Some Food For Thought

Including Yogurt Recipe

INDIVIDUALS WHO EXPERIENCE FEVER AND INFECTIONS OFTEN 

Individuals (including children) who experience frequent infections or fever may be allergic to fruits that are high in fructose such as melons, grapes and dates. Another culprit is chocolate, candy, and most fried foods (with the exception of fried eggs). The combination of cold cereals combined with any kind of milk (whether it be cow’s milk, rice milk or any other milk) can often cause infections too. 

DRY HANDS 

Dry hands, lips and dry itchy skin can be caused by lack of water fluids. Dry hands can also be caused by washing hands or dishes in hot water. The mixture of olive oil with potato starch makes a nice soothing cream to apply on hands as needed. 

BURNS AND RASHES 

Potato starch is a wonderfully, soothing treatment  for burns, itchy skin, rashes in between  the  thighs, diaper rash and other rashes. It can be  applied on effected area repeatedly. 

USES FOR GARLIC DRINK 

A “garlic drink” can be very effective at reducing fever, and for treating common colds, infections, diarrhea, constipation and relieving itchy skin conditions. To make this garlic drink, pour boiled water into glass, add 1 or 2 pieces of garlic cut in half and let the mixture seep before drinking.  This drink  can be drunk hot or cold. (The same garlic pieces can be reused until the flavor of the garlic is no longer noticeable). This garlic drink should be taken 3 to 5 times through the day, depending on the severity of the infection.   It is also effective to rub juice of garlic on cold sores, though it may cause a burning sensation for a few seconds.  Garlic by itself should not be taken on an empty stomach.  It can be taken with sandwiches or other food. Note that garlic works as a natural antibiotic, but may take longer to have an effect. 

EAR INFECTIONS 

Ear infections can be treated effectively by inserting a drop of olive oil into both ears. This treatment can be used in conjunction with or without antibiotics until the pain or irritation goes away. Note that even if only one ear is infected, it is important to apply the oil into the second ear as well. When placing one drop of olive oil into the affected ear the second ear tends to start irritating, therefore it is important to insert olive oil into the second ear as well for babies  or children who cannot express themselves that the second ear has started to irritate.  If the infection is severe, grind one clove of garlic, add olive oil, mix, then place one drop of this garlic-infused oil (oil only)  into each ear.  It is not necessary to heat the olive oil as heating does not enhance the properties of the olive oil or enhance  the healing process.

EYE INFECTIONS    

Itchy eyes or eye infections can be treated by placing a regular tea bag over the affected eye. For further relief, one may squeeze one drop of the tea into the affected eye for as long as needed. Usually, there is at least some immediate improvement.   

TEETH PROBLEMS 

On going problems with gums, Toothaches  or cavities can be a lack of calcium, magnesium, vitamins C and or D. Often it is a lack of calcium. 

USES FOR APPLE CIDER VINEGAR 

Apple cider vinegar is a great treatment for constipation, low immune system,  for losing weight, and for itchy scalp and skin. Start by consuming not more than half a teaspoon of vinegar, with or without water. (Avoid taking apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach in the beginning). You may slowly increase the amount to a tablespoon a day. Applying vinegar on the head while the shampoo is still in the hair can serve as a prevention against lice and may also treat itchy scalp.

HEMORRHOIDS 

Olive oil can be applied rectally for constipation, hemorrhoids or any other irritation in the area. 

FOOT ODOR 

For children and adults who have problems with foot odor, it is advisable to soak feet for twenty minutes in a basin filled with apple cider vinegar added to water. Alternatively, one may apply the apple cider vinegar directly onto clean feet. Placing potato starch in ones shoes may also be helpful. If these treatments fail, it is advisable to look into food allergies. 

YOGURT  

Yogurt can be an amazing prevention against infections, in conjunction with avoiding foods that cause infections listed above. Making your own yogurt is easy. You will need a pot, cup, spoon, milk and a small amount of yogurt:

• Place 1 quart/liter of milk in a pot and warm to room temperature (luke warm).              
• Meanwhile, place into a cup 1 tablespoon of yogurt with 2 to 3 table spoons of milk into a cup and mix well to liquefy the yogurt.            
• Add this liquid yogurt to the rest of the milk.            
• Mix well.            
• Wrap the pot in a blanket or winter coat with 1 or 2 hot water bottles depending on the room temperature. (regular plastic soda bottles may also be used, placing ¼ to ½ a cup of faucet water into the bottles before adding boiling water so that the bottles don’t melt).                  
• Leave the mixture for about 5-6 hours (five hours is sufficient if you want to avoid a sour/tangy taste.)    
• (Note that though the end result is often varied, both in taste and texture, it is nutritious regardless.            
• Any water that separates from the yogurt is called whey and is very valuable and nutritious. In some cases, the yogurt does not set properly the first time and the process might need to either be repeated twice or the pot placed in the fridge overnight in order to set.      

Yogurt is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and it is easily digested even by those who are  lactose intolerant. It has a good source of protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals such as B12,  B2, calcium and phosphorus. It is recommended to start very gradually because Yogurt is an antioxidant and contains natural probiotics which are very potent. Thus, for those who are not used to eating yogurt, it is advisable to start with one tablespoon for the first few days. This is because the yogurt is very healing and  the healing process might cause the body to have an initial reaction. The amount consumed can be gradually increased over time. Consuming more than the body can handle may cause loose bowels or  other symptoms which may be misinterpreted as an allergy to the dairy or yogurt itself. Even those who are used to eating store-bought yogurt might still experience a reaction if they consume this home-made yoghurt in larger portions at first because homemade yogurt is much healthier and has much more powerful healing properties than store-bought yogurt. (Note that as everybody is different, the reactions to the yogurt may differ too).