Become Well: Foods That Can Keep You Healthy
During your life in Japan, your body and mind will undergo a series of challenges: a new culture, a foreign language, a new work environment, different weather, new foods, etc. The pressure of adaptation can create a lot of stress on your body and drain your energy. One can prevent many problems just by eating well, sleeping enough and staying physically active.
According to Chinese philosophy, the emotions play a very important role in the maintenance of health and prevention of illness. Traditional Chinese medicine contends that the emotions are linked to the five solid (Yin) organs of the body known as the Zang (the Lungs, Heart, Spleen, Liver and Kidneys), which are thought to be linked to all the fundamental substances of the body and how they are regulated. If the emotions become unbalanced over a period of time, the physical body will degenerate accordingly and create a vicious circle. Any big changes in life greatly affect both the emotional and physical health.
Stress, constipation or headaches are just a few of the many conditions that may manifest themselves due to a new lifestyle. Here are some useful dietary tips that could help prevent or relieve some health problems.
The Brain
Parsley and protein-rich foods have a stimulating effect on brain activity, as they help prevent the buildup of the neurotransmitter serotonin, a sleep-inducing chemical that tends to make you drowsy.
Nuts, leafy vegetables, legumes and apples aid mental alertness.
To lift your mood, eat green, leafy vegetables; seafood; Brazil nuts and carbohydrates.
Headaches
Many foods contain chemicals that trigger headaches in genetically susceptible people by initiating neural and blood vessel changes. The most common triggers are drinks containing caffeine, chocolate, cheese, cured meat, alcohol (especially red wine), monosodium glutamate (Mg), salt and nuts. Foods that will help relieve headaches include oily fish, fish oils and ginger, which act in a similar way to aspirin to combat the inflammation.
Stress and anxiety
Include some complex carbohydrates such as pasta, cereals, legumes and vegetables in your diet. For a faster-acting tranquilizing effect, drink a noncaffeine drink containing honey to induce relaxation. Onions contain a mild sedative called quercetin, which acts on the central nervous system.
The Lungs
Most asthmatics and other people with breathing problems produce excess mucus, and they need to be aware of certain foods that can aggravate or alleviate this. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter and chocolate all increase mucus level.
Smoking and drinking alcohol, particularly at night, irritate and swell the mucous membrane lining the throat, which may impair the airflow to the lungs.
Garlic is beneficial to the respiratory tract, aiding bronchial congestion and purifying the blood. Leeks and onions have similar properties and also aid the breakup of phlegm, as do hot spices such as mustard, ginger and chilis.
For viral infections, you need to drink lots of (preferably hot) liquids; a traditional Chinese remedy is hot chicken soup. If you have a tendency toward bronchitis, insure you include plenty of vitamin C in your diet.
The Digestive System
Many foods can aggravate or help digestive disorders.
- Ulcers. Although a bacterial infection is now considered a main cause, foods such as milk, beer and caffeine-containing drinks can be an aggravating factor, while bananas and cabbage juice have beneficial effects.
- Heartburn (or acid indigestion). Cut back on fatty foods and eat more complex carbohydrates, such as vegetables and wholegrain cereals. Chocolate, coffee, alcohol, raw onions, citrus juice or hot spicy foods may be aggravating the problem.
- Flatulence. Cut down on milk, beans, onions. Ginger, garlic, and peppermint help prevent wind.
Other foods with digestive benefits include:
- Ginger is a good dietary aid for nausea.
- Broccoli and celery help maintain a healthy intestinal area and aid elimination.
- Oranges and apples will also help with the bowels by stimulating elimination.
- Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps relieve indigestion and alleviate the effects of diarrhea. This mineral is also an aid in many sporting activities, where excessive sweating takes place. Eating a banana will benefit the muscular system.
- Dandelion tea is an age-old remedy as a liver cleanser and for stimulating bile production.
The Bladder
For cystitis (female bladder infection), cranberry, blueberry or boiled beetroot juice are helpful for preventing bacteria adhering to the bladder wall. Try to increase your general fluid intake, but remember that caffeinated food and drinks appear to irritate urinary tissues. Cut out all refined carbohydrates and eat plenty of garlic, fresh green vegetables, and fruit.
On the web
Here is a site that can help you diagnose yourself.
Check this site for more info on foods and what they’re good for.