‘You are what you eat,’ of a truth I tell you, the healing power of foods can never be overemphasised. The foods you eat can make or destroy you. In a world where nutrient-rich foods have been replaced by caffeinated, refined and sugary foods; it is essential to constantly remind people of the dangers of such foods and the need for a better nutritious and balanced diet. 

Although there are a ton of healthy foods that are bound to heal and improve the condition of one’s health, these foods have to be eaten in a certain way and backed by a certain lifestyle. 

I must mention that water is also a type of food and people tend to forget that a lot. And keeping that in mind, I shall start by discussing the role of water as a nutrient-rich food. 

The Healing Power of Water and Fluids 

No one can survive without water. The functions it plays in the body cannot be played by any other type of food. Now water plays two major roles – hydration and healing. If you think hydration only helps you feel refreshed, I hate to break it to you my sisterwoman and brotherman you are wrong. Hydration does so much more, and here’s what it does;

• Hydration retains moisture in body parts like bones, blood and brains. 
• Hydration helps the body expel waste through sweating, urinating, defecating, etc. 
• Hydration/water works as a lubricant for the bones and joints.  

Now these are just some of the benefits of hydration for the body. Moving on, let’s focus on the healing effect of water in the body.

Anyone suffering or recovering from an illness requires enough hydration to properly heal and recover. Hydration/water aids healing because it promotes the flow of more blood, heals soft tissue injuries, distributes oxygen around the body, regulates our temperature and delivers nutrients to the healing body parts. 

It is impossible to heal or live a healthy life without adequate water intake. It is recommended that men take 3.7 litres of water and women take 2.7 litres per day. However your water intake should also correlate with your weight, this is why you should drink half an ounce or an ounce for every pound you weigh. 

To enjoy the full benefits of water, you should do these things;

• Start your day with hot or warm water. 
• Drink your water whilst sitting
• Drink your water after meals. 

For more hydration, add beverages like milk, coconut water, watermelon juice, cucumber water and fruit-infused water. If you noticed, all the beverages mentioned here are natural and already have a high water content. Nevertheless, these drinks cannot and should not replace water in your diet. 

Balanced Meals For Comprehensive Healing 

My brotherman or sisterwoman, whether you are trying to heal from an illness, or surgery or improve your health in general, your diet or meals would have to go through a major change. A balanced healing diet should consist of pure foods, and in their natural state. 

These nutrient-rich foods possess the ability to purify one’s blood, reduce the risk of diseases and speed up the healing process. So here is a list of foods one must add to their diet.

Vegetables – Vegetables, specifically green ones are a powerhouse of nutrients ranging from vitamins A, B, &C, to folate, magnesium, etc. Some vegetables you need are; spinach, broccoli, kale, mustard greens, lettuce, and cauliflower.

Fruits – A majority of fruits are a good source of antioxidants and collagen which play a key role in wound healing. Here are fruits to add to your diet; berries like strawberries, blueberries, oranges, avocados, grapes, carrots, pineapples, cherries, apples, and dried fruits. 

Nuts and Seeds – These two foods are a great provider of nutrients like magnesium, manganese, zinc, protein, etc. and this is why they would make a fantastic addition to your diet. Ensure you eat foods, almond nuts, peanuts, pecans, walnuts, hemp, and sunflower seeds.

Practising what I call fruitarianism would go a long way in improving your health. It is important to eat five portions of fruits and vegetables every day. And of course, don’t forget to pair it with the required amount of water. 

To fully reap the benefits of the healing power of foods, you must take into consideration your lifestyle. 

Combining Nutrient-rich Foods and A Healthy Lifestyle

Of a truth, I tell you, one cannot exist without the other. You cannot make the most of nutrient-rich foods without a healthy lifestyle. 

To live a healthy lifestyle, you must;

• Cut out refined sugars and flour from your diet or reduce its intake. 
• Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and nicotine.
• Exercise or perform any form of physical daily
• Prepare your meals carefully 

A healthy lifestyle, nutrient-rich foods and proper hydration is the key to healing and healthy living. Your body cannot be healed or purified without this trifecta. Although, if you are currently struggling with a recurring illness, it would be wise to consult a professional.