Foods That Help Your Body Heal

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Get a Boost from Power Foods Whether you’re fighting fatigue, searching for ways to boost your immune system, or recovering from an illness, doctors often recommend healthy lifestyle changes. Prevention and management of symptoms can often be significantly helped by healthy foods.

Kelp—Increases Your Iodine Intake

Low thyroid levels can cause sluggishness, weight gain, and moodiness. Iodine is essential to the thyroid, the butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. Kelp is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and—most important for low thyroid levels—iodine. Be aware that overconsumption of iodine can create problems too. The key is a moderate amount to raise energy levels and brain functioning. Other power greens include kale, bok choy, spinach, parsley, green beans, and alfalfa.

Ginger—Reduces Nausea

You may recognize ginger as a cooking spice, but its centuries-old uses range from aiding digestion and calming upset stomach to treating arthritis. Ginger is now widely recognized for its ability to reduce nausea, particularly for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Sources of ginger include ginger root (prepared as tea), foods and drink, and in an herbal form in extracts, capsules, and oils.

Mushrooms—Power Food

Mushrooms are hailed for their health-promoting properties. Common types of mushrooms include white button, shiitake, portabella, and crimini. Studies continue to examine how shiitake mushrooms may fight cancer by boosting the immune system through the compound lentinan, believed to slow tumor growth.

Beets—Energize You

Beets are a natural energy supply packed with carbs, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C. Plus, studies published in the journal Nahrung reveal that beets may help fight cancer and protect against heart disease.

Swiss Chard—Bountiful in Benefits

A relative of the beet, Swiss chard provides an excellent source of vitamins C, E, and K, as well as fiber, zinc, and calcium.

This nutrition-packed vegetable supports bone health, fights stress-related disease, and holds anti-inflammatory properties.

More Resources—Prevention and Management

Healing and healthy living require balance. Avoid or limit empty calories and foods that rob you of energy and harm your health. Opting for nutritious foods to fuel your day will help prevent illness and improve recovery should an injury occur.

Source: http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/foods-that-help-you-heal