For centuries food has been used to prevent and treat illness. We have all experienced and perhaps experimented with using food and beverages as remedies for various ailments.

• A glass of orange juice to prevent colds.
• Upset stomach? Ginger ale and crackers seem to soothe the nausea.
• If you have been on amtibiotics you may have been urged to eat yogurt or drink Nu-Trish milk to replenish your intestinal bacteria.
• Can't sleep at night? A glass of warm milk will help induce slumber.

Let's look at some of the science behind these at-home remedies. Ginger has been used in ancient Chinese medicine for over 2000 years as an antidote for abdominal discomfort including nausea and vomiting. Orange juice like Tropicana's orange juices, contains vitamin C which in a variety of studies "...reduced the duration and severity of cold symptoms...". Yogurt like Stonyfield organic yogurts contains probiotics which is what "active yogurt cultures" means on the label. Laura Lynn Nu-Trish milk also contains probiotics. These help promote the good bacteria in your gut. Milk contains the amino acid tryptophan which is converted to serotonin, a chemical in your brain, which is known to reduce anxiety and promote sleep.

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