7 Simple Food Remedies

Here are some things to try to banish the occasional headache or upset tummy with remedies straight from your kitchen.

1. Banana-cure for stress or anxiety
According to Molly Kimball, RD, a medium banana has only 105 calories and 14g of sugar, it fills you up, provides a mild blood sugar boost and has 30% of the day;s vitamin B6, which helps the brain produce mellowing serotonin, getting you through a crisis peacefully.

2. Raisins-cure for high blood pressure
Sixty raisins-about a handful-contain 1g of fiber and 212 mg of potassium.  Numerous studies show that polyphenols in grape-derived foods such as raisins, wine, and juice are effective in maintaining cardiovascular health, including bringing down blood pressure.

3. Yogurt-constipation or gas
One and a half cups of live-culture yogurt (high in gut-friendly bacteria) pushes food more efficiently through the gastrointestinal tract, says a 2002 study in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.  The beneficial bacteria also improve your gut's ability to digest beans and dairy lactose, which can cause gas.

4. Can of tuna-cure for a bad mood
A 3-ounce serving of canned white tuna has about 800 mg of omega-3s, which research suggests may treat the kind of blues that leave you feeling low or anxious. The fatty acids in fish have been endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association as an effective part of depression treatment, says Elizabeth Somer, RD. 

5. Basil-cure for tummy troubles.
Studies suggest that eugenol, a compound in basil, can keep your gut safe from pain, nausea, cramping, or diarrhea by killing off bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria.  Eugenol even has an antispasmodic property that can keep cramps at bay, says Mildred Mattfeldt-Beman, PhD.  Use minced fresh basic in sauces or salads.

6. Pear-cure for high cholesterol
One medium pear has 5 g of dietary fiber, much of it in the form of pectin, which helps flush out bad cholesterol, a risk factor in heart disease.

7. Orange Juice-cure for fatigue
The fructose in a 4 ounce glass is a perfect pick me up.  Some studies suggest that vitamin C's ability to combat oxidative stress caused by free radicals may provide energy, and the vitamin plays a key role in metabolizing iron, which helps your body move energizing oxygen through your bloodstream.