Simple cures
By Cory Quirino
Inquirer

CURES are only needed when there is a disease.
But have you ever wondered if it is possible to prevent the need for a cure? In other words, eliminate disease altogether?
Unfortunately, no. Our mortal bodies are subject to attack daily by viruses and bacteria. When infection sets in, then prescription drugs are urgently required.
While there is no substitute for a doctor’s visit, there are natural ways to prevent diseases and reduce visits to your doctor. They are called simple cures.
Take your fiber
Dietary fiber can prevent heart disease and cancer. It is considered one of the most effective treatments for constipation, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, diabetes and hernia.
Dieters on a weight-loss program should include fiber in their meal plans. Eat more fruits and vegetables, oats and grains. Easy-to-mix fiber is also now available in capsules, like C-Lium Fiber.
Remember to double your water intake when taking fiber because it could cause constipation and aggravate your digestive problems.
Have a banana booster
Aching muscles, leg cramps, low energy, high blood pressure and sleeplessness can be eased by simply eating a banana. This potassium-rich fruit is, by far, the quickest remedy for aches and pains of all kinds.
When feeling overworked and unable to sleep, take a banana and let it work its wonders. Instant relief is almost guaranteed.
Keep your balance
Balance is controlled by what is called the vestibular system—the teamwork between eyes and inner ears. When this synergy is disrupted, the result is dizziness.
No matter what the cause may be, here are a few methods to ease the spinning sensation:
Hold on to something solid like a wall or pillar.
Avoid sleeping on your back.
Avoid positions that may trigger the dizziness (having your hair shampooed in the parlor, sitting reclined on a dentist’s chair, praying with your head down).
Try the Brandt-Daroff exercises daily. Sit for 30 seconds on a couch or bed, spine straight, feet flat on the floor. Look straight at the horizon. Slowly lie on your right side, ear flat on the bed, chin over your shoulder. Hold still for 30 seconds. Repeat the same movement on your left side. Continue the exercises for 10 minutes. Do this three times a day.
Watch your prostate
If women have to worry about hormones, menstrual cycles, child birth and menopause, men have their prostates to think of. This little gland can suffer from inflammations, infections and enlargement when a man is in his 20s through his 60s.
As men grow older, the prostate grows larger than normal and eventually squeezes the urinary tube causing discomfort in urinating (eventually, bladder or kidney problems). The following can help in coping with enlarged prostates:
Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, coffee or caffeinated drinks. These will only irritate the prostate gland.
If you cannot avoid caffeinated beverages, do not take them after dinner.
Use decongestants and diuretics with caution. These include over-the-counter cold/sinus medications.
The herbs saw palmetto and milk thistle have been used for decades as herbal remedies.
You may consider laser surgery to remove excess prostate tissue or the TUNA (trans-urethral needle ablation, an outpatient procedure) or the TURP (trans-urethral resection). See your doctor for medical options.
Less salt, fewer problems
Some people are more sensitive to salt than others. But even if you are not sensitive to sodium, it helps to ease up on your salt intake, no matter how young or old you are.
Cut back salt use to 500 mg a day (if you are hypertensive). You may not realize it but processed/prepared foods are already salted. When cooking, use herbs or spices and lemon instead of salt.
Drink lots of water especially if you have eaten salty food. Exercise to sweat out the toxins.
Calcium not only works on your bones; it fights hypertension, too. Take a calcium-rich diet to fend off hypertensive attacks or take a calcium supplement daily.
The only time salt is good is in a soak bath. Fill your tub with warm water. Add one-half cup of salt. Give yourself a 10 minute soak to soothe a tired body.

Reference: “Inner Cleansing Cures” by editors of FC & A Medical Publishing.