Category Archives: natural remedies

Video: Sleep Remedies for Insomnia – Best Minerals to Take

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sleep remediesGreetings to you,

This brief video is an entertaining overview of the best minerals for creating a deeper, longer, more relaxing sleep.  In this article, we will go into more detail about each one of these sleep remedies.

There are four minerals that are researched and particularly proven to be good sleep remedies.

Calcium: This mineral is directly related to our cycles of sleep. In one study published in the European Neurology Journal, researchers found that calcium levels in the body are higher during some of the deepest levels of sleep, such as the rapid eye movement (REM) phase.

Adelle Davis is one of the earliest nutritionists to base her dietary recommendations on scientific research studies. Davis writes about the roles of calcium in her book “Let’s Eat Right to Keep Fit.” She suggests natural sleep remedies for insomnia and says: “A calcium deficiency often shows itself by insomnia, another form of an inability to relax. The harm done by sleeping tablets, to say nothing of the thousands of dollars spent on them, could largely be avoided if the calcium intake were adequate.”

Magnesium: In magnesium deficiency, chronic insomnia is one of the main, central symptoms. Sleep is usually agitated with frequent nighttime awakenings. On the other hand, a high magnesium diet has been found to be associated with deeper, less interrupted sleep. This was proven in a study done by James Penland at the Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota.

James F. Balch, M.D., author of Prescription for Nutritional Healing, writes that: “A lack of the nutrients calcium and magnesium will cause you to wake up after a few hours and not be able to return to sleep.”

Zinc: A study in a scientific journal found evidence indicating that zinc may be involved in the regulation of sleep. Their research concludes that the amount of sleep varies according to the amount of zinc in the blood, while orally administered zinc increases the amount and the quality of sleep in mice and humans.

Another study on zinc points in the direction that people taking extra calcium should also increase their zinc intake in order to prevent calcium from blocking zinc absorption into the body. The richest dietary sources of zinc are oysters, liver and beef, followed by nuts, popcorn, poultry and lamb.

Potassium: One recent study from the Journal “Sleep” researched the effects of potassium supplements as sleep remedies.  After one week of taking potassium supplements, there were significant improvements in the quality of sleep and less waking up during the night.

A deficiency of potassium can interfere with restful sleep due to the potential for stiff muscles or muscle spasms in the night. The blood needs to maintain a good balance between potassium and sodium (salt).  Potassium is found abundantly in fresh vegetables and fruits, so these are a good focus as opposed to eating a lot of processed or packaged foods containing high sodium.

One popular supplement containing many of these minerals is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs.  Richard P. of Parkville, Maryland says, “The Sleep Minerals are making quite a difference. I was regularly waking up at around 3:00 a.m. and after a few days use my sleep improved quite a lot. I wake up once a night to go to the bathroom, but the great thing is, I then fall back asleep and sleep several more hours. This has been a great improvement.”

Make good use of minerals in foods and supplements to ensure getting a great night’s sleep.  To learn more, visit the Sleep Minerals II page.

How to Sleep with a Snoring Spouse: Short Video

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snoring spouseGreetings to you,

If you’ve ever had to sleep with a snoring spouse, you’ll appreciate the practical and workable tips in this short video.

It covers the best positions for the snorer to sleep in, tips for them to sleep better, and some things that their mate can do.

Enjoy the video below and put it to good use as needed.

Here’s to your good health and great sleep,

Jobee Knight
Nutrition Breakthroughs
Maker of Sleep Minerals II

The Top 7 Foods for Beautiful Skin

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Hello from Jobee at Nutrition Breakthroughs,

Today’s video (below) will reveal the top 7 foods for glorious, glowing skin at any age.

High quality proteins from organic, grass-fed and wild-caught sea sources will provide the building blocks for healthy skin.

Drinking plenty of fresh, filtered water hydrates the skin and smooths wrinkles and lines.

Healthy fats such as avocado, salmon and nuts provide moisture and healing properties.

Raw vegetables and leafy greens can turn back the clock for our skin, as well as many other areas of our health.

Enjoy the video!

Jobee Knight
Nutrition Breakthroughs
Maker of Sleep Minerals II and Joints and More

Best Herbs, Vitamins and Minerals for Sleep

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minerals for sleepBy Dr. Tariq of the  Nishtar Medical University in Pakistan

Do you struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep during the night? After a hectic day, do you toss around in bed with a preoccupied, heavy head?

Finding the best supplements for better sleep can be frustrating with hundreds of ads and products on the internet.

Does our diet have a role in our sleep? What are the most proven natural sleep aids that have been revealed by scientific research? Read on to learn more about the best minerals, herbs, and vitamins for improving sleep at night.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), sleep problems are pretty common; in fact, about one-third of Americans do not get a good sleep. Sleep is as essential for a person as food is for a healthy life. A good amount of sleep is required for our brains to function properly.

Every day, good quality sleep enhances learning, memory, problem-solving, and creativity.

What’s more, lack of proper sleep is associated with anxiety, daytime drowsiness, and increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.1

Several supplements on the market contain natural sleep aids with herbs, vitamins, and minerals, but how do these supplements work, and which ones may be the best for an individual?2,3

The best thing to do is to try a small amount of each one of them separately and note the results in a journal. And then compare the results of each one as to which ones were the most beneficial.

HERBS THAT HELP YOU SLEEP

Here are some of the most well-known herbs for relaxation and better sleep.

CHAMOMILE

Chamomile is a herb that has been used for centuries to reduce anxiety, soothe your nerves, and help with sleep. It is normally used as tea or in capsules, as are most of the herbs for sleep.4,5

PASSIONFLOWER

Passionflower contains flavonoids which are a group of natural chemicals found in many herbs and fruits, possessing anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic (anti-cancer) properties. These act to reduce pain, calm the mind and help with sleep if added with other herbs like lemon balm.6

HOPS FLOWERS

Hops flowers contain a variety of compounds which remedy restlessness, nervousness and sleep difficulties. Pillows filled with these are also used for sleep.7

ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha root extract is a natural compound that induces sleep, improves sleep quality, and soothes the nerves to relieve stress. It can help a person sleep better throughout the night.8

 KAVA

Kava helps some people with sleep disorders. Kava leaves are dried and used in capsules or tablets. It helps to reduce anxiety and provide a calmer, less stressed state of mind.9

MINERALS FOR SLEEP

Many minerals affect the state of health of our bodies and their various systems. A few minerals stand out as bright stars in the sky for their ability to induce good sleep.

MAGNESIUM

Difficulty in sleeping throughout the night is the first symptom of magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium is the essential nutrient for better sleep. It helps the body prepare melatonin, a sleep hormone made in the brain that directly aids good sleep.12

Magnesium also relieves muscle tension and mental stress by helping to produce amino acids, for example, GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid – a signaling molecule in the brain).13

Magnesium is found in green leafy vegetables, avocado, bananas and yogurt.

CALCIUM

Calcium is among the essential nutrients that significantly impact sleep by affecting REM sleep (rapid eye movement sleep – a phase of sleep when your brain is more active and your eyes move faster). Decreased calcium levels affect sleep cycles and lead to difficulty getting deeper and longer sleep.14

Calcium is found in dairy products such as almonds, cheese, yogurt, leafy greens and sardines.  By taking the correct amount of calcium, the sleep cycles of our body can be corrected.

Calcium should be taken in balance with magnesium in a two to one ratio, with twice as much calcium as magnesium.

BEST VITAMINS FOR SLEEP

Sometimes vitamin deficiency can be a cause of sleep deprivation.   If one or more of these are deficient in the diet, a good night’s sleep can become more difficult to obtain.

VITAMIN D

Many experts say that vitamin D deficiency is associated with sleep disorders and if your blood levels of Vitamin D fall to a low level, it can lead to sleep disorders and restless leg syndrome. A person can get vitamin D from sunlight, eggs, salmon, and mushrooms. Supplements can also be used.15

VITAMIN E

Vitamin E is perfect for hair, nails, and skin, but it is also an important nutrient that has a vital role in improving sleep at night. There is a close relationship between memory impairment and sleep deprivation.

Vitamin E has regenerating and oxygenating effects in the brain that can help prevent sleep deprivation-induced memory impairment.16 Vitamin E is found in almonds, leafy greens, sunflower seeds, avocados, and olive oil.

VITAMIN C

People with low levels of vitamin C may have problems with falling asleep and staying asleep at night.17 If vitamin C is used along with Vitamin E, it may help reduce the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Citrus fruit is a rich source of vitamin C, as well as kale, kiwi, red peppers and stawberries.18

B VITAMINS

Vitamin B-6 plays a vital role in immunity and recalling dreams. It is also essential for the production of melatonin, which is necessary for deep sleep. Hence a vitamin B-6 deficiency may lead to sleep disorders.

Natural sleep-aids with the B vitamins should contain the whole spectrum such as B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, and B-12, etc., to avoid any imbalances. They work better together to reduce stress and create melatonin. 19,20

Vitamin B-12 is important for brain and red blood cell functioning. It also helps by regulating sleep-wake cycles and REM sleep.21

THE BOTTOM LINE

Getting a good amount of sleep is vital for good health. Several herbs, minerals, and vitamins can be effective in helping a person fall asleep better and stay asleep longer.  They can be found at health food stores and at nutritionist and chiropractic offices.

Some other good sleep tips would be to go to bed and get up at the same time each day, keep the bedroom cool and dark while sleeping, and use a comfortable mattress, In addition, do some daily exercise that you enjoy such as walking, get outside for some sunlight during the day, and wear earplugs and an eye mask while sleeping.

This natural health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, and more energy.

References:

  1. Saksvik-Lehouillier, I. et al. Mild to moderate partial sleep deprivation is associated with increased impulsivity and decreased positive affect in young adults. Sleep 43, (2020).
  2. Binks, H., Vincent, G. E., Gupta, C., Irwin, C. & Khalesi, S. Effects of Diet on Sleep: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2020, Vol. 12, Page 936 12, 936 (2020).
  3. Ji, X., Grandner, M. A. & Liu, J. The relationship between micronutrient status and sleep patterns: a systematic review. Public Health Nutrition 20, 687–701 (2017).
  4. Rafii, F., Ameri, F., Haghani, H. & Ghobadi, A. The effect of aromatherapy massage with lavender and chamomile oil on anxiety and sleep quality of patients with burns. Burns 46, 164–171 (2020).
  5. Chang, S. M. & Chen, C. H. Effects of an intervention with drinking chamomile tea on sleep quality and depression in sleep disturbed postnatal women: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Advanced Nursing 72, 306–315 (2016).
  6. Lee, J., Jung, H. Y., Lee, S. I., Choi, J. H. & Kim, S. G. Effects of Passiflora incarnata Linnaeus on polysomnographic sleep parameters in subjects with insomnia disorder: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. International clinical psychopharmacology 35, 29–35 (2020).
  7. Benkherouf, A. Y., Eerola, K., Soini, S. L. & Uusi-Oukari, M. Humulone Modulation of GABAA Receptors and Its Role in Hops Sleep-Promoting Activity. Frontiers in Neuroscience 14, 1100 (2020).
  8. Cheah, K. L., Norhayati, M. N., Yaacob, L. H. & Rahman, R. A. Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE 16, e0257843 (2021).
  9. Bruni, O., Ferini-Strambi, L., Giacomoni, E. & Pellegrino, P. Herbal Remedies and Their Possible Effect on the GABAergic System and Sleep. Nutrients 2021, Vol. 13, Page 530 13, 530 (2021).
  10. Abbasi, B. et al. The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences : The Official Journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences 17, 1161 (2012).
  11. Cao, Y. et al. Magnesium Intake and Sleep Disorder Symptoms: Findings from the Jiangsu Nutrition Study of Chinese Adults at Five-Year Follow-Up. Nutrients 2018, Vol. 10, Page 1354 10, 1354 (2018).
  12. Grandner, M. A., Jackson, N., Gerstner, J. R. & Knutson, K. L. Sleep symptoms associated with intake of specific dietary nutrients. Journal of Sleep Research 23, 22–34 (2014).
  13. Romano, F. et al. Vitamin D and Sleep Regulation: Is there a Role for Vitamin D? Current Pharmaceutical Design 26, 2492–2496 (2020).
  14. Alzoubi, K. H., Khabour, O. F., Rashid, B. A., Damaj, I. M. & Salah, H. A. The neuroprotective effect of vitamin E on chronic sleep deprivation-induced memory impairment: The role of oxidative stress. Behavioural Brain Research 226, 205–210 (2012).
  15. Otocka-Kmiecik, A. & Krol, A. The Role of Vitamin C in Two Distinct Physiological States: Physical Activity and Sleep. Nutrients 2020, Vol. 12, Page 3908 12, 3908 (2020).
  16. Grebe, M. et al. Antioxidant Vitamin C Improves Endothelial Function in Obstructive Sleep Apnea. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.200508-1223OC 173, 897–901 (2012).
  17. Aspy, D. J., Madden, N. A. & Delfabbro, P. Effects of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) and a B Complex Preparation on Dreaming and Sleep. Perceptual and Motor Skills 125, 451–462 (2018).
  18. Mayer, G., Kröger, M. & Meier-Ewert, K. Effects of vitamin B12 on performance and circadian rhythm in normal subjects. Neuropsychopharmacology 15, 456–464 (1996).

The Top 6 Stress Relief Remedies – Short Video

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stress reliefGreetings to you,

Are you stressed out?  Do you know anyone who has a lot of stress in their life?  This video will be a breath of fresh air for them.

Take a look and then feel free to share it with family or friends who would like it.  Here’s to relief from stress for all of us!

Jobee Knight
Nutrition Breakthroughs
Maker of Sleep Minerals II

True Story #3: Real Reviews from Real People for Nutrition Breakthroughs

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nutrition breakthroughs reviewsGreetings to you,

This is Jobee Knight from Nutrition Breakthroughs. Thank you for being a valued reader of the natural health discoveries I share!

This article is #3 in a series that tells the true story of how Nutrition Breakthroughs started and how it’s health articles and supplements came into being.

In the last article I talked about my own struggles with insomnia and how I finally solved it.  And also how I came to develop a nutritional product that would help other sleepless people to sleep better.

I had also seen people struggle with joint stiffness and pain that interfered with their lives and activities, so I created a product that remedies this.

Over the last nine years since providing these products, I’ve spoken with customers over the phone and in emails and helped them to do better.

When they need it, I help them to customize the use of the supplements to their own particular needs.

So now, moving forward to the present, Sleep Minerals II and Joints and More are both sold on the Nutrition Breakthroughs website and also on Amazon.

The Amazon’s Choice badge is proudly displayed on the Sleep Minerals II listing with the statement that: “Amazon’s Choice highlights highly rated, well-priced products, available to ship immediately.”

Here’s a sample of some real reviews from real people:

R. Boulos of Houston, TX. says: “I’ve been taking the Joints and More and it’s helping a great deal. After taking it twice a day, I notice that when I wake up in the morning the pain I was having in my front and back shoulders is almost gone.”

C. Drozdowski says: “After about a month of starting to take Joints and More my hair began growing like crazy. I figured if my hair was growing that fast, then maybe my nails would also. So I took my fake nails off and for the first time in my entire nail-biting life I have MY OWN nails! They are getting stronger with each passing week.”

Tammy M. of Meridian, Idaho says: “I was plagued with insomnia for five years and desperate for a breakthrough. Nothing has helped me more than Sleep Minerals — I’m so sold on them I could go door to door promoting them. I’m 60 years old and have never slept so soundly.”

Richard P. of Parkville, Maryland says: “The Sleep Minerals are making quite a difference. I was regularly waking up at around 3:00 a.m. and after a few days use my sleep improved quite a lot. I wake up once a night to go to the bathroom, but the great thing is, I then fall back asleep and sleep several more hours. This has been a great improvement.”

Be sure to let me know if you have any questions about how to have better sleep or stronger joints and bones.  You can email me at info@nutritionbreakthroughs.com.

Here’s to your good health and long life!

Jobee Knight
Nutrition Breakthroughs
Maker of Sleep Minerals II and Joints and More

Essential Ways to Sleep Better Despite Chronic Back Pain

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By Dr. Brent Wells, Doctor of Chiropractic

healthy sleepWhile everyone has trouble falling asleep now and then, if you find that you are frequently having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep because of back pain, you aren’t alone.

Poor sleep is a well-known cause of a wide range of both psychological and physical effects.  For one thing, it can be nearly impossible to find a comfortable sleeping position.  Another contributing factor is that while gentle exercising and walking can create better sleep, a lack of exercise due to chronic back pain makes sleep more elusive.

The Catch-22

One of the main issues is that sleeping poorly makes back pain worse and the worse your back pain, the less quality sleep you will have.

“Rapid Eye Movement” or REM sleep is one of the deepest, most necessary and health-rejuvenating phases of sleep. Your body may be more sensitive to pain when you can’t get some serious REM sleep.  A lack of quality sleep only increases inflammation, which contributes to pain and can also lead to depression.

Normal Quality Sleeping

Sleep isn’t just a nice past time; it is vital for the body’s overall functioning. Quality sleep, meaning REM sleep, allows the body to rest and conduct its needed functions, such as the removal of old hormones and the creation of new ones, and it can’t do this when the mind is awake.

While there is no true “normal” amount of sleep, most people need between 7 and 9 hours each night. Of course, some seem to operate fine on 6 hours and others need 11, but since one’s sleep requirements change during a person’s lifetime, there is no one perfect number of hours, only what is perfect for you.

Sleeping with Chronic Back Pain

If you suffer from chronic back pain, you might find getting enough quality sleep a real problem.

While it might seem impossible, there are plenty of ways you can try that have been shown to help those with lower back pain or chronic back pain get the sleep they desperately need.

Let me share with you the tips I give my patients when it comes to sleeping with back pain.

Essential Tips for Sleeping with Back Pain

Keep in mind that not everything will work for everyone. If one method doesn’t work for you, don’t be afraid to try something else.

Essential Tip #1- Eat Foods That Are Known to Stop Inflammation

It’s a fact that some foods encourage inflammation while others help to put out that fire. Inflammation causes pain, so the more you can do to stop inflammation, the less pain you will have. Some of the best anti-inflammatory foods include:

  • Green leafy veggies, such as spinach and chard
  • Fatty fish
  • Colorful fruits, such as cherries, blueberries, and strawberries
  • Nuts, including walnuts and almonds

Avoid foods that encourage inflammation such as fried foods, sugary treats, junk food and refined flour goods (such as cookies or white bread).

On a side note, eating more anti-inflammatory foods may not only help reduce your pain, but it can help prevent cardiovascular issues and might also prevent cancer.

Essential Tip #2- Get in at Least Some Stretching and Exercise Daily

I know, right about now, you are saying “How can I exercise when my back hurts so much?” This is another terrible Catch-22 in life. You need to exercise and stretch to stop back pain, but exercise and stretching hurt your back.

Nearly everyone can do at least some sort of exercise and stretching. I often recommend yoga stretches to my patients, since it’s a good way to do both. It might not be aerobic, but it will help to strengthen the muscles, as well as stretch them. Once you are feeling stronger, your back pain will be reduced, and you might be able to try some other forms of exercise.

Swimming and water aerobics are also an activity I highly recommend. If these are open at this time in your area, check with your YMCA, YWCA, or other community pools regarding classes.

Essential Tip #3- Try Natural Supplements

There are plenty of supplements that can help to reduce inflammation, as well as promote sleep. Some of the best ones would be calcium and magnesium, which have been proven to induce natural sleep and are directly related to our sleep cycles.

Anti-inflammatory supplements include curcumin, fish oil, ginger, and alpha-lipoic acid, or ALA. If you are unsure about interactions with your current medications or if you want to know more about which supplements might be best for you, consult with your primary care physician or chiropractor.

Essential Tip #4- Time for a Bed Check

You might think that your bed is just fine, but the truth is that most mattresses have a lifespan of only 10 years. If your mattress is more than 10 years old, you aren’t doing your back any favors by sleeping on it.

I know that mattresses can be expensive and if you are wondering which mattress would be best for your back, you might consider the Casper Wave mattress, as recommended by the American Chiropractic Association.

These are not terribly expensive, and you don’t need a fancy box spring or anything other than a flat surface to set it on. Casper also has a generous return policy. I’ve had many clients say that they were skeptics, but after just a few nights with this mattress, they slept like a baby.

Essential Tip #5- Pillow Talk

Many people sleep with the same pillow for decades, but like mattresses, these can wear out in as little as 4 years. If you also experience neck pain along with back pain, your pillow might be to blame. Try different pillows until you find the one that works best for you.

I also recommend body pillows. These long, very flexible pillows can be molded into many positions, allowing you to support your back and reduce back pain.

If you have tried all of the above and you still experience back pain that keeps you awake, it’s time to consult a professional. See your primary care physician or your chiropractor for practical advice and a health checkup.

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

About the Author:

Dr. Brent Wells founded Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab in 1998. He is a graduate of the University of Nevada where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree before moving on to complete his doctorate from Western States Chiropractic College. The goal for Dr. Wells is to treat Anchorage Alaska patients through physical therapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy, with care and compassion while providing them with a better quality of life.

Will chronic back pain ever go away?

In this article, Dr. Brent Wells, Doctor of Chiropractic, shares the tips he gives to his patients when it comes to remedying chronic back pain. The article includes how to sleep better, which foods to eat, gentle exercises and stretches, supplements to take, and tips for mattresses and pillows.

Studies Show Olive Oil for Sleep and Strong Bones

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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

How to Increase Melatonin for Sleep Naturally with Foods

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melatonin for sleepGetting a good night’s sleep is a satisfying, energizing, and vital part of a healthy life. 

However, per the National Sleep Foundation, almost six out of ten Americans report having insomnia at least a few nights a week.

This article shares some proven natural remedies for falling asleep faster, sleeping longer and enjoying a better night’s sleep.

Melatonin is a natural hormone made by a gland in the brain that helps regulate the sleep and wake cycles.  Researchers in recent studies have found that eating tropical fruits such as pineapples and bananas, as well as certain vegetables, can naturally increase melatonin in the body and help to improve sleep and remedy insomnia.

Melatonin levels start rising in the evening and go up to a peak level in the early hours of the morning, perhaps at around 2:00 or 3:00 a.m, and then it reduces.  Melatonin production also declines with increasing age. This may partially explain why some people can sleep fine for a few hours and then suddenly find themselves wide awake in the night and unable to go back to sleep.

The research study showing how tropical fruits increase melatonin was published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.  Thirty healthy volunteers ate one fruit at a time, with a one-week period left between fruits. 

Significant increases in melatonin were observed after eating pineapple (a 266% increase), banana (180%) and orange (47%).  The researchers made important discoveries about fruit consumption for those people with age-related melatonin deficiency symptoms such as sleeplessness and insomnia.

Eating more vegetables can increase melatonin levels in the body as well.  Ninety-four Japanese women participated in a recent study.  Half of the women ate high amounts of selected vegetables for 65 days, while the other half were told to avoid the same vegetables. 

At the end of the study, the average daily intake of melatonin from eating the vegetables was significantly higher than the non-vegetable group. Another Japanese study tracked consumption of vegetables such as tomato, pumpkin, spinach, radish, cabbage, carrot, etc., and discovered that there was 16% more melatonin in the women with the highest vegetable intake.

Supplements of synthetic melatonin are made commercially in a lab.  Because they often offer several milligrams per supplement, which is far more than the body makes naturally, common side effects of these supplements can include daytime sleepiness, dizziness, headaches, nightmares, anxiety or irritability.  Melatonin supplements are usually only recommended for short-term use as they can inhibit the body’s own ability to manufacture melatonin.

In addition to fruits and vegetables, the brain can be assisted in its melatonin production by taking calcium supplements. William Sears, M.D. writes: “Calcium helps the brain use the amino acid tryptophan to manufacture the sleep-inducing substance melatonin. This explains why dairy products, which contain both tryptophan and calcium, are one of the top sleep-inducing foods.” 

It’s important to note that a balanced ratio of calcium and magnesium, that uses twice as much calcium as magnesium, is important to overall health and that these two minerals should be taken together for best results.

Digestibility and absorption are important factors in selecting the best forms of calcium and magnesium to use. For example, Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs is a natural insomnia remedy that contains highly absorbable forms of these minerals and it is effective for sleeplessness and insomnia, as well as for heart health, restless leg syndrome, bone strength, menopause insomnia and teenage insomnia.

Sleep Minerals II also contains vitamin D and zinc which are beneficial to immunity, and it’s delivered in a softgel form mixed with natural rice bran oil.  This creates a creamy paste inside that makes it better assimilated than tablets or capsules and it provides a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.

Kimberly B. of Troy, Michigan says: “I have been taking Sleep Minerals II for about a month now. I have tried everything out there and this supplement is amazing. I have suffered with insomnia for 2 1/2 years. I have also had restless leg syndrome my entire life and this is the first relief I’ve ever had…gone for a month now.”

Richard P. of Parkville, Maryland says: “The Sleep Minerals are making quite a difference.  I was regularly waking up at around 3:00 a.m. and after a few days of use my sleep improved quite a lot. I wake up once a night to go to the bathroom, but the great thing is, I then fall back asleep and sleep several more hours.  This has been a great improvement.”

Fruits, vegetables and absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium are good remedies to increase melatonin in the body and help with better sleep.  For more information, visit the Sleep Minerals II page.

What foods are high in melatonin?

Walnuts, almonds, tart cherries, tart cherry juice, nut butters, whole grains, kiwis, pineapples, bananas and oranges. Yogurt is also a good choice. Teas that help with sleep and relaxation include chamomile, lemon balm and passionflower.melatonin for sleep

 

Chamomile Tea Benefits: Healthier Sleep, Stomach, Skin, Bones, Good Health

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chamomile tea benefitsChamomile flowers are a member of the daisy family, with their bright gold cones that shine in the center of white petals. There are many proven chamomile tea benefits for health.

With more than one million cups of chamomile tea consumed every day and supplements of chamomile capsules, liquid extracts, ointments, and essential oils in wide use, chamomile is one of the most highly used and research-proven medicinal plants.  It has been studied for use with insomnia, heart conditions, colds, inflammation, skin eczema, upset stomach, osteoporosis, anxiety, sore throat, wound healing and more.

Chamomile for Sleep and Insomnia

Chamomile has long been used as a natural sleep aid and insomnia remedy.  The powerful oils contained in its flowers provide a calming effect for sleeplessness, nervousness and anxiety.  In one study, heart patients were given chamomile tea and fell into a deep sleep.  From another study with animals that was done in Japan, calmness and relaxation were increased and the time needed to fall asleep was significantly reduced.  Another study showed that chamomile greatly reduces anxiety and increases well-being.

Stomach Conditions Helped by Chamomile

Chamomile is one of the main “go to” herbs for digestive disorders like upset stomach, ulcers, diarrhea and gas.  It helps to relax muscle contractions, particularly in the smooth muscles that make up the intestines.  In one journal study from Switzerland, the herbal combination of iberis (an herb in the cabbage family), peppermint and chamomile were shown to be effective in the treatment of stomach indigestion, irritation and inflammation.

Eczema and Skin Conditions

Inflammation of the skin is widely treated and remedied by topical chamomile preparations.  It has the ability to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and help with eczema and other skin inflammations.  In a European medical journal, a cream with chamomile extract was tested against a hydrocortisone cream.  After a 2-week treatment, the chamomile cream showed a mild superiority in effectiveness over hydrocortisone.

Osteoporosis, Bone Health and Chamomile

In the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, chamomile extract was studied for its ability to prevent the bone loss that can occur as people age.  Chamomile demonstrated the ability to help mineralize bone cells and showed an anti-estrogenic quality.  The researchers noted that this may be due to chamomile having a quality as a possible regulator of excess estrogen in the body.

Calcium and Chamomile – A Winning Duo

Calcium is also directly related to our good sleep. In one study, called “The Nutritional Relationships of Magnesium”, the author notes that the type of insomnia associated with a calcium deficiency causes difficulty with falling asleep.  This same study says that “Muscle cramps associated with a calcium deficiency often occur at night and without exertion.”

In another study published in the European Neurology Journal, researchers found that calcium levels in the body are higher during some of the deepest levels of sleep, such as the rapid eye movement (REM) phase when most dreaming occurs.  This study discovered that disturbances in sleep, especially the absence of REM deep sleep or disturbed REM sleep, are related to a calcium deficiency.

Best Minerals for Sleep: Calcium and Magnesium

One natural insomnia remedy showing good results is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs.  This sleep aid contains powerful forms of calcium and magnesium, the best known minerals for relaxation and sleep, as well as for restless leg syndrome, stomach health, teenage insomnia and menopause insomnia.  The ingredients include vitamin D and zinc and are formulated in a softgel with healthy oils, making them more quickly absorbable than tablets or capsules and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.

Kimberly B. of Troy, Michigan says: “I have been taking Sleep Minerals II for about a month now. I have tried everything out there and this supplement is amazing. I have suffered with insomnia for 2 1/2 years. I have also had restless leg syndrome my entire life and this is the first relief I’ve ever had…gone for a month now.”

Richard P. of Parkville, Maryland says: “The Sleep Minerals are making quite a difference.  I was regularly waking up at around 3:00 a.m. and after a few days use my sleep improved quite a lot.  I wake up once a night to go to the bathroom, but the great thing is, I then fall back asleep and sleep several more hours.  This has been a great improvement.”

Summary for Chamomile and Calcium

Anyone who has a strong allergy to plants like daisies or ragweed (with its tiny green flowers) should start with a very small amount of chamomile, whether using it as a tea, supplement or skin ointment.  Most people can gain benefits from chamomile without any reactions.  It is one of nature’s most potent herbs and can help with calming insomnia, anxiety, muscle spasms, PMS, skin inflammations, stomach disorders, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, arthritis and more.

As a first line of defense against sleeplessness and insomnia, chamomile and calcium are good bets.  Coming from the worlds of herbal and mineral sleep aids, they are normally taken safely without addictive qualities or side effects.

This natural health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and supplier of effective natural remedies since 2001. 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, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails and more energy.

Why does chamomile make you sleepy?

Chamomile has long been used as a natural sleep aid and insomnia remedy. The powerful oils contained in its flowers provide a calming effect for sleeplessness, nervousness and anxiety.  In one study, heart patients were given chamomile tea and fell into a deep sleep.

What are the health benefits of chamomile?

Chamomile is one of the most highly used and research-proven medicinal plants.  It has been studied for use with insomnia, heart conditions, colds, inflammation, skin eczema, upset stomach, osteoporosis, anxiety, sore throat, wound healing and more.

Why is chamomile tea good for you?

Chamomile is one of the main “go to” herbs for digestive disorders like upset stomach, ulcers, diarrhea and gas. It helps to relax muscle contractions, particularly in the smooth muscles that make up the intestines. Chamomile also has the ability to help mineralize bone cells and strengthen bones.