Sleep Foods: Almonds Contain Melatonin and Magnesium for Better Sleep

sleep foodsIn the quest for a good, restful night’s sleep with less tossing and turning, people are reaching out to learn more about natural sleep aids and sleep-inducing foods.

At the top of many sleep foods lists are almonds – a healthy food that’s high in two of the best-known sleep substances – magnesium and melatonin.

Melatonin is a hormone that’s produced by a gland located in the center of the brain. At night or in the dark, this gland naturally releases melatonin to regulate the sleep cycle. A recent study appeared in the journal Nutrients called Dietary Sources of Melatonin.

The researchers in this study say that in the realm of plant foods, nuts contain the highest amount of melatonin.  Almonds, walnuts and pistachios have good amounts of it.  The study goes on to say it’s a proven fact that melatonin concentration in human blood can significantly increase after a person eats some melatonin-containing food.

Almonds are a special nut as they contain the highest magnesium levels. One ounce of almonds, which is about a handful or 23 nuts, contains 80 milligrams of magnesium.  This is 20% of the suggested daily value of 400 milligrams.

Magnesium has the ability to promote sleep and this is thought to be linked to its actions in lessening inflammation in the body.  In a study from the University of Medical Sciences in Iran, research was done with 46 adults who were experiencing insomnia. Taking two magnesium tablets twice a day resulted in significant increases in sleep duration and reduced cortisol levels in the body.  Cortisol is a stress hormone made by the adrenal glands that can keep people awake.

A study on almonds as a sleep food for animals was reported in the Journal of Natural Medicine.  A water-based extract of almonds was used in the study.  With the almond extract, the scientists observed a significant prolongation of total sleeping time as well as significant increases in the deepest levels of sleep. The results suggest that a water-based extract of almond has significant sedative effects, which may support its therapeutic use for insomnia.

To increase magnesium in one’s diet, almonds can be eaten as a snack before bedtime and may also be used in any recipe that calls for walnuts, pecans or other nuts.  Some ideas are to include them in granola mixtures, baked goods, fruit salads, vegetables and yogurt.  Soaking raw almonds in a bowl of water overnight and drying them in the oven at low heat is known to increase their nutritional value and help with digestion, however this isn’t necessary in order to enjoy their benefits.

One magnesium-based supplement shown to be effective for insomnia is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs.  This formula contains highly absorbable forms of magnesium and calcium, which are the best minerals for sleeplessness and insomnia, as well as for menopause insomnia, teenage insomnia, heart health, restless legs syndrome and bone strength.

Sleep Minerals II also includes vitamin D and zinc and is delivered in a softgel form with healthy carrier oils, making it more quickly absorbable than tablets or capsules and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.

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 II – 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.”

A healthy plan for good sleep is to make good use of magnesium-rich foods such as almonds and also include an effective magnesium and calcium supplement for natural relief of sleeplessness.

This 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.

Proven Benefits of Full Fat Dairy: Healthy Weight, Bones, Sleep

full fat dairyWhen was the last time that you purchased whole, full fat yogurt or cheese and ate it without a second thought?

You may be enjoying these foods, but on the other hand, you may prefer non-fat or skim-type dairy foods as they’re supposedly healthier for us.

This isn’t by accident. Full-fat dairy has been shunned by U.S government guidelines for many years. Even today, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that only babies under the age of 2 should drink whole milk. In addition, school lunch programs provide only low-fat milk and no whole milk at all,

As a result, it’s long been expected and encouraged that children and adults only eat low-fat dairy or non-dairy alternatives. But is our avoidance of whole, full-fat dairy justified?

Instead of threatening the body’s health, recent research now suggest what many natural health experts have known all along: full-fat dairy supports our overall health and offers incredible benefits.

European studies have even suggested links between full-fat dairy and lower rates of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. The fats in whole dairy may also play a role in beneficial hormone regulation.

The Many Health Benefits of Full-Fat Dairy

While non-fat dairy offers less than 10 mg of omega 3 fatty acids (healthy fats) per cup, whole, full dairy contains 183 mg per cup! This is a dramatic difference considering that omega-3’s are known to improve risk factors for heart disease, fight inflammation and boost brain health.

Whole dairy is also rich in vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin that depends on the fat content to be absorbed into the body and to be used to generate energy, strengthen the immune system and so much more.

In addition, full-fat dairy is designed to nourish the body, so it is loaded with other nutrients like calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, and selenium.

Together, the contents of whole dairy support the body’s well-being in many ways:

  • Strong, healthy bones
  • Lower risk of obesity
  • Improved brain health
  • Natural sleep remedy
  • Longer lifespan

Whole Dairy and Better Sleep

Warm milk is a well-known and time-tested sleep remedy thanks to its high concentration of magnesium and calcium. Both of these nutrients promote rest and relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of the body responsible for slowing the heart rate and conserving energy.

In fact, magnesium and calcium trigger the same chemical messengers as sleep drugs like Ambien, which are designed to treat sleep problems but come with many side effects.

If you want to enjoy the powerful mineral-based sleep benefits of whole dairy, consider also using a mineral-based sleep remedy like Sleep Minerals II. These natural sleep aids are growing in popularity as more and more people are seeking to achieve high-quality sleep without the use of sleep drugs.

Sleep Minerals II contains highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium.  It’s effective for sleeplessness and insomnia, as well as for heart health, restless leg syndrome, bone strength, menopause insomnia and teenage insomnia. It also contains vitamin D and zinc and is delivered in a softgel form mixed with natural rice bran oil, making it better assimilated than tablets or capsules and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.

L.R.C. of Massachusetts says: “I had become dependent on sleeping drugs and couldn’t sleep without them.  Now I take the Sleep Minerals before bed and I can sleep through the night without drugs.  I’m also able to easily fall back to sleep if I do have to get up.  Another benefit is that this helps alleviate my chronic fatigue and aches and pains.”

With the healthy and effective sleep remedies out there, you should never have to toss and turn through a restless night or resort to sleeping drugs.

And if you aren’t already, you may consider adding some full fat dairy to your diet to benefit from its many health improvements.

For more information on Sleep Minerals II, visit this page.

Get Ten Percent off Sleep Minerals II for Christmas

Sleep Minerals II

 

Greetings to you,

In celebration of Christmas, Nutrition Breakthroughs is giving you a present of ten percent off Sleep Minerals II when you order before December 17, 2018.  And if you have a friend or loved-one who has insomnia or sleeplessness, you can give them the gift of better, deeper sleep for the holidays.

Simply click the link below and enter “Christmas 2018” in the coupon code space when you check out.

https://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/sleep-minerals-ii-effective-natural-sleep-aid-for-insomnia-nutrition-breakthroughs/

Here are a couple of testimonials we received recently:

Marilyn W. of Riverside, California. says: “I decided to try an experiment.  I was running out of the Sleep Minerals II so I decided to see if they were really helping me in any way.  Now I know they were definitely helping me sleep and were definitely helping me with my hot sweats.  I have not slept well lately and the hot sweats are worse than they’ve ever been.  I ordered a bottle of Sleep Minerals last night and I can hardly wait to get the new bottle.”

Julianne H. of Canada says: “I continue to tell my friends about how Sleep Minerals II has changed my life.  I am fully retired now but still remember driving to work and wondering if I would make it there due to sleep deprivation.  And the debilitating leg cramps that used to occur every night have now become history.  My legs were sore even into the next day.  It’s great to be sleeping so much better, no more sore legs, and my calcium levels are being kept constant.”

Stephanie K. of Indianapolis, Indiana says: “I’ve been taking Sleep Minerals II for almost a year now.  My journey with insomnia started three years ago and I thought I would never get a good night’s sleep again.  I was put on a variety of anxiety medications, none of which worked nearly as well as Sleep Minerals II.  I am absolutely 1000% satisfied with this product and have even given recommendations to my friends and family when they’ve discussed their sleep issues with me.”

Sleep Minerals II is great for people and families of all ages. It is a unique formula containing highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium, the best minerals for sleeplessness and insomnia, as well as for heart health, restless legs syndrome, bone strength, menopause insomnia and teenage insomnia.

The formula also includes vitamin D and zinc and is delivered in a softgel form with healthy carrier oils, making it more quickly assimilated than tablets or capsules and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.

To get your discount on Sleep Minerals II, click the link below before December 17, 2018 and use the coupon code “Christmas 2018” at check-out.

https://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/sleep-minerals-ii-effective-natural-sleep-aid-for-insomnia-nutrition-breakthroughs/ 

Here’s to good sleep for you and for those you care about.

Best of health

Jobee Knight
Nutrition Breakthroughs
Toll-free U.S. (888) 861-0326
International: (818) 913-4308

How to Take Sleep Minerals II, the Effective Natural Sleep Aid

Greetings to you,

This is Jobee from Nutrition Breakthroughs. I would like every customer of Sleep Minerals II to get the full benefits of the product and enjoy the restful, deep sleep they desire.

Here are some tips and advice I’ve put together over the years, from learning how to coach people to use the product successfully.

Sleep Minerals II is the original drug-free calcium and magnesium formula for better sleep. It calms sleeplessness and insomnia and helps you to relax, fall asleep and sleep deeper.

It’s also helpful for heart health, restless leg syndrome, bone strength, menopause insomnia, muscle cramps, premenstrual syndrome and teenage insomnia.  As well as containing calcium and magnesium, Sleep Minerals II contains vitamin D and zinc and is delivered in a softgel form mixed with natural rice bran oil, making it better assimilated and absorbed than tablets or capsules and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.

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 week or so my sleep improved quite a lot.  I wake 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.”

Here are the tips on using Sleep Minerals II:

1) Some of my customers have asked me with amazement: “What is in this product? Is it really all-natural?” I want you to know that even though the product is effective at helping people fall sleep or get back to sleep in the night, it is made from only natural minerals and vitamins — it’s just a potent formula.  Sleep Minerals II is a safe product.  The factory that makes it has been certified as having Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and all ingredients are sourced in the USA.

2) Keep the bottle of softgels by your bed. For difficulty falling asleep, take 1 softgel with water 30 to 45 minutes before bed.  Go to the bathroom before bed so you’re not woken up to go too often during the night.   If you are sensitive to supplements or minerals, start with 1 softgel for several nights. In any case, its best to stay with one softgel for about a week.

If after a week or so you are unable to get to sleep, increase to 2 softgels before bed.  Reduce the dose if you become drowsy during the day or your bowels become too loose.  Use 1 softgel for kids over 10.

3) Gradually building up the minerals in your system is the best approach to gaining better sleep.  It may take days or weeks of use to get the best results.  Some people start noticing good effects after the first or second week of use – some sooner, some later.  Be sure to continue taking the product as consistency is the key.

4) If you are taking the product before bedtime and have a drowsy feeling in the morning or your bowels become too loose, you can take it earlier than at bedtime. For example, take it with dinner or an hour or two before bedtime with a snack.  The food will act as a buffer to help avoid any stomach upset from the minerals.

If one softgel continues to be too much, you can gently bite one end open and squeeze half the contents of a softgel into your mouth or onto some food.  You can also open the softgel with the sharp point of a knife  This is also a good approach if the softgels are too big for you to swallow. Save the other half in a baggie or other container.

This is worth doing if you find you need to, as some people require less.  Even if you’re taking just half a softgel, it’s important to be consistent with it.  Another option is to take a half before bed and another half if you wake up and can’t get back to sleep.  If you find it works for you, a whole one can be taken before bed and another one during the night.  Over time, taking the additional one during the night may not be needed.

5) Note: If someone takes too much calcium for them, the formula may have a stimulating effect and keep them awake.  If this occurs, reduce the amount you’re taking and it should have a more relaxing effect.  If you’re only taking one, you can bite the end open and take just part of a softgel.

Here are some additional tips I have found to be helpful for improving one’s sleep:

* Take a walk outside each day.  Walk around and look at the surroundings and find things you have never noticed before.  It is more of an extroverting activity rather than the exercise factor.  If you look at a computer a lot of the day, find some large things outside to see such as buildings, trees, clouds, etc.  Look for things that are a different size or shape than the things you normally look at inside. This can refresh you and allow relaxation and sleep to occur better.

* Try your best to turn off any electronics an hour before bedtime (computer, TV, texting, etc.) and do something relaxing just before bed.

* If you are taking any medications in the evening, its best to take them an hour or two apart from the Sleep Minerals.  This is because each thing may have a different effect and it works better to keep them separate.

I look forward to staying in touch with you and to hearing any questions, comments, or beneficial improvements to your sleep.  Let me know how you do by emailing me at info@nutritionbreakthroughs.com.

For more information on Sleep Minerals II, visit this page.

Best of health,

Jobee Knight
Nutrition Breakthroughs

Studies Show Natural Remedies for Restless Leg Syndrome and Insomnia

Restless Leg Syndrome as a disruptive condition that affects the nervous system and up to 10% of the U.S. population have some form of it.

It results in an irresistible urge to move the legs (and sometimes the arms), often accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the legs such as creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling or pain.

Because RLS most often occurs in the evening, it can disrupt sleep, contribute to insomnia, and reduce a person’s quality of life.  RLS tends to run in families.  A few natural remedies have been shown to help calm the symptoms of restless legs.

The B vitamins are nourishing and essential for the good nervous system health.  A study from the journal “Alternative Medicine Review” found that administration of folic acid (one of the B vitamins) alleviated the symptoms of RLS and may play a role in the treatment of primary, familial RLS.  As a note, the B vitamins work together as a group and should be taken together in a supplement. This will prevent creating a deficiency in the others by taking only one of the whole group, such as folic acid (also known as vitamin B8).  Some of the other B vitamins include thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and niacin (vitamin B3).

In the article “Restless Leg Syndrome Responds to Calcium” by Peter Gott, M.D., he says: “Calcium has been found to be helpful in relieving nocturnal (night time) leg cramps, and some RLS sufferers have also found that it is beneficial in preventing symptoms when taken just prior to sleep…… Other deficiencies, most notably iron, magnesium, folic acid and B vitamins, are also known to cause RLS symptoms in some.”

A recent study published in the journal of “Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise” gave the results of various forms of exercise on people who suffer with periodic leg movements (PLM).  PLM is a night-time condition with similar symptoms to RLS in which sufferers experience a repetitive cramping or jerking of the legs during sleep.  The results showed that both intense short-term exercise and longer term exercise lowered the symptoms and greatly aided with falling sleep and staying asleep.  (A tip would be to exercise earlier in the day as it may be stimulating if done too close to bed time).

Magnesium deficiency is a key factor in RLS.  Studies in the Journal “Sleep” and the “Romanian Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry” have found magnesium to be an effective natural therapy for RLS.  Insomnia remedies should have a 2 to 1 ratio of calcium to magnesium (twice as much calcium as magnesium).  The original research on this ratio appeared in 1935 in the Journal of Physiological Reviews.

Andrew Weil, M.D. says that using drugs for restless leg syndrome – many of which have serious side effects – should be employed only as a last resort.  He suggests RLS sufferers take a calcium/magnesium supplement at bedtime, do some form of daily exercise, stretch or massage their legs, take a hot bath to relax the legs, and stop smoking if they do so, as smoking may impair blood flow to the leg muscles.  Since caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can trigger symptoms, avoiding all three substances can also bring relief.

One natural sleep remedy showing good results with restless leg syndrome is Sleep Minerals II made by Nutrition Breakthroughs.  It contains highly absorbable forms of the best minerals and vitamins for relaxation: Calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D. The ingredients are delivered in a softgel form with carrier oils, making them more easily assimilated than capsules or tablets and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.

A Sleep Minerals II user in Missouri says: “This combo in softgel form really works to calm nerves and restless legs, often in as little as 20 minutes.  I’m at mid-life and I find that going too many days without this product and I am edgy and anxious, AND I don’t sleep well.”

Anne B. of El Dorado Hills, California says: “We find the Sleep Minerals very helpful for my husbands restless leg syndrome. He does not do well on many medications and the drug that the doctor prescribed him for this condition was full of bad side effects. Out of pure desperation, I researched the internet and came up with an article about the Sleep Minerals II and decided to try them. Sleep Minerals have been wonderful and we are both now getting a good night’s sleep.  Bob continues to sleep much better and with very little if any movement in his legs. We are both grateful for this product and are glad to see that something as natural as Sleep Minerals II can have such a positive result.”

For more information on Sleep Minerals II for restless leg syndrome and insomnia visit the Sleep Minerals II page.

B Vitamins Can Remedy Insomnia: Sleep Research

remedy insomniaB Vitamins Can Remedy Insomnia: Sleep Research

Those of us who have experienced insomnia know what its like to toss and turn through the night trying to get some good sleep.

And then the next day can be filled with brain fog, irritability, exhaustion and just not quite feeling like one’s usual self.

Some will turn to sleeping drugs, only to find the effects wearing off over time and the side effects strong.

On the other hand, nutrition can be one of the most essential supports and defenses in winning the battle to achieve calmer, deeper, longer sleep.  There are some vitamins and nutrients in particular that have been shown in research studies to soothe a person’s frequent awakenings and improve overall sleep.

B vitamins can come in very handy for those experiencing insomnia or restless leg syndrome (also known as RLS).  Those who have restless leg syndrome undergo unpleasant sensations in the legs described as creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling or painful. They often suffer with chronic insomnia and sleeplessness due to the strong urge to walk or do other activities to relieve sensations in their legs at night.

One study from the journal “Sleep Medicine” published the results of 28 elderly patients who had severe RLS with night time leg cramps that disturbed their sleep.

They were given B complex capsules containing B-1, B-2, B-6 and B-12.  The study authors observed that after 3 months, 86% of the patients taking vitamin B supplements had prominent remission of leg cramps, whereas those taking the placebo had no significant difference.

In this study, treatment with vitamin B complex significantly reduced the frequency, intensity, and duration of night time leg cramps. Because vitamin B complex is a relatively safe and effective alternative to quinine, the main drug used for RLS, they feel that doctors should reconsider using drugs and change the usual treatment of choice for night time leg cramps.

One’s overall brain health is closely related to healthy sleep.  From the same study in “Sleep Medicine”, the authors noted that thiamine or vitamin B-1 deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, intestinal symptoms, memory loss and disturbed sleep. They also point out that Parkinson’s disease sufferers generally have low levels of niacin or vitamin B-3, a deficiency of which can also cause insomnia and sleeplessness.

Another point from the article is that vitamin B-6 is a necessary co-factor in the creation of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein.  The importance of this is that brain chemicals such as serotonin and melatonin are made out of the amino acids tryptophan.  Serotonin and melatonin have key roles in supporting good sleep and cannot be produced without enough B-6.  Even a mild deficiency of B-6 results in inhibited activity of these brain nutrients and may create insomnia.

Magnesium and calcium are long-time proven sleep remedies. A study on magnesium from the University of Medical Sciences in Iran was done with 46 adults who were experiencing insomnia.

Two magnesium tablets twice a day (250 mg. each) resulted in significant increases in sleep time and reduced cortisol levels in the body, which is a stress hormone that can keep people awake.

Calcium is known to soothe sleeplessness and remedy insomnia.  In a report called “The Nutritional Relationships of Magnesium”, the author notes that the type of insomnia associated with a calcium deficiency often causes difficulty with falling asleep.  This same study says that: “Muscle cramps associated with calcium deficiency often occur at night and without exertion.  Such cramps usually involve the calves and thighs, but not the hands or feet.”

Jobee Knight, a nutritional researcher and founder of Nutrition Breakthroughs in Clearwater, Florida, is someone who fought her own battle against sleeplessness and insomnia. She decided to put her background to use by searching out effective natural ingredients for relaxation and deeper sleep.

The result was Sleep Minerals II, a natural sleep aid which contains highly absorbable forms of the best minerals for sleep and relaxation: Calcium and magnesium, along with Vitamin D and zinc.

The ingredients are delivered in a softgel form along with healthy carrier oils, making them more easily assimilated than capsules or tablets and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.  These minerals are also proven to help with restless leg syndrome, bone and muscle strength, teenage insomnia and menopause insomnia.

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.”

In summary, make good use of natural vitamins and minerals as the first line of defense in the war against sleeplessness and insomnia.

For more information, visit the Sleep Minerals II page.

Calcium Helps Sleep and Remedies Insomnia per Studies and Reviews

calcium helps sleepWarm milk has long been a highly recommended folk remedy for insomnia. Regarding this, William Sears, M.D. says: “Calcium helps the brain use the amino acid tryptophan to manufacture the sleep-inducing substance melatonin.”

Dr. Sears continues and says: “This explains why dairy products, which contain both tryptophan and calcium, are one of the top sleep-inducing foods.”

Calcium 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.

The study concluded that disturbances in sleep, especially the absence of REM deep sleep or disturbed REM sleep, are related to a calcium deficiency. Restoration to the normal course of sleep was achieved following the normalization of the blood calcium level.

In another report 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 calcium deficiency often occur at night and without exertion.  Such cramps usually involve the calves and thighs, but not the hands or feet.”

Regarding magnesium, this study notes that the “Classical sign of magnesium deficiency is insomnia characterized by falling asleep easily but awakening frequently throughout the night, with individuals finding themselves tired even after several hours of sleep.”

One natural insomnia remedy showing good results is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs.  This natural 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 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.”

In summary, make good use of natural minerals as the first line of defense against  sleeplessness and insomnia.

For more information, visit the Sleep Minerals II page.

Study Reveals Better Bone Health from 1 Minute of Exercise

exercise for bone healthWhat if a research study was conducted with actual real human beings (not animals) that demonstrated a mere one to two minutes a day of exercise could result in better, stronger bones?  Well, there  is one.

With increasing age, our bones become weaker and less dense, particularly in women after menopause due to the decline in estrogen and calcium in the body.  More and more studies are finding that physical movement and activity can counteract the effects of weaker bones and any tendency toward bone fractures.

Epidemiology is the study of how often various diseases occur and also what possible ways or methods might exist to control or eradicate them.  The most recent study on the topic of bone health was published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.  The burning question in the researcher’s minds was this: How do we discover what type of exercise, what quantity of exercise, and what intensity, would provide the most positive, beneficial impact on bone strength.

For the study, both pre and post-menopausal women wore small wrist monitors for a week that measured and recorded the intensity of their physical movements.  It was particularly important to the researchers to be able to record very short amounts of activity.  They looked at data for more than 2,500 women, and compared their activity levels with bone health, which was measured by an ultrasound scan of heel bone.

The outcome?  A mere one to two minutes of flat-out, intense exercise resulted in an increase in bone strength.  This translates to a minute or two of slow jogging for a post-menopausal woman or a minute or two of running for a pre-menopausal woman in order to achieve a 4% increase in bone health.  Women who did more than two minutes had a 6% increase.  (Please see further recommendations below on how to safely transition into more intense exercise).

The lead author of the study, Dr Victoria Stiles of the University of Exeter in the UK, said: “We wanted to make every second count in our analysis, because short snippets of high-intensity activity are more beneficial to bone health than longer, continuous periods. We were careful not to ignore short bursts of activity throughout the day.”

Dr. Stiles makes a suggestion for people who are interested in upping their levels of daily exercise.  She said: “The UK’s National Osteoporosis Society recommends increasing your walking activity first.  Further on, we would suggest adding a few running steps to the walk, a bit like you might do if you were running to catch a bus.”

Another proven way to increase bone health is to include more calcium-rich foods in the diet.  Olive oil, leafy greens, almonds, raw cheeses, yogurt, broccoli and carrots are good choices.  Calcium, magnesium and vitamin D supplements are also beneficial.  Not only do these minerals strengthen bone and muscle health, but they are proven to calm sleeplessness and insomnia as well.

One study published in the European Neurology Journal 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. The study concluded that disturbances in sleep, especially the absence of REM deep sleep or disturbed REM sleep, are related to a calcium deficiency.

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.”

One calcium-based supplement shown to be effective for insomnia is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs.  This formula contains highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium, the best minerals for sleeplessness and insomnia, as well as for menopause insomnia, heart health, restless leg syndrome and bone strength.  It also includes vitamin D and zinc and is delivered in a softgel form with healthy carrier oils, making it more quickly absorbable than tablets or capsules and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.

Sadie D. from the Netherlands says: “I am ever so grateful that I discovered Sleep Minerals II after suffering with premenopause and now the real menopause insomnia.  I felt like I was slowly losing my mind due to the continual lack of sleep.  I can’t express the relief of getting a good night’s sleep and being able to function properly.”

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 couldn‘t go back to sleep. Now I wake up once to go to the bathroom, but the great thing is, I then fall back asleep and sleep several more hours.”

The main message is that a combination of exercise and calcium tend to ignite into a dynamic duo that can bring great boosts to bone health, healthy sleep and good overall health.

This health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and supplier of effective natural remedies since 2002. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes the original calcium and magnesium based natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, as well as Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails and more energy.

Reviews of Sleep Minerals II for Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a form of insomnia characterized by an overwhelming urge to move the legs when they are at rest, especially during sleep. Recent research studies have found that people with restless leg syndrome are deficient in the mineral magnesium.

Those who have restless leg syndrome experience unpleasant sensations in the legs described as creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling or painful. People with RLS often experience chronic insomnia and sleeplessness due to the strong urge to walk or do other activities to relieve the sensations in their legs at night.

In one study from the Romanian Journal of Neurology, researchers conducted tests in people with RLS. They found agitated sleep and frequent periods of night time awakenings, with a decrease of the deeper “rapid eye movement” (REM) sleep – also found in other forms of insomnia caused by magnesium deficiency.

Sleep Minerals II is a drug-free, calcium and magnesium based sleep aid that is one of the more effective restless leg syndrome remedies. The minerals are uniquely formulated in a softgel with natural oils, making them more highly absorbable than tablets or capsules. The formula soothes insomnia and helps everyone from older adults, to teenagers, to women with menopause symptoms, and even those with restless leg syndrome — to get a good night’s 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 two and a half years and have had restless leg syndrome my entire life. This is the first relief I’ve ever had…it’s gone for a month now.”

J.M. of Florida says: “My restless legs were so bad that after 5:00 p.m. I could hardly sit down for two minutes without my legs moving. After taking the Sleep Minerals II for a while, my restless leg syndrome is greatly diminished and I’ve noticed I’m getting more and more sleep.”

Anne and Bob B. of El Dorado Hills, California says: “We find the Sleep Minerals very helpful for my husband’s restless leg syndrome. He does not do well on many medications and the drug the doctor prescribed for this was full of bad side effects. Out of pure desperation, I researched the internet and came up with an article about Sleep Minerals II and decided to try them. They have been wonderful. Bob continues to sleep much better and with very little, if any, movement in his legs.”

Valerie. H. in Santa Clarita, CA. says: “I had such bad menopause insomnia that I couldn’t fall asleep.  It took me hours to get to sleep even though I was very tired.  I also had creepy crawly feelings in my legs at night.  I got the Sleep Minerals II and started taking it.  I fall asleep now within 20 minutes and no more restless legs.”

Jill C. of Ellensburg, Washington says: “My husband has been struggling with restless leg syndrome his whole life. He couldn’t sleep more than three to five hours unless taking an addictive prescribed narcotic, which he became tolerant to and the insomnia came back with no answers. Now he’s been taking Sleep Minerals II for a week and every night has had a great night’s sleep.  We are thrilled.”

This news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a provider of natural health articles and effective remedies since 2001. Its mission is to provide nutritional supplements that get results and help people to avoid drugs and their side effects.  Since 2009, their natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II has been keeping that promise – by soothing even the worst insomnia with absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium.

For more info on Sleep Minerals II, visit this page.