The kitchen cure that STOPS SINUS PAIN
If you’re one of the millions of women for whom the cold, damp weather triggers sinus pressure and pain, horseradish can help! It’s rich in a natural sinus-clearing chemical similar to the one found in drugstore decongestants, plus antibacterial compounds that help prevent infection. And if the bold flavor makes your nose run, that’s a good thing! It helps drain excess fluid to relieve pressure. Try grating 1 tsp. of fresh horseradish root and chewing it thoroughly for 1 minute. Tip: If the flavor is too strong, add it to a salad dressing or sauce instead.
The soothing sip that PROTECTS AGAINST HEART DISEASE
Cozying up with a warm cup of tea each morning cuts your risk of heart disease in half. But for an even bigger health boost, consider trading black tea for a hawthorn berry brew. Research shows the fruity sip lowers high blood pressure and noticeably increases blood supply to the heart. Plus, a study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology suggests hawthorn berry extract lowers artery-clogging “bad” LDL cholesterol by 50%, protecting against heart attack and stroke.
The delicious way to SHARPEN THINKING
Here’s another reason to enjoy a juicy steak or burger: Doing so can protect your memory and keep your thinking sharp well into your golden years. Eating protein at every meal helps prevent insulin spikes, which suppress the thyroid, say researchers at Tufts University. A slow thyroid can cause frustrating “senior moments,” so keeping it functioning at its peak wards off brain blips. Plus, protein is rich in tyrosine, an essential building block of thyroid hormones. The study-proven dose: 1 oz. of nuts, 1 egg, or 4 oz. meat, poultry, or fish.
The easy way to BANISH FAT, FOG, AND FATIGUE FAST
If you’ve been feeling tired and mentally foggy lately, help is here! As many as 80% of us have fat buildup in our liver, triggering a pileup of toxins that leaves us exhausted. The good news? Bitter foods help restore function to this hardworking organ by boosting the production of key compounds that flush fat from the liver. And it’s easy to get the benefits! Simply enjoy at least 2 cups of bitter greens – like arugula, mustard, and dandelion greens, chard, or watercress – each day.
The citrus scent BLOCKS LYME DISEASE
Great news: You can enjoy an autumn stroll in the woods without worrying about Lyme disease. Ticks love to hide in fallen leaves, and many carry Lyme disease. The condition can cause severe joint pain and may even increase Alzheimer’s risk. Luckily, using a safe, non-toxic insect repellent like lemongrass oil can protect you from the pests and stop trouble before it even starts. Just mix 12 drops of lemongrass oil with 1 tsp. of sweet almond oil or jojoba oil. Apply liberally to the skin, especially the lower legs and ankles, before going outside.
The timing tweak that BLASTS BELLY FAT
Happy news: Getting out and about for a stroll in this beautiful weather can whittle your middle. The trick that speeds results? Enjoying a walk before breakfast instead of after. Investigators reporting in the British Journal of Nutrition found that this simple timing shift supercharges your body’s ability to burn belly fat. That’s because when you exercise before a meal on an empty stomach, your body burns off stored fats for fuel (which powers off pounds) instead of tapping into energy stored in muscle cells. Bye-bye, belly fat!
Snack your way to YOUNGER SKIN!
Treating yourself to a handful of chocolate-covered almonds smooths skin and fades fine lines with every bite. Both almonds and dark chocolate are rich in magnesium, a water-bearing mineral that plays a key role in keeping skin plump and hydrated. And research shows that the mineral is also necessary for the creation of enzymes that heal wrinkle-causing free-radical damage. To get the benefits, aim for 400 mg. of magnesium daily. Not a fan of almonds and chocolate? Sunflower seeds are another magnesium-rich pick.
The sweet treat that SOOTHES JOINT PAIN
Adding pineapple to grilled kebabs or a summer salad is a delicious way to ease arthritis pain. The tropical fruit brims with bromelain, an enzyme that curbs the inflammation that triggers pain and joint damage. In fact, research in Clinical Rheumatology found bromelain was nearly twice as effective at reducing pain as over-the-counter painkillers (and without the side effects). To ease minor aches, enjoy 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen pineapple daily for two weeks. To combat more severe pain, consider taking a 500-mg. bromelain supplement daily.
The sweet chew that OPTIMIZES IMMUNITY
The sweet chew that OPTIMIZES IMMUNITY
Planning a late-summer trip? Taking elderberry extract daily starting 10 days before you leave (and for five days after you return) helps you enjoy your trip without worrying about colds and viruses making the rounds. Australian scientists found that folks who did this when traveling had 22% fewer respiratory infection symptoms and recovered two days faster than those who didn’t take elderberry. Credit goes to anthocyanins, which blunt the ability of viruses to invade cells. Try: New Nordic Elderberry Gummies (NewNordicUSA.com)
Easy DIY test to I.D. A THYROID SLOWDOWN
A slow thyroid is a common cause of weight gain, but up to 60% of women with the condition are unaware they have it. Even if you suspect a problem, it can be hard to convince your doctor. To measure your thyroid function at home, take your underarm temperature first thing in the morning with a non-digital thermometer, keeping it in place for 10 minutes. Repeat for four consecutive days to get an average temperature. If it’s under 97.8 degrees F and you have constipation, talk to your doctor – or find one who will listen!
