Cures to common ailments can be found in your kitchen

Healthy foods can have immediate effects on illnesses

SAN ANTONIO – We all know it's important to eat healthy to prevent chronic conditions like diabetes.

But did you know certain foods can have an immediate effect on every day ailments?

When Grace Choi was pregnant with her daughter, she confirmed what research already shows: Ginger can help ease morning sickness.

"To combat the nausea, I tried everything. I tried essential oils, I tried saltines, and I found ginger to be really helpful," she said.

If you want to cure what ails you, Consumer Reports suggests looking in the kitchen first.

"Some foods do have medicinal properties, and it's not just hype. It's actually backed up by science," Consumer Reports health editor Trisha Calvo said.

Got a headache? Calvo suggests drinking a tall glass of water. Dehydration is a common cause of headaches. Nibbling on an apple and a handful of walnuts may also help.

"It's the combination of carbs, healthy fat and protein that prevent a dip in blood sugar, which is another headache trigger," Calvo said.

If you've been having trouble sleeping, you may have already tried warm milk. But studies suggest kiwi, which is rich in folate, a B vitamin, may help the brain produce sleep-inducing chemicals.

It's also good to know that you can zap garlic breath by eating lettuce, apple or raw mint leaves. All three destroy sulfur compounds and neutralize the odor garlic causes.

Although no foods have proven to shorten a cold, any soup -- not just chicken soup -- helps. Soups can hydrate you, which helps your system flush out the virus.

Bananas may just help you battle heartburn. Some research suggests bananas may act as a natural antacid. 


About the Author:

Marilyn Moritz is an award-winning journalist dedicated to digging up information that can make people’s lives a little bit better. As KSAT’S 12 On Your Side Consumer reporter, she focuses on exposing scams and dangerous products and helping people save money.