Michelle Schoffro Cook's Blog, page 5

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Top 12 Foods that Fight Pain

The following article is an excerpt from my new book, PAIN ERASERS: The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to Safe, Drug-Free Relief, available in most bookstores or online.

Some of the best healing remedies to overcome inflammation also taste great—I can’t say that about any prescription medications I’ve come across. Plus, foods won’t cause the nasty side effects common to most pain medications. You’ve already learned about foods like chilis, ginger, and turmeric when they are used in their concentrated medicinal forms earlier in this book, but they also warrant a reminder here because they are among the best foods to fight pain. You also learned about many better options than the inflammation-causing foods mentioned earlier in this chapter, which I hope you’ll be adding to your diet. In addition to eating more of these foods, here are some of the other foods to fight inflammation and pain:

Apples

Rarely considered for their ability to reduce pain, apples contain a powerful compound called malic acid, which has been found to be effective against fibromyalgia pain, when they are eaten as part of a daily diet over a minimum of two months.

Blackberries

Often overlooked, blackberries offer impressive health benefits in addition to their delicious taste. According to research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, blackberries and their components, known as anthocyanins, help to prevent inflammatory disorders.

Blueberries

Blueberries are also excellent anti-inflammatory foods. They regulate the amounts of compounds called heat-shock proteins in the brain, thereby reducing inflammation linked to neurodegenerative disorders, according to a study published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging. 

Cherries

In a study published in the Spanish medical journal Nutricion Hospitalaria, researchers found that eating tart cherries was effective in the treatment of exercise-induced muscle damage and the inflammation accompanying it.

Dark Green Veggies

Veggies such as kale and spinach contain high amounts of alkaline minerals like calcium and magnesium. Both minerals help balance body chemistry to alleviate inflammation. 

Fish

Fish, and the omega-3-rich oil it contains, acts directly on the immune system by suppressing the release of inflammation-causing cytokines—an underlying factor for most pain conditions. 

Flaxseeds and Flax Oil

Flaxseeds are also high in omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammatory substances. You can add ground flaxseeds to smoothies, top pancakes or French toast with them, or add them to many other foods. While they can be added to baked goods, they are best left unheated.

Olive Oil

The inclusion of olive oil is one of the reasons for the Mediterranean Diet’s many health benefits. That’s because olive oil is rich in oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory properties. Research in the journal Nutrients found that olive oil consumption reduced the markers of inflammation. Other research published in the International Journal of Molecular Science found that olive oil quashes pain similarly to NSAIDs. A powerful compound known as oleocanthal found in extra virgin olive oil inhibits inflammatory enzymes the same way drugs like Advil do. You can drizzle olive oil over your salads, roasted vegetables, or baked sweet potato. Just be sure not to heat it beyond its smoke point because it will no longer offer therapeutic benefits and may actually increase inflammation at that point.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates help to alleviate joint pain and inflammation according to research conducted by the National Institutes of Health. The researchers measured a beneficial effect of pomegranate fruit extract on markers of inflammation and cartilage degradation in arthritic joints, known as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).

Pumpkin Seeds

Thanks to their rich omega-3 content, pumpkin seeds may be effective in the treatment of pain disorders, particularly those in which inflammation is a concern. A classic study published in the journal Pharmacological Research found that pumpkin seed oil yielded similar anti-inflammatory results as the pain drug indomethacin—without the side effects.

Strawberries

Strawberries aren’t just delicious; they also offer pain and inflammation relief. In a study published in the medical journal Nutrients, researchers found that eating strawberries regularly helped alleviate the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis in the knees.

Walnuts

Like flax and pumpkin seeds, raw, unsalted walnuts contain plentiful amounts of omega-3 fatty acids that decrease pain and inflammation. If you’re like many people, you may be thinking that you don’t like walnuts, but I encourage you to try fresh ones kept in the refrigerator section of your local health food store as they have a rich, buttery taste, without the bitterness found in the rancid walnuts in many grocery stores.

This article is an excerpt from my new book, PAIN ERASERS: The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to Safe, Drug-Free Relief, available in bookstores everywhere or online. Consult the book for a full list of references cited in this article. 

Super-Powered Immunity: The Forgotten Remedy

One of the most powerful things you can do to boost your immune system and aid its ability to fight off infectious intruders is also one of the least known. Many people have not even heard of the nutrient, glutathione, which is one of nature’s greatest treasures when it comes to fighting disease-causing microbes. Glutathione is an antioxidant nutrient that is produced in the cells of your body, primarily from three building blocks of proteins called amino acids, including cysteine, glutamine, and glycine

Even moderate changes in glutathione levels in the body have a profound effect on the functioning of immune system cells known as lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are the immune cells, known as natural killer cells, B cells and T cells, that attack invading bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. What’s more, the levels of this nutrient in your body could determine whether your body battles harmful disease or suffer from severe complications from an infection.

You might think that such an important, research-supported nutrient would be found in the medicine bag of every physician, yet most medical doctors have never heard of the nutrient, or ever studied it in school, and certainly do not prescribe it to their patients. Fortunately, a growing body of research brought this nutrient to the forefront of natural approaches to bacteria, viruses, and other conditions linked to harmful microbes, which may alert doctors to the importance of this readily-available nutrient.

Research in the International Journal of Medical Microbiology found that glutathione on its own or in combination with antibiotic drugs, may be effective in treating some bacterial infections. Additionally, glutathione has been discovered as the potential missing link in the prevention and treatment of serious viral-related complications. According to research in the medical journal ACS Infectious Diseases, a deficiency in the nutrient known as glutathione may be the cause of severe complications or death due to Covid-19. Another study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences confirmed the findings that a glutathione deficiency may be beneficial in dealing with severe disease symptoms and death linked to Covid-19.

Earlier research in the journal Biological Chemistry may provide the answers as to why glutathione may provide protection against viruses (and as this study also showed, against infectious bacteria as well). The researchers found that glutathione regulated the immune response, which not only helps the body attack foreign invaders like pathogens, it also prevents the immune system from overreacting to produce cytokine storms, which are potentially life-threatening inflammatory conditions.

For those suffering from autoimmune conditions, glutathione is particularly beneficial. Research published in the journal Autoimmunity Reviews found that glutathione intake helped to regulate the body’s immune response.           

Poor nutrition, aging, stress, and exposure to environmental and food toxins cause glutathione levels to wane over time. Additionally, lack of sleep or insomnia may contribute to reduced glutathione levels in the body.           

Most glutathione supplements simply do not absorb well so you’re basically throwing your money away when you purchase them. After many years of searching, I found a liquid glutathione supplement that absorbs remarkably well and which I personally use with great success, including significantly improved energy, mental clarity, and healthier skin. All the people I’ve recommended it to have also reported improved energy, immunity, and overall feelings of wellness when using, as well as potent anti-aging effects when it is used topically on their skin. Check out these impressive glutathione-based products here.

 

Transform Your Health with the Master Antioxidant

For many years, I've searched for a product that encompassed the truly remarkable healing properties of the master antioxidant, glutathione, in an ABSORBABLE form. Intravenous forms work but are expensive and inconvenient for most people while only a tiny fraction of the glutathione in most supplements, in my opinion, is actually absorbed. But, after I came across these products: Neumi Skin and Neumi Swish, I just had to share them with my readers. It is a highly absorbable form of the glutathione that reduces free radical damage at the cellular level. Simply spray Neumi Skin on your skin and hold a capful of Neumi Swish in your mouth for at least a minute, but preferably longer to allow the glutathione and other nutrients to absorb directly into the skin and the mucous membranes of your mouth, respectively.

Check out some of the impressive results.

 

 

Discover Ageless Beauty

For many years, I've searched for a product that encompassed the truly remarkable healing properties of the master antioxidant, glutathione, in an ABSORBABLE form. Intravenous forms work but are expensive and inconvenient for most people while only a tiny fraction of the glutathione in most supplements, in my opinion, is actually absorbed. But, after I came across these products: Neumi Skin and Neumi Swish, I just had to share them with my readers. It is a highly absorbable form of the glutathione that reduces free radical damage at the cellular level. Simply spray Neumi Skin on your skin and hold a capful of Neumi Swish in your mouth for at least a minute, but preferably longer to allow the glutathione and other nutrients to absorb directly into the skin and the mucous membranes of your mouth, respectively.

Check out some of the impressive results.

 

 

Super-Powered Immunity: The Forgotten Remedy

One of the most powerful things you can do to boost your immune system and aid its ability to fight off infectious intruders is also one of the least known. Many people have not even heard of the nutrient, glutathione, which is one of nature’s greatest treasures when it comes to fighting disease-causing microbes. Glutathione is an antioxidant nutrient that is produced in the cells of your body, primarily from three building blocks of proteins called amino acids, including cysteine, glutamine, and glycine

Even moderate changes in glutathione levels in the body have a profound effect on the status of lymphocyte functions. You may recall from our earlier discussion that lymphocytes are the immune cells, known as natural killer cells, B cells and T cells, that attack invading bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. What’s more, the levels of this nutrient in your body could determine whether you have severe complications from an infection, and even whether you might live or die.

You might think that such an important, research-supported nutrient would be found in the medicine bag of every physician, yet most medical doctors have never heard of the nutrient, or ever studied it in school, and certainly do not prescribe it to their patients. Fortunately, a growing body of research brought this nutrient to the forefront of natural approaches to bacteria, viruses, and other conditions linked to harmful microbes, which may alert doctors to the importance of this readily-available nutrient.

Research in the International Journal of Medical Microbiology found that glutathione on its own or in combination with antibiotic drugs, may be effective in treating some bacterial infections,

Glutathione has been discovered as the potential missing link in the prevention and treatment of serious viral-related complications. According to research in the medical journal ACS Infectious Diseases, a deficiency in the nutrient known as glutathione may be the cause of severe complications or death due to Covid-19. Another study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences confirmed the findings that a glutathione deficiency may be beneficial in dealing with severe disease symptoms and death linked to Covid-19.

Earlier research in the journal Biological Chemistry may provide the answers as to why glutathione may provide protection against viruses (and as this study also showed, against infectious bacteria as well). The researchers found that glutathione regulated the immune response, which not only helps the body attack foreign invaders like pathogens, it also prevents the immune system from overreacting to produce cytokine storms, which are potentially life-threatening inflammatory conditions.

For those suffering from autoimmune conditions, glutathione is particularly beneficial. Research published in the journal Autoimmunity Reviews found that glutathione intake helped to regulate the body’s immune response.           

Poor nutrition, aging, stress, and exposure to environmental and food toxins cause glutathione levels to wane over time. Additionally, lack of sleep or insomnia may contribute to reduced glutathione levels in the body.           

Most glutathione supplements simply do not absorb well so you’re basically throwing your money away when you purchase them. After many years of searching, I found a liquid glutathione supplement that absorbs remarkably well and which I personally use with great success, including significantly improved energy, mental clarity, and healthier skin. All the people I’ve recommended it to have also reported improved energy, immunity, and overall feelings of wellness when using, as well as potent anti-aging effects when it is used topically on their skin. Check out these impressive glutathione-based products here.

 

Dr. Cook's Book Pain Erasers Wins Silver Nautilus Award

Woman's World Magazine Names PAIN ERASERS "Best New Book"

I'm thrilled to share that the number one women's magazine in the world named my new book PAIN ERASERS: The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to Safe, Drug-Free Relief "Best New Book." 

Here's what they had to say: "If you're like us, as you get older, all those once-little aches have become, well, a big pain. To the rescue: the new book by health expert Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD. In Pain Erasers, she offers easy, actionable tips for how to address chronic or acute back and neck pain, joint pain, headaches, tendonitis, whiplash, and more. With recipes for natural remedies and rich knowledge on how to use herbs, foods and oils, this guide will set you on a path to healing, so you can live a more active, joyful life--pain free!"

Adds Editorial Director of Woman's World and First for Women Magazines: "If you suffer from any kind of pain, you want to get your hands on this book--and the sooner, the better!"

 

blog post

A poppy from my garden in memory of those who sacrificed their lives to uphold goodness and decency against those who tried to justify the discrimination, segregation, and persecution of our fellow human beings.

Overcoming Anorexia—My Personal Story

I didn’t always have a passion for food and its ability to prevent or heal disease. When I was 13 I began suffering from anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder characterized by low body weight, a distorted body image, and an intense fear of gaining weight. Food, or the lack of it, was not the problem but a symptom of a much bigger issue: my almost non-existent self-worth.

While I was a straight-A student, good at sports, and heavily involved in extracurricular activities, no one saw the tortured person inside: the girl who struggled with becoming a woman, the person who could not achieve enough or meet the expectations of others around her, and the individual who hated her reflection in the mirror. 

At that time, I believed I was in love with a boy who sometimes seemed to feel the same way as I did and at other times couldn’t give me the time of day. I thought that if I just looked prettier, perhaps he would give me the love I longed for. And, I seemed to be receiving all the messages the fashion and women’s magazines, television ads, and others were sending: that prettier meant thinner. And so, at 95 pounds and absolutely hating myself and the body in which I inhabited I began my war on me. Food was the weapon I chose. I began starving myself.

I told my parents that I ate dinner at my friend Susanna’s house and I told Susanna’s family who regularly invited me to dinner that I had already eaten at home. I became a master of disguises, sporting baggy clothes, not so people wouldn’t see how thin I was becoming but because I didn’t want them to see how fat I looked. I simply could not see that I had gone beyond skinny; to me, I was fat. Periodically I assessed my reflection in the mirror and smiled when I noticed increasing evidence that my ribs were protruding. The last time I weighed myself I was 58 pounds at 5’2”. I pulled further away from my parents, my family, my friends, and my world.  I even knew that if I continued on this path, I would die but I couldn’t seem to stop.

At the same time the opportunity arose for me to take a three-week trip across Western Canada with friends of my parents. My parents thought I needed to get away from the boy whose attention I desperately sought, and considering that he lived next door that was hard to do. I instinctively knew that I needed to get some distance from him and the other people and circumstances in my life at that time so I agreed to join them.

That trip saved my life. There were no scales anywhere so I could no longer live my life by what the numbers indicated to me. I could no longer lie to people that I had eaten since I spent almost every waking moment with them. Their son, a hilarious kid, was like a little brother to me. He had me in stitches every day laughing at his endless jokes. I saw the Rocky Mountains that literally moved me to tears and helped me to see that I was a part of something much greater than myself. The stunning natural beauty of British Columbia made me realize the perfection of nature and that I was part of it so there must be something beautiful about me.

While this trip was right for me, I don’t advocate running away from eating disorders and instead recommend professional help for anyone who suspects she or he is dealing with such a severe life-threatening illness. But, for me, this trip helped me to gain perspective on my body, my life, and the world, in general. It truly initiated the healing process that saved my life. 

Of course, there was a lot of emotional and physical work to do to heal from this difficult disease that nearly took my life, but over many years I started to have a healthier relationship with my body and with food. I learned that I didn’t have to subject myself to ads, articles, or people who perpetuated the false notion that only skinny women are beautiful. I learned that beauty isn’t the size of a body, but the goodness in a person’s heart and soul. I slowly realized that I deserved to enjoy food, to like my body and myself, to heal, and to live. I learned that I could live without the attention or love I longed for from another person. I learned that I deserved to be happy but that I would have to be the person who made that happen. 

I also began to learn how food literally becomes the cells with which our bodies are made and that I needed to make wise choices in this regard. I discovered that, while eating disorders are mental illnesses, there are often many underlying nutritional deficiencies that need to be addressed. Along the way, I discovered that healthy food supported my energy and boosted my mood and helped me to see myself in a healthier way. I developed a passion for healing through a healthy relationship with high quality food that led to my becoming a nutritionist, professional recipe developer, and cookbook author.

I even grow a large percentage of my own fruits and vegetables in my garden, which helps me to view the miracle of life through nourishment. I went from using food as a weapon against myself to using it to help myself and others heal. I discovered a passion and a purpose on my path to heal from anorexia. I discovered myself.

[Note: Please don't believe the lies that fashion magazines, movies, and social media, among others, perpetuate: that only thin women are beautiful. Equally important, please don't perpetuate these potentially life-destroying myths and images through your social media and other places in society. They do far more harm than most people realize.]