cough:

• There are whole foods that act as natural anti-histamines.  Enjoy carrots, broccoli, berries, onions, garlic, pineapple, apples, spinach, mangoes, tomatoes and other green vegetables as well as citrus fruits.

PMS:

• To alleviate symptoms juice raw celery and parsley with one apple.  Add a teaspoon of ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil.

Sore Muscles:

• Drink plenty of water.

Jet Lag:

• Good sources of protein such as eggs, fish, beef & chicken help to increase alertness.
• Avoid starchy carbohydrates such as potato, rice, pasta and breads.
• To avoid Jet Lag, look into the “Anti Jet Lag Diet” also known as the Argonne Diet.

Low Blood Sugar:

• Eat regularly including a protein, some healthy fat and a high fiber carbohydrate such as asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, greens, and green beans.
• Juice organic spinach, celery, one beet and an apple.  Stir in the juice of one lime.
• Enjoy an apple with some almond or peanut butter.

Bad Skin:

• Raw foods help to heal the skin with detoxification.  Raw almonds, beets, cashews, greens & lettuces, strawberries and pineapple are good examples for detoxification & clearing of the skin.

Low energy:

• Avoid energy drinks and opt instead for a high quality whey or rice protein mixed with almond or coconut milk.
• Juice raw fresh vegetables.

Bad Mood:

• Eat salmon and turkey to lift the spirits.  They are both high in tryptophan which is a precursor to serotonin.
• Enjoy a cup on peppermint or Valerian root tea.

Weak Immune System:

• Increase your zinc by eating oysters, roast beef, roasted pumpkin seeds, 60% or higher dark chocolate, lamb, crab & peanuts.
• Eat and juice plenty of fresh, raw vegetables to increase critical antioxidants.
• Enjoy healthy fats such as avocado, olives & nuts for beneficial antioxidants  and strong cellular repair & function.

Sunburn:

• Be sure to eat some high protein foods to heal the skin tissue as well as raw fruits and vegetables to supply needed minerals and vitamins to the skin.
• Soak in a cool bath with 1 pound of baking soda.