Monday, June 22, 2009

Safe And Effective Natural Healing Remedies For Modern Health Problems

By Connie Stevens

Many Western medical practitioners continue to regard natural healing remedies with distrust and suspicion, putting all alternative practices into the same category. While some herbs and other plants are poisonous to humans, scientific research has proven that many plants do have healing and health-protecting properties when used according to safe guidelines.

As long as the necessary care is taken in the growing, gathering and preparation of natural healing remedies, they are proving to be not only safe, but highly effective in preventing and treating a variety of conditions and health problems. Plants contain phytonutrients, polyphenols and anti-oxidants, unobtainable from any other source, that are a basic requirement for human health and the correct functioning of the human body. These elements also provide antibacterial, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits and help to support our immune systems.

There is evidence emerging that the general population has lower levels of nutrients than in previous generations, and this has been linked with the increase in certain diseases. Research has linked low calcium levels with cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease; low vitamin D levels are linked to cancer and heart problems; low zinc and vitamins C and A are implicated in many health issues; lack of selenium is associated with macular degeneration. Of particular concern is the growing evidence that long-term deficiencies in nutrients may be leading to chronic conditions.

We rely largely on the food we eat for the nutrients we need for optimum health and well-being. However, these days, the quality of our food is far below that of 50 and 100 years ago, and this has contributed to the increase in the chronic health problems of our time. The modern diet of industrialized countries consists of overly processed food that has been grown in nutrient deficient soils and treated with chemicals to regulate harvest times and ensure freshness at point of sale. Foods high in saturated fats, sugar and salt have become accepted as usual, and the focus is on fast food and pre-prepared meals. Because we realize out diets are deficient, we take multi vitamins to compensate, but we don't really know what extra nutrients we need.

A nutritionally balanced and healthy diet will correct many of the deficiencies we have in our bodies, but there may be certain conditions which need particular attention. Consider how you generally feel and look at areas that could be improved, like energy levels, mental alertness, physical fitness and general health. The answers to finding true balance in your body and health can be found in natural healing remedies. Through research, you will find natural remedies to allow you to return to glowing health and give you protection from disease.

As part of a well-balanced diet you will be having good amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean protein, skim dairy, whole grains and legumes each day. Many nutritional foods can actually be natural healing remedies " green tea, garlic, onion, apples, kale and manuka honey, to name only a few. The benefits of these foods are numerous and worthy of further investigation to understand how they can help you and your health.

In fact, manuka honey, from New Zealand, is one of the most versatile of these foods. It tastes great, has amazing health benefits because it has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties when eaten, or when applied directly to the skin. It can be used for treating a wide range of ailments including cold sores, cuts and wounds, acne, staph and fungal infections.

I have mentioned only a few of the many foods that are efficient natural healing remedies. By changing our diets, limiting highly processed foods and returning to eating more fruit, vegetables, legumes and whole grains, we will be getting the protective elements contained in plant foods.

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