I’m always on the hunt for natural, God-made remedies to help heal physical, mental, and emotional issues. So when I came across a recent study that shows blueberries might provide relief against PTSD and its symptoms, I was intrigued.
“How do they help?” you might ask.
In the new study, researchers at Louisiana State University looked at the ability of blueberries to modulate neurotransmitter levels in rats determined to exhibit PTSD. Researchers supplemented some of the rats with a blueberry-enriched (2 percent) diet and others with a control diet. A third control group did not have PTSD and received a standard diet (without blueberries).
They found that PTSD rats who did not receive blueberries demonstrated a predictable increase in NE and 5-HT when compared with the control group. However, the PTSD rats that received blueberries showed a beneficial increase in 5-HT with no effect on NE levels, suggesting that blueberries could effectively modulate neurotransmitters in PTSD.
These findings indicated that non-pharmacological approaches might modulate neurotransmitters in PTSD. Further studies to understand the molecular mechanism of neuro-protection by BB could provide a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PTSD.
What does all of this scientific jumbo mean?
Many times, God’s answers for our problems lie right out in the open. Food not only provides pleasure, but it’s also designed to strengthen us and provide healing. When we consume the right things.
A few years ago, I researched simple and natural ways to combat depression and anxiety. I discovered anti-depressant and anti-anxiety foods like cashews, bananas, green chile, red/orange peppers, oranges, and others, taste good and are readily available. But like other people I know, my tendency is to grab processed foods instead of what’s truly good for me. I’m not sure why.
In the time it takes to open a package and nuke a fake food substitute, I can peel vegetables and fresh fruit, or rinse them in vinegar water to wash the pesticides away.
One thing that works for me is advance menu planning. I also find, when I wash and cut up several servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, putting them in small containers, my tendency to consume the good stuff increases. Making homemade smoothies out of frozen veggies and fruits is another quick way to boost my mood and energy.
If I want to feel better, I need to resolve to take better care of myself. And now, I have one more scientific study to back up what God already tells me — choose wisely. By making the right decisions, I can live the life I want versus feeling stuck with what I get. God provides the answers, but it’s up to us to accept and use them. Now that I’ve said that, I think I’ll go eat some blueberries.
Did you know that one cup of blueberries every day can also lower your blood pressure?
Ezekiel 47:12 ESV
“And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”
Anita Brooks motivates others to dynamic break-throughs. Blending mind, heart, and spirit, as an Inspirational Business/Life Coach, International Speaker, and Common Trauma Expert.
Anita is also an award-winning author. Her titles include Amazon best seller: Getting Through What You Can’t Get Over, Barbour Publishing, First Hired, Last Fired — How to Become Irreplaceable in Any Job Market, Leafwood Publishing, Death Defied-Life Defined: A Miracle Man’s Memoir, and contributor to The Change: Insights Into Self Empowerment Book #4. Her books are available at major and independent bookstores, Amazon, plus several online retailers.
She fulfills her mission to help 21st century women and men make fresh starts with fresh faith by sharing what she’s learned through experience, interviews, and research. Anita shares hope and encouragement on her Fresh Faith Inspirations podcast.
Anita’s favorite pastime is watching sunsets with her husband of 30 years, while they laugh and dip their toes in the water. Her favorite passion is inspiring others to transform battles into victories.
You can connect with Anita on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, or Twitter. Keep up with Anita’s latest happenings at anitabrooks.com. Email anita@anitabrooks.com to request information on having Anita inspirationally speak or train at your next event.
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