Food does more than just taste good. It is the fuel that keeps our bodies functioning properly. Most people are aware that making healthy eating choices can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of catching diseases. Yet, what many fail to realize is that what you eat can also help to heal your body and improve your emotional well-being. Whether you’re feeling sluggish, stressed, depressed, suffering from an illness, recovering from an injury, or learning to live a sober life, there are foods you can add to your diet that heal you from the inside out.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a great dairy to add to your weekly meals and snacks. It has active cultures and probiotics which have been proven to help heal the gastrointestinal tract. You can have yogurt as a snack, add it to a smoothie, or incorporate it into a sweet recipe. The most beneficial yogurt should have few calories, low sugar, active cultures, and probiotics.
Salmon
Salmon is highly regarded for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids. Eating a piece of salmon on a weekly basis can help to lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease. It is also high in calcium which is great for healthy bones. For the most benefits, you should purchase fresh wild salmon. It can be added to salads or served with sides as a main dish.
Beans
By adding more plant-based protein to your diet you can dramatically reduce your cholesterol levels. Beans also have properties that help to prevent heart disease and colon cancer. You can add beans to your soup, mix them with rice, or serve them as a side dish to get your daily dose.
Aloe
Derived from the aloe plant, aloe is a great healing food. It has benefits that include soothing gastrointestinal issues and lowering blood sugar levels. Aloe is best consumed in drinks. Since the taste can be bitter you may want to mix it with other fruit juices or add it to a smoothie.
Coconut
Coconut is packed with fatty acids which are great for killing bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This tropical fruit is also a good source for your B vitamins, copper, iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and manganese. Coconuts help to improve your immune system, lower the risk of diabetes, protect against brain disorders, soothe inflammation, kill bacteria, and strengthen the liver. They are best eaten in smoothies or drinks.
Garlic
If you’ve ever struggled with alcohol or opioid addiction your liver could be severely damaged. To help cleanse the body you can incorporate garlic into your recipes. Garlic has properties that activate liver detox enzymes. It also has more than 30 antibacterial agents, making it an ideal choice for warding off illnesses. It is best to purchase garlic fresh and organic for the most benefits.
Reishi Mushrooms
These mushrooms have a ton of antioxidants, B-vitamins, selenium, copper, phosphorus, niacin, and magnesium. They are great for those who suffer from allergies, arthritis, or cancer. They help to reduce stress both physically and mentally and are also great for protecting the liver and reducing the risk of digestive disorders. You can make your own tea, add them to a soup or throw them on the grill.
