FOODS FOR HEALTH AND HEALING

Tired of groaning joints, swellings here and there, painful fingers begging for help while trying to do their pick-up jobs, and backs silently giving spasmodic back-talk, trying to get a message through for help. That was my experience until I started studying more about and making changes in food selections.

Researchers and nutritionists have something to share with all of us that not only saves money but could ease those groaning joints and protect us from arthritis and other joint problems. At the turn of the century, a Greek study reporting in the American Journal of Health and Nutrition showed that a new type of diet offered effective protection against arthritis. A Harvard study confirms this wisdom showing that it increases longevity and reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease. It turns out this way of eating isn't new after all and is closely related to the Mediterranean Diet that includes fresh vegetables and fruits, fish and dairy in the form of cheese and yogurt (lactic acid-fermented dairy.) Brown rice and whole grains, nuts and whole grain pasta, chicken but only small amounts of heavy meat like pork and beef all make a well balanced diet. Wine can be taken with meals.

Mediterranean people eat plenty of nearby ocean fish, an easily digested food and omega-3 fatty acids (EFAs), important for heart health, the endocrine system, the nervous system and healthy skin. Risk can be minimized by choosing wild salmon ocean fish, deep waters (not farmed). Cod, anchovies, mackerel and sardines are among the safer varieties of ocean fish.

You likely have already read about the Mediterranean diet. Your local library can always recommend books on this subject. Simone Gabbay, a nutritionist in Toronto tells us more in her books, Visionary Medicine: Real Hope for Total Healing, and Nourishing the Body Temple, as well as many articles in health magazines. For further information on her books call l-866-322-8209, or 1-800-333-4499.