An article from the science news website known as Eureka Alert has shared the results of a study on how calcium extends lifespans in women.
Here’s the news article:
Calcium supplements linked to longer lifespans in women – Study finds calcium-rich diet, supplements provide equal benefits
Chevy Chase, Maryland — Taking a calcium supplement of up to 1,000 mg per day can help women live longer, according to a recent study accepted for publication in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. (A note from the blog author Nutrition Breakthroughs: “endocrinology” refers to the actions of hormones in the body. Interestingly, in this study, the benefits of longer lifespans were seen when the calcium came from any source, including dairy foods, non-dairy foods or supplements. See a list of calcium-rich foods below).
Calcium, an essential nutrient for bone health, is commonly found in dairy products as well as vitamins. Although calcium is an essential nutrient for bone health, past studies have linked calcium supplements to heart disease risk. Researchers analyzing data from the large-scale Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study sought to clarify this issue and found moderate doses of calcium supplements had a beneficial effect in women.
“Our study found daily use of calcium supplements was associated with a lower risk of death among women,” said the study’s lead author, David Goltzman, MD, of McGill University in Montreal, Canada. “The benefit was seen for women who took doses of up to 1,000 mg per day, regardless of whether the supplement contained vitamin D.”
The study monitored the health of 9,033 Canadians (over a 12-year period), between 1995 and 2007. During that period, 1,160 participants died. Although the data showed women who took calcium supplements had a lower mortality (death) risk, there was no statistical benefit for men. The study found no conclusive evidence that vitamin D had an impact on mortality.
“Higher amounts of calcium were potentially linked to longer lifespans in women, regardless of the source of the calcium,” Dr. Goltzman said. “That is, the same benefits were seen when the calcium came from dairy foods, non-dairy foods or supplements.”
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From the blog author Nutrition Breakthroughs: Some of the best food sources of calcium include kale, collard greens, yogurt, cheese, sardines with bones, canned salmon with bones, broccoli, okra, almonds, figs, navy beans, sweet potatoes and spinach.
This natural health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of Sleep Minerals II — the effective natural sleep aid with highly absorbable forms of calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D.
This helpful information on restless leg syndrome comes from the Editors of Consumer Guide:
It’s bad enough when you can’t get to sleep and you just lie there, staring at the ceiling. But people who suffer from restless legs syndrome don’t just lie there. They are seized by an uncontrollable urge to move their legs. Their legs actually twitch or jerk, while they experience the sensation of something squirming or wiggling under their skin. Consequently, restless legs syndrome can lead to problems associated with sleep deprivation, such as anxiety and depression.
Researchers say this is a condition still shrouded in much mystery. Although there seem to be connections with other conditions — such as heart, lung, and kidney disorders: circulatory problems; and arthritis — the culprit sometimes appears to be as simple as excessive caffeine consumption or too little exercise.
The following home remedies are designed to help you combat this problem. If you find that you still have twitching legs after you’ve tried these tips, however, it’s time to get a medical evaluation.
1. Get up and walk. Walking around may be the only thing that helps. A midnight stroll through the house may calm your legs enough to keep them still when you go back to bed.
2. Check out your caffeine consumption. Coffee, tea, chocolate, sodas, and even over-the-counter (OTC) medications may contain caffeine. Try cutting your consumption of caffeine-containing foods and medications (or substituting decaffeinated varieties) to see if your condition improves. Avoid tobacco, which contains the stimulant nicotine, and alcohol, which can have its own detrimental effects on sleep, as well.
3. Modify your medication. Some OTC medications, such as certain cold medications and allergy pills, contain mild stimulants that can result in jittery legs. Ask your pharmacist if any medications you are taking contain stimulants and whether there are any nonstimulating alternatives.
4. Take a bath. A warm bath or massage before bed relaxes muscles and therefore may be helpful.
5. Change your temperature. Sometimes, a change from hot to cold, or cold to hot, can do the trick. Try putting a heating pad or hot pack on your legs for a short while. If that doesn’t work, drape a cool towel over your legs, or dip your feet in cool water.
6. Make sure you’re eating well. There are some indications that a deficiency in iron, folate, or magnesium may contribute to restless legs syndrome. By eating a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods, you should get the vitamins and minerals you need. However, your doctor may recommend supplements of these specific nutrients.
7. Make a bedtime habit. Get into a regular routine that will help your mind and body settle down and prepare for bed.
8. Stick to a schedule. Getting to bed at about the same time each night and allowing for a full night’s sleep may help avoid the fatigue that could be a contributing factor to restless legs syndrome.
9. Soothe your stress. Stress may not be the cause of restless legs syndrome, but it can exacerbate it. Try to eliminate some of the stress in your life. Regular exercise and some form of relaxation technique or even an engaging in a hobby may help you “de-stress.”
10. Exercise your legs. Moderate exercise often helps, although excessive exercise can aggravate restless leg symptoms. A daily walk at a moderate pace is an excellent exercise, especially for folks who haven’t been very physically active in a while
11. Stretch your legs. Try stretching your calves, hamstrings (backs of the knees), and gluteal (butt) muscles before bed.
12. Wear socks to bed. Some experts have found that a lot of people who suffer from restless legs syndrome also seem to have cold feet. Although nobody has studied the connection, it might not hurt to bundle up your tootsies for the night.
……Additional comments from the blog author Nutrition Breakthroughs:
Studies have shown the mineral magnesium to be effective in helping to calm restless leg syndrome and insomnia. Supplements should contain a 2 to 1 ratio of calcium to magnesium (twice as much calcium as magnesium). The original research on this recommended ratio appeared in 1935 in the Journal of Physiological Reviews. In addition, a softgel form containing healthy carrier oils mixed with the minerals is more digestible than tablets or capsules, and provides a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
One formula that has these qualities and is gaining in popularity with restless leg syndrome sufferers is Sleep Minerals II from http://www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com. Sleep Minerals II contains highly absorbable forms of the best minerals for relaxation — calcium and magnesium, combined with vitamin d, zinc, and heart-healthy rice bran oil in a softgel.
Valerie H. of Los Angeles, CA. says: “I had very severe menopause insomnia and it took me hours to fall asleep even though I was extremely tired. I also had crawling and tingling feelings in my legs at night. I got the Sleep Minerals II and after a few days of taking it, it started to work really well. I fall asleep now within 20 minutes and no more restless legs.”
ScienceDaily – A healthy diet is especially important during the menopause — a period in which the risk of suffering from health problems increases. For the current study, various programs have analyzed the diet of peri- and postmenopausal women in Spain, alongside the troubles that come with this transition. The results show that all of those groups studied have a deficient intake of vitamin D.
Marina Pollán, researcher at the Carlos III Institute of Health in Spain and one of the authors of the study explains that “biological and physiological changes in women caused by the menopause come with a greater risk of developing health problems in which diet plays an important role. These include diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.”
Therefore, the analysis of dietary patterns during and after the menopause is of particular interest because of its health implications. However, in Spain there have been very few studies that have assessed the diet of peri- and postmenopausal women.
In order to study these dietary habits, the authors of the study analysed 3574 women from the age of 45 to 68 from October 2007 to July 2008. Each program contained a minimum of 500 women from seven Spanish cities and involved a food frequency questionnaire validated by the Spanish population.
The results show that obesity rates stand at 29% whereas 42% of menopausal subjects are overweight. Average calorie intake was 2053 calories (with 43% of energy intake coming from carbohydrates, 36% from fats and 20% from proteins). Researchers highlight that practically all of the women received the recommended intake of all the vitamins, apart from D and E.
The case of vitamin D is striking given that none of the groups reached 50% of their RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance). The average total intake was 2.14 micrograms per day, which constitutes just 39% of the RDA for women of this age group.
“A diet with less fat and protein that is high in vegetables, nuts, and carbohydrate-rich foods will even out the energy balance and correcs levels of vitamin D and E,” according to the researchers.
Comment from the blog author Nutrition Breakthroughs: Women in the pre-menopause and menopause time period can reap many benefits from increasing their intake of vitamin D, calcium and magnesium. These nutrients support the heart and bones, and are also effective remedies for sleeplessness and insomnia.
One insomnia remedy becoming popular among menopausal women is Sleep Minerals II from http://www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com. Sleep Minerals II contains powerful forms of the best known minerals for relaxation and sleep — calcium and magnesium, combined with vitamin D and zinc. 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.
Valerie H. in Santa Clarita, CA says: “I had such bad menopause insomnia, it took me hours to fall asleep. I also had crawling and tingling feelings in my legs at night. I got the Sleep Minerals II and after a few days of taking it, it started to work really well. I fall asleep now within 20 minutes and no more restless legs.”
At a time when the use of sleeping drugs is on the increase and their harmful side effects continue to emerge, Nutrition Breakthroughs of Glendale California is announcing an even more formidable soldier in the fight against insomnia — a brand new reformulated Sleep Minerals II. The ingredients are provided in a softgel with healthy oils, making them more quickly absorbable than tablets or capsules and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep. Heart-healthy rice bran oil is now the base for the minerals in the product, which include calcium and magnesium, the best-known minerals for sleep and relaxation.
The National Health Service in the United Kingdom spent nearly 50 million on sleep medications (known as “hypnotics”) for their citizens last year. In Canada, the number of prescriptions for hypnotics increased to more than 20 million and an article in Canada.com warns against addition and withdrawal difficulties.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration web site lists the possible side effects of sleeping drugs as chest pain, severe allergic reactions, memory problems, anxiety, dizziness, headache, suicidal thoughts, as well as sleep-eating, sleep-walking, and getting into the car and driving while not fully awake.
For several years, Sleep Minerals II has been a popular product supplying the needs of people of all ages who prefer not to take sleeping drugs, but would rather use a safe natural remedy. The best thing is that it not only helps with sounder sleep, but contributes to better overall health. Calcium and magnesium are proven to strengthen the bones, protect against colon cancer, alleviate migraines and muscle cramps, reduce restless leg syndrome, support heart health, and relieve the symptoms of menopause and PMS.
Jobee Knight, President of http://www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com says: “Before I developed this product, I was suffering from insomnia and was up for hours in the middle of the night. I decided to put my background as a nutritional researcher to work. When I found these ingredients and began to sleep well, I decided I had to share this with others and Sleep Minerals was born. This newest formula is the result of our purpose at Nutrition Breakthroughs to continually upgrade the quality of our products in line with recent developments in the nutritional field.”
L.C., a Sleep Minerals II customer in Massachusetts, says: “Due to some very stressful issues in my life, I hadn’t slept much in two and a half months and I was prescribed sleeping drugs. I had become dependent and couldn’t sleep without them. I did my research on the Internet and came across Sleep Minerals II. I started taking them before sleeping and now I can sleep through the whole night without drugs. I’m also able to easily fall back asleep if I do get up to use the bathroom in the night..”
Golden rice bran oil is highlighted in the new version of Sleep Minerals II. It is rich in two types of natural vitamin E and also high in Oryzanol (a word that sounds like “Original”), which is a powerful antioxidant only found in rice bran oil. Antioxidants protect our tissues from deterioration and help slow the aging process. Rice bran oil is a heart-healthy oil, proven in an studies to lower cholesterol levels, remedy menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, strengthen the immune system and protect the retina of the eye.
Lyn K. of Los Angeles, CA. says: “Not only do I sleep much sounder with Sleep Minerals II, it seems to fill in a missing link in my health. I feel stabilized and I’m carried through my day with a stability from the sound rest. Also my heart and eyes feel healthier and stronger.”
Insomnia can wreak havoc on the health and lives of its sufferers, causing excessive daytime sleepiness, extreme lack of energy, irritability and depression. For sleeplessness and insomnia, try putting some Sleep Minerals II into the cupboard to create an arsenal of effective natural remedies.
From Canada.com — Public angst over the abuse of painkillers is overshadowing what Canadian researchers say is an even more pressing problem: the nation’s growing love affair with sleeping pills (also known as “hypnotics”).
The number of prescriptions dispensed for benzodiazepines (a group of sedative and relaxant drugs) and other sedatives, jumped to more than 20 million in 2011, from 16.4 million in 2006, according to market research firm IMS Brogan.
Use of one drug alone — zopiclone, one of the so-called “Z” drugs — nearly doubled over the same period, from 2.9 million prescriptions, to five million in 2011.
Prescriptions are mounting as new and controversial research from Canada and the U.S. is tying sleeping pills to an elevated risk of an early death. (A note from the blog author: The British Medical Journal reported the results of a study in the U.S. that found receiving hypnotic prescriptions was associated with greater than a three-times increase in hazards of death, even when prescribed at less than 18 pills/year.)
The drugs are intended for occasional, short-term use only, but observers say it’s not uncommon for doctors to hand over prescriptions for a month’s supply, with six or 12 repeats, increasing the risk of dependence and, in the case of benzodiazepines, a potentially “horrendous” withdrawal.
“People who start these drugs need to know that you could end up in a long-term medical adventure,” said Canadian drug policy researcher Alan Cassels.
Comment from the blog author Nutrition Breakthroughs: This health news is provided by http://www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com, maker of the effective natural insomnia remedy Sleep Minerals II. Sleep Minerals II is used successfully by many people all over the world, including Canada, the U.S., United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries.
Sleep Minerals II is a potent natural alternative to sleeping drugs. It 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 with healthy carrier oils, making them more easily assimilated than capsules or tablets and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
Wendy R. of Honolulu, Hawaii says: “My friends know that I’ve had chronic insomnia for a very long time. Surprisingly, I received the Sleep Minerals II and took it and I actually slept. This thing really works. I wanted to say, its funny, but people know I have insomnia and once in a while a co-worker will ask me how I slept. In the past, if I ever got a good nights sleep I’d say “I slept like a baby”, but that’s the wrong analogy. Those little guys get up every two hours. I am actually beginning to sleep like an adult — a much-rested adult.”
This helpful information on restless leg syndrome comes from the Editors of Consumer Guide:
It’s bad enough when you can’t get to sleep and you just lie there, staring at the ceiling. But people who suffer from restless legs syndrome don’t just lie there. They are seized by an uncontrollable urge to move their legs. Their legs actually twitch or jerk, while they experience the sensation of something squirming or wiggling under their skin. Consequently, restless legs syndrome can lead to problems associated with sleep deprivation, such as anxiety and depression.
Researchers say this is a condition still shrouded in much mystery. Although there seem to be connections with other conditions — such as heart, lung, and kidney disorders: circulatory problems; and arthritis — the culprit sometimes appears to be as simple as excessive caffeine consumption or too little exercise.
The following home remedies are designed to help you combat this problem. If you find that you still have twitching legs after you’ve tried these tips, however, it’s time to get a medical evaluation.
1. Get up and walk. Walking around may be the only thing that helps. A midnight stroll through the house may calm your legs enough to keep them still when you go back to bed.
2. Check out your caffeine consumption. Coffee, tea, chocolate, sodas, and even over-the-c counter (OTC) medications may contain caffeine. Try cutting your consumption of caffeine-containing foods and medications (or substituting decaffeinated varieties) to see if your condition improves. Avoid tobacco, which contains the stimulant nicotine, and alcohol, which can have its own detrimental effects on sleep, as well.
3. Modify your medication. Some OTC medications, such as certain cold medications and allergy pills, contain mild stimulants that can result in jittery legs. Ask your pharmacist if any medications you are taking contain stimulants and whether there are any nonstimulating alternatives.
4. Take a bath. A warm bath or massage before bed relaxes muscles and therefore may be helpful.
5. Change your temperature. Sometimes, a change from hot to cold, or cold to hot, can do the trick. Try putting a heating pad or hot pack on your legs for a short while. If that doesn’t work, drape a cool towel over your legs, or dip your feet in cool water.
6. Make sure you’re eating well. There are some indications that a deficiency in iron, folate, or magnesium may contribute to restless legs syndrome. By eating a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods, you should get the vitamins and minerals you need. However, your doctor may recommend supplements of these specific nutrients.
7. Make a bedtime habit. Get into a regular routine that will help your mind and body settle down and prepare for bed.
8. Stick to a schedule. Getting to bed at about the same time each night and allowing for a full night’s sleep may help avoid the fatigue that could be a contributing factor to restless legs syndrome.
9. Soothe your stress. Stress may not be the cause of restless legs syndrome, but it can exacerbate it. Try to eliminate some of the stress in your life. Regular exercise and some form of relaxation technique or even an engaging in a hobby may help you “de-stress.”
10. Exercise your legs. Moderate exercise often helps, although excessive exercise can aggravate restless leg symptoms. A daily walk at a moderate pace is an excellent exercise, especially for folks who haven’t been very physically active in a while
11. Stretch your legs. Try stretching your calves, hamstrings (backs of the knees), and gluteal (butt) muscles before bed.
12. Wear socks to bed. Some experts have found that a lot of people who suffer from restless legs syndrome also seem to have cold feet. Although nobody has studied the connection, it might not hurt to bundle up your tootsies for the night.
……Additional comments from the blog author Nutrition Breakthroughs:
Studies have shown the mineral magnesium to be effective in helping to calm restless leg syndrome and insomnia. Supplements should contain a 2 to 1 ratio of calcium to magnesium (twice as much calcium as magnesium). The original research on this recommended ratio appeared in 1935 in the Journal of Physiological Reviews. In addition, a softgel form containing healthy carrier oils mixed with the minerals is more digestible than tablets or capsules, and provides a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
One formula that has these qualities and is gaining in popularity with restless leg syndrome sufferers is Sleep Minerals II from http://www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com. Sleep Minerals II contains highly absorbable forms of the best minerals for relaxation — calcium and magnesium, combined with vitamin d, zinc, and heart-healthy rice bran oil in a softgel.
V. 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. After a few days it started to work really well. In fact for the last few nights, I’ve reduced the dosage to one softgel as its working great. I fall asleep now within 20 minutes and no more creepy crawlies in my legs.”
Sleep Minerals II is an effective natural insomnia remedy. It contains powerful forms of the best known minerals for relaxation and sleep — calcium and magnesium, in combination with vitamin D and zinc. 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.
P. P. of Houston, TX. Says: “I am a physician in Texas. I had developed sleeping problems and I took sleep medications for several weeks — Ambien and then Lunesta. I discontinued them and then I had terrible rebound insomnia. At that time, I literally got only about 20 hours of sleep in 6 weeks. I was staring at the ceiling ALL night long, crying out to God to help me get some sleep. Then I found Sleep Minerals II on the Internet. I’ve been taking it for a couple of weeks and now I get a full 5 to 6 hours of sleep a night. This is a great way to help people without unhealthy sleep medications. It was an answer to my prayers. As a doctor, I would never prescribe sleeping drugs – I would recommend Sleep Minerals II.”
V. 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. After a few days it started to work really well. In fact for the last few nights, I’ve reduced the dosage to one as its working great. I fall asleep now within 20 minutes and no more creepy crawlies in my legs.”
E.H. of Mineral Wells, TX. says: “In the past I have tried a lot of different things for my insomnia and most of it didn’t work at all. Sleep Minerals II has helped me a lot and I don’t ever want to run out of it. Now I at least sleep 4 or 5 hours, sometimes 7.”
W.W. in Honolulu, Hawaii says: “My friends know that I’ve had chronic insomnia for a very long time. Surprisingly, I received the Sleep Minerals II and took it and I actually slept. This thing really works. I wanted to say, its funny, but people know I have insomnia and once in a while a co-worker will ask me how I slept. In the past, if I ever got a good nights sleep I’d say “I slept like a baby”, but that’s the wrong analogy. Those little guys get up every two hours. I am actually beginning to sleep like an adult — a much-rested adult.”
Studies are showing that certain minerals can have a positive effect of the quality of our sleep. Here is a summary of a recent study on potassium, published in the Journal “Sleep”:
The present study examines the effects of potassium supplementation on sleep quality as indicated by the use of a wrist monitor and sleep logs, in normal young males on a low-potassium diet. A placebo-controlled study compared one week of oral potassium chloride supplements to one week of identical placebo capsules.
The results: Potassium significantly increased Sleep Efficiency due to a reduction in Waking After Sleep Onset. Side effects were minimal and not significantly different between treatment conditions. The results may indicate an improvement in sleep consolidation (less interruptions) with potassium supplementation
.. Reference: The Journal “Sleep”, August 1991.
Comments from the blog author, Nutrition Breakthroughs: One of the best, highest sources of potassium is the banana, which contains 400 milligrams of potassium. Eating a banana before bedtime may help reduce nighttime awakenings and provide better, deeper sleep. A banana can also be eaten in the middle of the night to help you get back to sleep.
Here is a list of some high-potassium foods; courtesy of the Linus Pauling Institute:
Banana 1 medium 422 mg
Potato, baked with skin 1 medium 926 mg
Prune juice 6 fluid ounces 528 mg
Plums, dried (prunes) 1/2 cup 637 mg
Orange juice 6 fluid ounces 372 mg
Orange 1 medium 237 mg
Tomato juice 6 fluid ounces 417 mg
Tomato 1 medium 292 mg
Spinach, cooked 1/2 cup 420 mg
Sunflower seeds 1 ounce 241 mg
Almonds 1 ounce 200 mg
This health article is provided to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural insomnia remedy Sleep Minerals II. Sleep Minerals II contains powerful forms of the best known minerals for relaxation and sleep — calcium and magnesium, combined with vitamin D and zinc. 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.
Wendy R. of Honolulu, Hawaii says: “My friends know that I’ve had insomnia for a very long time. Surprisingly, I received the Sleep Minerals II and took it and I actually slept. This thing really works. I wanted to say, its funny, but people know I have insomnia and once in a while a co-worker will ask me how I slept. In the past, if I ever got a good nights sleep I’d say “I slept like a baby”, but that’s the wrong analogy. Those little guys get up every two hours. I am actually beginning to sleep like an adult — a much-rested adult.”
Greetings to you,
