Have a look at this magnificent chart of fruits below and what they heal. Whether its grapefruit for urinary tract infections, blueberries for diabetes, watermelon for reducing blood pressure, or pomegranate for women’s hormone health.
This health information is brought to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, the natural solution for arthritis, pain relief, allergies and more energy.
Consuming extra calcium from dairy products or supplements could put older women at risk of low zinc — unless they get extra zinc, too.
That’s the word from two studies at the U.S. Dept of Agriculture, Human Nutrition Research Center in Boston.
Zinc’s many functions include helping to maintain a healthy immune system, skin and appetite.
Calcium supplement sales have soared with the growing awareness that high intakes of this mineral help prevent osteoporosis. Richard J. Wood and associates looked for a zinc-calcium interaction in elderly women because, as a group, they tend to have low zinc intakes.
About half of U.S. women consume less than two-thirds the Recommended Dietary Allowance of 12 mg, according to survey data. And the amount of zinc people absorb from their meals decreases with age.
In one of the new studies, 18 relatively healthy women past menopause increased calcium intake to 1,360 milligrams daily — a little higher than the 1,200 mg now recommended for people over age 50. Their zinc absorption dropped by an average of about 2 milligrams. This happened regardless of whether they got the extra calcium from milk or from a calcium supplement. The study lasted 36 days.
In a second study, zinc absorption dropped by half when a group of 10 men and women took a calcium supplement with a single test meal. But adding nearly 8 milligrams of zinc to the calcium supplement offset this effect.
This data points in the direction that people taking extra calcium should also increase their zinc intake. The richest dietary sources of zinc are oysters, liver and beef, followed by whole grains, nuts, popcorn, poultry and lamb. Zinc supplements are also widely available.
Comments from the blog author Nutrition Breakthroughs: 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. Supplements containing calcium for sleep should also contain magnesium, vitamin D and zinc to ensure a balance of ingredients.
This news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs. Since 2001 Nutrition Breakthroughs has provided natural health articles and effective natural remedies. Their mission is to provide nutritional supplements that get results and help people to avoid drugs and their side effects.
Since 2009, their natural sleep remedy Sleep Minerals II has been keeping that promise — by soothing even the worst insomnia with absorbable calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and zinc, and helping everyone from teenagers, to women with menopause symptoms, to 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.”
For more information on Sleep Minerals II, visit here.
Too little magnesium in one’s diet will make the body work harder.
Most people think of calcium and phosphorus as the most important dietary components for bone health. But magnesium also plays an important role. It is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions, many of which help keep not only bones strong, but the heart rhythm healthy and the nervous system functioning smoothly.
A study by the Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture reveals important findings on the effects of depleted body magnesium levels on energy metabolism. Specifically, it showed that inadequate magnesium is associated with a need for increased oxygen during exercise. They found that during moderate activity, those with low magnesium levels in muscle are likely to use more energy—and therefore to tire more quickly—than those with adequate levels.
After consuming the low-magnesium diet, volunteers showed a significant overall loss of magnesium. They had lowered muscle levels of magnesium, and their red blood cells were at the low end of the normal range.
The data shows that during the low-magnesium-status phase, the postmenopausal volunteers used more oxygen during physical activity, and their heart rates increased by about 10 beats per minute. “When the volunteers were low in magnesium, they needed more energy and more oxygen to do low-level activities than when they were in adequate-magnesium status,” says Lukaski, one of the study authors.
These findings are consistent with other studies showing that too little magnesium makes the body work harder. “The effects are likely to occur in individuals with low magnesium, regardless of whether the person is athletic or sedentary,” says Lukaski.
“That means that athletes wouldn’t be able to work or train as long as they would if they had better magnesium levels. People need to eat adequate magnesium to make sure their hearts and muscles are healthy enough to meet the demands of daily living.”
Good sources of magnesium include bran muffins, pumpkin seeds, barley, buckwheat flour, yogurt, trail mix, halibut steaks, garbanzo beans, lima beans and spinach.
A note from the blog author Nutrition Breakthroughs: Magnesium is also known to be an effective natural remedy for sleeplessness and insomnia. 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 time and reduced cortisol levels in the body, which is a stress hormone that can keep people awake. In another research study from the Human Nutrition Research Center of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, scientists found that a high magnesium diet is associated with deeper, less interrupted sleep.
This news is brought to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs and its natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II. Sleep Minerals II is the original magnesium and calcium based sleep aid and is known for soothing even the worst insomnia. It helps everyone from teenagers, to women with menopause symptoms, to older seniors, to get a good night’s 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 — 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.”
You are warmly thanked for being a valued reader of the Nutrition Breakthroughs blog. We wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday.
To your good health,
Jobee Knight
Nutrition Breakthroughs Maker of Sleep Minerals II, the Effective Natural Sleep Aid
and Joints and More, for Arthritis Relief, Pain Relief and More
According to the National Sleep Foundation, almost six out of ten Americans report having insomnia and sleep problems at least a few nights a week.
Insomnia is defined as “An inability to fall asleep or remain asleep long enough to feel rested, especially when the problem continues over time.” In an effort to combat this, as many as 25 percent of the people in the United States try medications to help them sleep.
Most sleeping pills, especially when taken over long periods of time, can have multiple side effects. The drugs stay in the bloodstream, give a hangover effect the next day and beyond, tend to be addictive, and can increase the risk of car and work accidents. They can also impair memory and performance on the job and at home. This results in greater numbers of people reaching out to find effective natural sleep aids.
In a study published in the European Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that drinking tart Montmorency cherry juice results in significant improvements in sleep. The juice contains several plant nutrients known as “phytonutrients” and is also high in the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. The benefits of the cherry juice included longer sleep times, less daytime napping, and increased overall sleep efficiency (the ratio of the time spent in bed to the time spent sleeping).
In the placebo-controlled study, 20 volunteers consumed either tart cherry juice concentrate or a non-cherry juice drink for 7 days. The researchers credited the benefits of cherry juice to its high natural melatonin content, which a hormone produced by the brain that regulates the sleep/wake cycles, with more melatonin being produced at night time.
The researchers concluded: “These data suggest that consumption of a tart cherry juice concentrate provides an increase in melatonin that is beneficial in improving sleep duration and quality in … men and women and might be of benefit in managing disturbed sleep.”
Regarding mineral-based natural sleep aids, calcium is also directly related to the cycles of sleep. In one study, published in the European Neurology Journal, researchers found that calcium levels 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.
When magnesium is deficient, 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 shown in a study done by James Penland at the Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota.
A balanced calcium magnesium ratio is important to overall health and these two minerals should be taken together for best results (in a two to one ratio with twice as much calcium as magnesium).
This natural health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and supplier of effective natural remedies since 2002. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes Sleep Minerals II, the effective natural sleep aid with calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D, and also Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails and more energy.
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.”
For more information on Sleep Minerals II, visit the sleep remedy page.
I’ve included an interesting chart below with the healthiest dairy-free foods for building strong bones and teeth. Nuts, broccoli and figs are high in calcium and magnesium, which are known to strengthen bones. Foods rich in vitamin D are also beneficial.
For vitamin D, spend a bit of time outside in the sunshine and also eat fish like tuna, mackerel and salmon.
Here is a helpful chart that contains some effective home remedies for arthritis. Some of these include honey and apple cider vinegar, mustard oil, cinnamon, turmeric, and Epson salts with magnesium.
The eighth natural remedy for arthritis, and one that’s supported by scientific research studies, is the mineral MSM. MSM sulfur (methyl-sulphonyl-methane) is a white, odorless, water-soluble element found in nature and in foods such as milk, fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat.
Food processing methods such as heating, washing and freezing, all deplete MSM in foods, which makes daily replenishment beneficial. Many people with joint pain may be deficient in MSM.
In an arthritis study done in Arizona, MSM produced significant decreases in pain and beneficial improvements in physical function. MSM use also resulted in improvement in performing the activities of daily living, and improvements in stress and cardiovascular health. One example of a natural arthritis remedy that contains MSM is Joints and More from Nutrition Breakthroughs.
Animal testing with genetically modified organisms has shown severe organ damage. In addition, sterility has resulted among cows and pigs fed GMO foods like corn on North American farms.
The number one tip is to avoid purchasing foods or oils that contain non-organic soy, corn, cottonseed or canola ingredients. 90 percent of these crops are now genetically modified. When these ingredients are on the label, look for “certified organic” or “organic” next to them. Processed foods and restaurants are other risk areas. Some known GMO vegetables to be avoided are:
There’s an informative chart below that has the top 8 ways to boost your immune system What exactly is the “Immune System”? The body’s immune system protects us against disease, germs, viruses and microorganisms every day of our lives. Some of the parts of the immune system are the tonsils, spleen, and bone marrow (where white blood cells are made).
Usually the immune system does a great job of protecting us from illness and disease. Sometimes a lack of sleep or exercise, chemicals in foods, toxins in the environment, excess sugar, or prolonged stress weakens it.
Regarding white sugar, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that when healthy volunteers consumed a large amount of sugar, their immune system’s white blood cells had an impaired ability to destroy bacteria for at least five hours. One healthy alternative is whole raw fruit, which makes great desserts and snacks. Enjoy the chart below and put it to good use!
This health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and the natural solution for joint relief, allergies, pain relief and increased energy, Joints and More.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, arthritis is the number one cause of disability among adults.
It is defined as painful inflammation, aching, stiffness and swelling in or around the joints.
Arthritis can occur in any joint, but usually it affects the hands, knees, hips, neck or spine. The cartilage covering the surface of joints can wear away.
In a study published in the journal “Osteoarthritis Cartilage”, researchers noted that MSM (methyl-sulphonyl-methane) is a popular dietary supplement and they set out to conduct a placebo-controlled trial to find evidence to support its use as a remedy for knee pain.
MSM sulfur (methyl-sulphonyl-methane) is a white, odorless, water-soluble element found in nature and in foods such as milk, fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat.
Food processing methods such as heating, washing and freezing, all deplete MSM in foods, which makes daily replenishment beneficial. Many people with joint pain may be deficient in MSM. In one study, sulfur concentration in arthritic cartilage was shown to be about one-third the level of normal cartilage.
The recent study published in the journal “Osteoarthritis Cartilage” was done at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Tempe, Arizona. Fifty men and women, 40 to 76 years of age with knee pain, were enrolled in an outpatient medical center. Part of the group received 3,000 milligrams (3 grams) of MSM per day, twice a day, for 12 weeks – 6 grams per day total. The other part of the group received a placebo.
The results showed that compared to placebo, MSM produced significant decreases in knee pain and significant improvement in physical function. MSM use also resulted in improvement in performing the activities of daily living. Important improvements in stress and cardiovascular health were also observed. These are good advantages, as there are many side effects from the usual drugs used for arthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation’s web site lists the most common side effects of the medications used to treat arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can create edema (swelling of the feet) heartburn, stomach ulcers and possibly increased risk of blood clots and heart attack.
Corticosteroids (cortisone) may contribute to cataracts, elevated blood sugar levels and bone loss. Injections at the arthritis site can create redness and swelling and increased risk of infections.
One example of a natural arthritis remedy that contains MSM is Joints and More from Nutrition Breakthroughs. Joints and More is made from “organic” sulfur (meaning coming from living things) and is a 99% pure, simple molecule, indistinguishable from a molecule of MSM found in nature.
Stanley Jacob, M.D. the co-discoverer and ‘Father of MSM’ says: “MSM is a surprising supplement. When you start taking it, you may notice a number of good things happening in your life in addition to pain and allergy relief — more energy, cosmetic benefits such as softer skin, thicker hair, stronger nails; as well as decreased scar tissue and relief of constipation.”