Effective Natural Remedies as Counterparts to Drugs

natural remediesGreetings to you,

There is a great handy chart below that contains some of the top natural remedies.

These are well-known healthy counterparts for many common medications.  Add these powerhouse foods to your diet for any of the conditions shown.

An example of one of the best natural remedies is curcumin, the potent base nutrient of the spice turmeric.  Research from the journal “Foods” has shown that curcumin can help in the management of inflammatory conditions, metabolic symptoms, arthritis, anxiety, muscle soreness and high blood pressure.

Regarding high blood sugar, the Journal of Diabetes Investigation discovered that: “A higher intake of fruit (especially berries), green leafy vegetables, yellow vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts), is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.”

Raw tomatoes may be one of the best natural remedies for high cholesterol.  One study from Mexico found that fourteen servings of raw tomato per week for one month, resulted in a favorable effect on cholesterol levels in overweight women.

If you are taking any medications, be sure to check with your doctor before making any changes to their advice.

This news is provided to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural insomnia remedy with calcium and magnesium Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails and more energy.

Enjoy the chart below and put it to good use by adding these healthy foods!

Here’s to your health,

Jobee Knight
Nutrition Breakthroughs
natural remediesChart shared by courtesy of LiveLoveFruit.com

Studies Show Olive Oil for Sleep and Strong Bones

olive oil for sleepStudies are showing that olive oil is beneficial for many aspects of our health.

Olive oil can help strengthen the heart, support normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and can calm inflammation. 

The oil assists with good sleep, supports the brain, and may prevent strokes.  Stiff joints and arthritis can also be relieved with olive oil, especially when combined with fish oil (per Healthline.com).

Regarding olive oil for sleep, a recent study appeared in a journal that writes about the health of older people.  This study included 1,639 people and found that eating a Mediterranean type diet improves the quality of sleep in older adults.  The Mediterranean diet includes foods such as fruit, vegetables, olive oil, fish, nuts, seeds and whole grains. 

Olive oil is a key component of this way of eating – a tradition that has developed in the European countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea.

Those in the study that didn’t adhere to the Mediterranean diet as well, had poorer sleep quality. The adults in the study that followed the diet more closely reaped the following benefits: More sound sleep through the night, falling asleep more quickly, feeling well rested when they woke up and during the day, and they were happy about the amount of sleep they got overall.

Olive oil has also been proven to help bone strength.  According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation: “Osteoporosis and low bone mass are currently estimated to be a major public health threat for almost 44 million women and men aged 50 and older in the USA.”

A recent study from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health has discovered that olives, olive oil and their potent plant nutrients called “polyphenols”, have a high potential for strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis. Human research shows that daily consumption of olive oil can prevent a decline in bone mineral density. 

Some good ways to eat olive oil is to use it in salad dressings and on vegetables, rub it on meat and fish before cooking to keep it moist, use it instead of butter in sauces and gravies, spread it on fresh bread, and saute or cook food with it.

This natural health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and supplier of natural remedies since 2002. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes Sleep Minerals II, the effective natural sleep aid with calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D. 

The company also makes Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails and more energy.

Olive oil for sleep?

Regarding olive oil for sleep, a recent study of 1,639 people found that eating a Mediterranean type diet high in olive oil improves the quality of sleep. This diet includes foods such as fruit, vegetables, olive oil, fish, nuts, seeds and whole grains. The people in the study who ate this way were able to fall asleep faster, sleep longer and wake up refreshed.

Is olive oil good for osteoporosis?

A recent study from the International Journal of Environmental Research has discovered that olives, olive oil and their potent plant nutrients have a high potential for strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis. Human research reveals that daily consumption of olive oil can prevent a decline in bone mineral density. 

What are health benefits of olive oil?

Olive oil can help strengthen the heart, support normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels and can calm inflammation.  It assists with good sleep, supports the brain and may prevent strokes.  Stiff joints and arthritis can also be relieved with olive oil, especially when combined with fish oil

What is Metabolic Syndrome and Which Natural Remedies Work?

metabolic syndromeGreetings to you,

The word “metabolic” refers to the processes in plants and animals by which food is changed into energy or used to make cells and tissues.  A “syndrome” is a group of signs or symptoms that together indicate a particular disease or condition.

So, “metabolic syndrome” is a group of risk areas that increase the likelihood of developing diabetes, heart disease or stroke. These include high blood sugar levels, increased blood pressure, excess stomach fat and high cholesterol.

Fish and omega-3 foods for metabolic syndrome

Omega 3 fatty acids are a type of fat that we must get from our diet as the body can’t produce them on its own. This classifies them as “essential” fatty acids.  These include wild-caught fatty fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel and oysters, as well as fish oils, walnuts, flaxseeds, grass-fed beef and leafy greens. Omega 3 fats assist in reducing blood pressure, supporting a healthy heart and strengthening the eyes and brain.

The Journal of Physiology published a study on omega 3 fatty acids.  They reviewed the evidence on the effectiveness of eating omega 3 fish and fish oil supplements for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome.  They found that supplementing with Omega 3 sources improved obesity, insulin levels, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  They commented that the anti-inflammatory aspects of these fatty acids also offer good protection for the heart.

Flaxseeds for metabolic syndrome

Phytotherapy is a word that comes from the Greek word “phyton” meaning “plant”, and therapeuein” meaning “to take care of, to heal.” This is the term used to describe medical herbalism.

A study in the magazine “Phytotherapy Research” discovered that flaxseeds are a good remedy for metabolic syndrome by helping to reverse high blood sugar and obesity.  In the study, the participant’s body weight, waist circumference, and body mass index all had significantly greater reductions in the flaxseed group.  The researchers concluded that co-administration of flaxseed with lifestyle modifications is more effective than lifestyle modification alone in management of metabolic syndrome.

Vegetables and fruits for metabolic syndrome

In a study of Chinese adults, it was discovered that those with adequate vegetable and fruit intake had the lowest risk of metabolic syndrome.  Eating a good amount of these foods was significantly associated with reduced risk among adult residents of China.

Healthy vegetables to eat include dark leafy greens such as lettuce, kale and spinach, as well as avocado, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, olives, sweet potatoes, cabbage and others that are enjoyable.  Avocados in particular have been found to be related to improved overall diet quality, a healthy nutrient intake, and reduced risk of metabolic syndrome

Good fruits to eat include berries, applies, grapes, apples, pears and others.  Due to the natural sugars in fruit, It’s good to keep fruit in moderation and eat at least two or three times as many vegetables as fruit.

Magnesium for metabolic syndrome

A study from the journal “Diabetic Medicine” reports on the role of magnesium deficiency in metabolic syndrome.  They found that magnesium acts through many mechanisms in the body to help prevent this group of health disorders.  Magnesium has a positive effect on glucose metabolism and insulin, as well as beneficial effects on fat metabolism.

The authors of the study explain that magnesium actively promotes muscle relaxation and offsets calcium-related muscle contractions. This mechanism may explain the hypertension (high blood pressure) in metabolic syndrome that’s found in populations with magnesium deficiency.  (In supplements, calcium and magnesium should be taken together as they balance each other).

Dietary magnesium prevents chronic inflammation, a state that sets the stage for metabolic syndrome and its consequences.  Magnesium does this by preventing the activation of inflammatory changes.  The researchers concluded that the amount of magnesium a person consumes is directly related to the presence of metabolic syndrome or its absence. Good food sources of magnesium include almonds, beans, peas, seeds, banana, avocado, leafy greens and whole grains.

This natural health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and a supplier of natural remedies since 2002.  Nutrition Breakthroughs makes Sleep Minerals II, the effective natural sleep aid with calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D.

The ingredients in Sleep Minerals II can be helpful for a variety of health conditions.  I.C. of Ontario, Canada says: “I have diabetes, a thyroid condition, arthritis and other issues. The Sleep Minerals helps me sleep and gives me the minerals I need.  I also have arthritis throughout my whole body and the minerals help this a lot.  In fact, Sleep Minerals lessens all of my symptoms greatly and has helped me to go into remission.”

For more information, visit the Sleep Minerals II page.

News on Natural Remedies for Allergies and Hay Fever from Nutrition Breakthroughs

Allergies MSM Natural Remedy

Ahhh Chooooooo!  Twenty percent of Americans suffer from chronic allergies or hay fever and would like to benefit from natural remedies for the sneezing, runny nose, teary eyes and scratchy throat.

Allergies are the result of the immune system’s overreaction to a normally harmless substance, such as pollen, molds, animal hair or indoor dust mites.

Specifically, an allergy occurs when the immune system develops a sensitivity and attacks what it considers to be an invader.  When the substance enters the body, the body produces many antibodies in the blood to attack it.  The antibodies then bind to a certain kind of white blood cell and this binding causes the release of histamine, a chemical in the body which causes the uncomfortable, yet familiar allergy symptoms.

Remedies that have been proven useful for allergies include Nettle Leaf, Vitamin C, Quercetin, and air ionizers.  Quercetin belongs to a class of water-soluble plant coloring agents called bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids are found in many fruits and they aid in the absorption and metabolism of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).

Quercetin is often recommended as a treatment for allergies and asthma.  Several test tube studies have found it beneficial in stopping the release of allergenic substances and histamine in the body (Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology).

A study of the herb nettle leaf was published in the journal “Planta Medica”.  In this study, 58% of the people experienced less symptoms of hay fever, including sneezing and itchy eyes, after taking doses of nettles for one week.  Nettle leaf is high in vitamin C and trace minerals and is a rich source of chlorophyll.

Some people with allergies have experienced improvement in their symptoms after taking 1–2 grams of vitamin C per day (1,000 to 2,000 milligrams).  A buffered form of vitamin C such as calcium ascorbate may work better for allergy or asthma sufferers than regular vitamin C (per a study in American Journal of Digestive Diseases).

One group of researchers proved that vitamin C reduces the tendency of the lung’s bronchial passages to go into spasm (Annals of Allergy), and another study in China showed that people with more vitamin C in their diet had greater lung volume — meaning they could exhale more air than those eating less of the vitamin.

Negative ion therapy can be a wonderful relief to allergy sufferers. The air we breathe contains molecules with electrical charges, both positive and negative.  These minute electrified particles called ions, affect the environment in which we live and breathe. Researchers have shown that most of us who live, work and travel in closed spaces suffer some degree of negative ion starvation or the effects of too many positive ions.

Some allergy-provoking substances, such as dust and pollen, have a positive electrical charge.  Negative ions appear to counteract the allergenic actions of these positively charged ions on respiratory tissues and people have experienced considerable relief from respiratory allergies (from the Book: The Ion Effect).  A plug-in negative ion generator can work wonders in enclosed spaces.

Allergy symptoms can be greatly reduced with the right combination of herbs, vitamins, healthy food, and healthy air.

This health news is provided by http://NutritionBreakthroughs.  Since 2001 Nutrition Breakthroughs has been providing natural health articles and effective natural remedies.  Their mission is to provide nutritional supplements that get results and therefore help people to avoid drugs and their side effects.

Since 2009, their natural sleep remedy Sleep Minerals II has been keeping that promise –  with highly absorbable calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and zinc.  It soothes even the worst insomnia and helps everyone from teenagers, to menopausal women, to seniors to get a good night’s sleep.

K. C. of Homer, New York says: “I am writing to you a true believer of Sleep Minerals II.  I never write product reviews…. good or bad.  I had originally ordered your sleep minerals product and thought I would give it a try.  Well I had given it to the entire family.  We ran out of it and I really thought it wasn’t working.  I quickly realized within a couple nights that without them the entire household was not falling asleep as easily as they were before!  So I immediately ordered more.  I will not let that happen again.”

To learn more about Sleep Minerals II, click here.

Studies: Blueberry Benefits Eyes, Reduces Strain

Blueberries benefit eyesBlue and purple colored berries are delicious treats that provide many health benefits, particularly for the eyes. These fruits get their colorings from one of the plant kingdom’s most powerful substances – anthocyanins.

In one recent study, Japanese scientists in Tokyo studied the effects of black currant anthocyanins on work-induced computer eye problems and visual fatigue.

With a dose of 50 milligrams of black currant, there was a significant increased ability of the eyes to adjust to darkness, as well as reduced eye strain and improvement in symptoms of eye fatigue or vision problems. The study participants also described an added bonus of reduced lower back pain..

The bilberry fruit is a close cousin to the famous blueberry. During World War II, British fighter pilots reported improved nighttime vision after eating bilberry jam. One of the most important studies on bilberries was done by researchers at the Human Nutrition Research Center in Boston, MA. The researchers used an enriched extract of bilberry in a test tube along with human retina cells. The cells were exposed to oxygen damage and bilberry was shown to have a profound antioxidant effect – protecting and reversing the damage.

Bilberry removed the stress in eye tissue, which is a strong indicator that it can safeguard the eyes against disorders of aging such as macular degeneration (blurred vision), cataracts (cloudy vision) and glaucoma (eye pressure causing optic nerve damage). The results were published in the Alternative Medicine Review journal.

This news is brought to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a provider of natural health articles and effective natural remedies since 2001. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes the effective calcium and magnesium based natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, allergies, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.

Plants perfect for your office: Greens for health

By Eugene Feygin, one of the top writers for the Cafe Quill blog and Search Engine Optimization Manager at Quill.com

office plants

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This article is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective calcium, magnesium and vitamin D based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II
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While your office may not be your sanctuary, a few simple changes can positively affect the way you feel and work. For starters, you can add a little life to your workspace with plants. Office plants not only make a space more aesthetically pleasing, but can also reduce stress, deter illness, remove air pollutants, and improve concentration, memory, and productivity.

Thankfully, not all plants require a lot of maintenance. Some plants can also help create natural separation between desks, lounge areas, and meeting spaces. From snake and spider plants, to philodendrons and palms, we’ve got the low down on the best plants for your office.

This article is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective calcium, magnesium and vitamin D based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II.

5 Big Reasons to Eat Leafy Greens – Studies Show Health Benefits

Article provided courtesy of The Life Extension Foundation

Seeing green? It’s not pure coincidence. People are finally catching on to the health benefits of leafy greens and many are including them in their everyday diet. And it’s not all that surprising.

Greens are a great source of antioxidants (natural cell protectors), fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Plus, they’re also low in calories and carbs, making them an ideal food for those of us who are watching our waistlines.

Not feeling the green movement yet? Read on. Maybe this will finally sway you!

What Are Leafy Greens?

First, let’s clarify what we mean by leafy greens. They include (but are not limited to) spinach, watercress, bok choy, collard greens, chard, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, arugula, and the very popular kale.

Easy enough? Now let’s move on to their health benefits.

Leafy Greens May Prevent Diabetes

A British study revealed people who ate about one and a half servings of leafy greens a week were 14% less likely to develop diabetes.1

In this review, scientists investigated the intake of fruit and vegetables on the incidence of type 2 diabetes. In the analysis, leafy greens beat out other fruits and vegetables.

Leafy greens are great sources of magnesium and vitamin K, nutrients with anti-diabetic effects.

Leafy Greens Protect DNA

Exercise is great for your body, but there is a downside: The production of free radicals that can damage your DNA (the material in your cells that contains the genes). It turns out leafy greens may help with this too.

(A note from Nutrition Breakthroughs: free radicals are damaging molecules that come from a reaction of oxygen inside the body.  They come from pollution, smoke, medications, chemicals, a poor diet, and also as a byproduct of normal digestion, exercise and metabolism.

“Anti-oxidants (or anti oxygen substances) such as vitamins and healthy plant nutrients, can help to defend the body against free radical damage and repair it).

In a study, participants given watercress before workouts and for an extended period of time had less evidence of DNA damage compared to a control period.2

Leafy Greens May Prevent Chronic Disease and Heart Disease

The Nurses’ Health Study is one of the most important studies to date. It has examined the health habits of people over the years and has provided us with important health information.

In one analysis that included over 100,000 people, the intake of green leafy vegetables was associated with a lower risk of major chronic disease and cardiovascular disease over a 14-year period.3

The association was stronger for leafy greens than for other groups of fruits or vegetables.

Leafy Greens Protect your Vision

Of the many beneficial compounds in leafy greens, two are of particular importance to your eyes: lutein and zeaxanthin. They play a critical role in preventing macular degeneration, the most common cause of age-related blindness.4

Lutein and zeaxanthin are found naturally in your eyes. They act like natural “sunscreen,” filtering out harmful UV light, and act as antioxidants.

Lutein and zeaxanthin can also be found in dietary supplements.

This natural health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and supplier of natural remedies since 2002. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes Sleep Minerals II, the effective natural sleep aid with calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D, and also Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, arthritis, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails and more energy.

References:

  1. BMJ 2010 Aug 18;341:c4229.
  2. Br J Nutr. 2013 Jan 28;109(2):293-301.
  3. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2004 Nov 3;96(21):1577-84.
  4. J Ophthalmol. 2014;2014:901686. Epub 2014 Jan 23.Article provided courtesy of LEF.org (The Life Extension Foundation): 5 Big Reasons to Eat Leafy Greens.