Tag Archives: magnesium insomnia

Sleep Foods: Almonds Contain Melatonin and Magnesium for Better Sleep

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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.

Use Vitamin E in Foods and Skincare: Glowing Skin

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vitamin e foodsBy Jacqueline Reilly

The famous vitamin E is renowned for combating aging by keeping joint degeneration at bay and increasing eye and heart health. What is not so well known is that vitamin E can help aging skin to retain its smoothness, moisture and beauty.

Research from the World Congress of Public Health and Nutrition reports that more than 90% of Americans fall below the daily recommended amount of vitamin E.  The recommended daily allowances are provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and for vitamin E it’s 15 milligrams per day.

The secret to vitamin E’s importance for both internal health and external beauty is similar to that of the other antioxidant vitamins (A and C) — their ability to undo the “free radical” damage that causes skin to develop lines and lose elasticity and firmness.

Free radicals are damaging molecules that come from a reaction of oxygen inside the body.  They come from pollution, smoke, medications, infection, stress, toxic chemicals, a poor diet, and also as a byproduct of normal digestion and metabolism.

“Anti-oxidants (or anti oxygen substances) such as vitamins E, C and A can help to defend the body against free radical damage and repair it.  These nutrients can assist to create skin that is firm and luminous, and incorporating both nutritional and topical approaches can be of benefit.

Topical Vitamin E in Dermatology

Vitamin E is a popular skin treatment because of its ability to stop reactive oxygen molecules from altering the formation of collagen.  Collagen is the main protein in connective tissue, bone and other key tissues in the body.  Vitamin E also maintains the elasticity in cellular spaces that provide the balance necessary to preserve skin moisture.

A dramatic example of vitamin E’s effectiveness for skin health comes from a study done at Ohio State University.  Scientists there found that one particular form of Vitamin E called ‘tocotrienol’ could significantly reduce the amount of damage caused by burns. They concluded that “This model (research) shows that if the level of tocotrienol in the skin is increased five-fold within the first six to twelve hours after a burn, subsequent burn damage will be reduced by at least 50 percent.”

Topical Vitamins Can Boost Beautiful Skin

In addition to Vitamin E, Vitamins C and A are also used in modern skincare to boost skin health and smoothness. In fact, all three vitamins work together to promote the production of collagen. As noted by Leslie Kenton in her best-selling book “The Skin Revolution”, Vitamin C is essential and plays an important role in a transformation in your skin cells, taking up the important amino acid, proline, and using it to make new collagen.”

Does Diet Matter?

What a person eats can have a great affect on their skin’s appearance.  It is important to consume an antioxidant-rich diet to ensure the cells are well guarded against the ravaging effects of free radicals. Avoid refined ingredients such as white flour and sugar, which cause the collagen fibers (which should be present in tidy bundles) to tangle and become crossed up.  The result can be lines, wrinkles and aging skin.

A diet featuring quality proteins like fish and grass-fed meats, seasonal vegetables and fruits, and healthy fats such as olive oil, is recommended for its richness in the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E. 

Boosting Your Vitamin E Intake

Foods which contain good amounts of Vitamin E include nuts, seeds, avocado, leafy green vegetables, broccoli, butternut squash, olive oil, trout and kiwi fruit. Try if possible to buy organic fruits and vegetables, since recent studies have shown they contain significantly higher levels of antioxidants than conventionally grown produce. They also contain less heavy metals, and since they are pesticide-free, they help reduce the skin’s toxic burden.

Vitamin E can be a great part of one’s skincare routine, and there are an abundance of skincare products in natural food stores that contain this fat-soluble powerhouse.

Combine a nutritional approach with a daily skincare routine, to give the skin all the nutrients it needs to glow from within. If a person has very sensitive skin, it’s possible that topical vitamins in skincare products can be an irritant.  In this case, test a small amount of any product and wait several hours before using it liberally.  For all the beautifying benefits it provides, be sure to add vitamin E-rich foods to your diet.

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

Comparing Magnesium and Melatonin as Natural Sleep Aids

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magnesium and melatonin

Photo courtesy of HollywoodHomestead.com

This health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of Sleep Minerals II —————————————–

Is magnesium better than melatonin for sleep? Magnesium has many benefits for good health, one of them being its action as an effective natural sleep aid.

Melatonin supplements are also used as a sleep remedy.  These two ingredients have different qualities, different health effects, and different possible side effects. 

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

In contrast with mineral supplements, melatonin is a hormone which is produced by the pineal gland, located in the center of the brain. At night or in the dark, the pineal gland naturally releases melatonin to regulate the sleep cycle.

The body produces less melatonin with advancing age and while melatonin doesn’t require a prescription, it’s a potent hormone. It can help with sleeplessness. If too much is taken, it can result in grogginess, dizziness, stomach  cramps and make it more difficult to wake up in the morning.

Is it better to take magnesium at night?  One of the main symptoms of magnesium deficiency is chronic insomnia, accompanied with with frequent nighttime awakenings.  On the other hand, a high magnesium diet has been found to be associated with deeper, less interrupted sleep.

This is per a study done by James Penland at the Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota.  Another study from the Human Nutrition Research Center found that a magnesium citrate supplement increased sleep quality in adults aged 51 to 85.

Magnesium has hundreds of health effects in the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center web site, inadequate magnesium appears to reduce serotonin levels in the brain.  One study found that magnesium was just as effective as an antidepressant drug in treating depression. 

In addition, researchers at Stockholm’s Karolinska Institute reported that for every 100 milligram increase in magnesium intake, the risk of developing type-2 diabetes decreased by 15 per cent.  Other studies have shown that people with migraine headaches have low concentrations of magnesium in their body.

Mildred Seelig, M.D., the leading medical researcher on magnesium says: “Many people needlessly suffer pain – including … migraines and muscle cramps – because they don’t get enough magnesium.”

Which form of magnesium is best for sleep?  A recent study on magnesium for sleep came from the University of Medical Sciences in Iran. Its subjects were 46 older adults, aged 60 to 75, who were experiencing insomnia. However, it’s interesting to note that the researchers recommend their results be extended to all ages of the general population as helpful advice.

In the University study, the subjects were divided into two groups. One group received placebos, while the other received magnesium oxide tablets twice a day (250 milligrams each) for eight weeks.

In the group that was given magnesium, the subjects experienced significant increases in sleep time and sleep efficiency (which is the time spent in bed vs the time spent sleeping).  They also had less night time interruptions and fewer early morning awakenings. Magnesium citrate is another form that has been proven helpful for better sleep.

One possible side effect from taking too much magnesium is that the bowels may become too loose or stomach discomfort can occur — at which point less can be taken. If this side effect happens, magnesium should be taken with a full meal or a healthy snack. 

Another important nutritional tip that can help to avoid any deficiencies is to balance magnesium with calcium and vitamin D rather than taking it alone.  The recommended ratio is 2 to 1 or twice as much calcium as magnesium.

According to the Mayo Clinic, possible side effects of melatonin include stomach cramps, anxiety, irritability, confusion and short-term depression.  Melatonin supplements can interact with various medications such as blood-thinning medications, medications that suppress the immune system, diabetes medications and birth control pills.  Prolonged use may also inhibit the body’s own natural ability to produce melatonin.

This health news is brought to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs and their natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II.  Sleep Minerals II is the original magnesium and calcium based remedy and is known for soothing even the worst, long-term insomnia.  It also contains vitamin D and zinc and helps everyone from teenagers, to women with menopause symptoms, to older seniors, to get a good night’s 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 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.”

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.”

For more information on Sleep Minerals II visit this page.

Nutrition Breakthroughs Reveals Hot Flash Remedies, Causes

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hot flash remediesHot flash remedies are in high demand for women.  A hot flash, also called a hot flush, is a sudden unexpected feeling of warmth and often a breakout of sweating in the upper half of the body.

A night sweat is a “hot flash” that occurs in the night, often while one is sleeping. These flashes are experienced by 80% of women around the time of menopause, and men can also have them due to a lessening of testosterone in middle age.

At night time while a woman sleeps, her body temperature rises steeply just prior to a hot flash, and may cause her to wake up.  The National Sleep Foundation writes that as many as 61% of post-menopausal women report having symptoms of insomnia and less satisfying sleep, due in part to hot flashes interrupting their sleep with frequent awakenings.

Dr. John R. Lee, M.D. explains the source of hot flashes in his book: “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Menopause”. There is an area of the brain that controls the amounts of estrogen and progesterone made by the ovaries. When these two hormones become depleted as in menopause, the brain sends out signals for the ovaries to make more hormones, but they no longer respond to these prompts.

The signaling system can go awry as the brain sends out more and more signals and actually begins to “shout”.  This over-activity begins to affect adjacent areas of the brain; particularly the area that controls body temperature and sweating mechanisms — thus the occurrence of hot flashes.

Sometimes spicy food, hot beverages, caffeine, alcohol or cigarettes can bring on a hot flash. For help with night sweats in bed, keep the bedroom cool and keep a washcloth in a bowl of ice near the bed to use on the forehead or chest as needed. To minimize hot flashes during the summer weather, stay cool by using fans and drinking cold drinks. Keep air conditioners on and make sure that air is circulating throughout the room. Dress in layers so you can peel them off as needed.

Vitamins E and C have been shown in studies to help reduce hot flashes.  One study supporting vitamin E was published in “Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation” and concluded that vitamin E is effective and is a recommended treatment for hot flashes. Extensive research indicates that vitamin C strengthens blood vessels and acts as a potent health enhancement. In a study that combined vitamin C with bioflavonoids (the white matter on the inside of orange peels), 67% of the subjects reported complete relief from hot flashes.

The minerals calcium and magnesium can also help with deeper, sounder sleep and are hot flash remedies, particularly because estrogen in women and testosterone in men helps to keep these minerals in circulation in the body, and when these hormones are depleted, more frequent mineral supplementation is needed.

Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs is an example of a natural insomnia remedy that provides good results for menopause symptoms. It contains highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium, the best minerals for sleep and insomnia, heart health, restless legs syndrome and bone strength.

The formula 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.

Anita L. of New Caney, Texas says: “I was having hot flashes every 30 minutes to an hour through the night and was so miserable.  After about two weeks of taking the Sleep Minerals, I noticed an incredible difference with my sleep.  I have much less interruption from hot flashes, I’m sleeping much better and I’m a lot more comfortable.”

Valerie from Santa Clarita, California says: “I had such bad menopause insomnia that it took me hours to fall asleep even though I was extremely tired. My legs also had crawling and tingling feelings at night. I got the Sleep Minerals and took them and after a few days, it started to work really well. I fall asleep now within 20 minutes and no more restless legs.”

For more information, visit the Sleep Minerals II page.

Many Health Benefits of Cinnamon: Arthritis, Diabetes, Heart Health

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cinnamon benefitsGreetings to you,

Cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon can be used in warm beverages such as teas and soups, in meat and vegetable recipes, in desserts, and in various warm cereals.

Cinnamon benefits are supported by several research studies showing its many health remedies.

Studies from the University of Toronto and Ball State University in Indiana have confirmed that consuming cinnamon can significantly reduce blood pressure (with 1,200 milligrams per day) as well as blood sugar levels (by adding cinnamon to the morning cereal). Cinnamon can also help heart health by lowering cholesterol.

Interestingly, a recent study in an anti-aging medical journal showed that cinnamon acts as an antioxidant (a substance that prevents harmful effects of excess oxygen in the body) and it effectively reduces age-related inflammation. Inflammation is known to be a contributing cause in arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and other illness.

To your good health,

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

How to Remedy Insomnia and Hot Flashes in Menopause

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This article reveals several proven natural remedies for insomnia in menopause, as well as those that work for hot flashes and night sweats.

The North American Menopause Society reports that an estimated 6,000 U.S. women reach menopause each day, which translates to over 2 million women every year.

The Women’s Health Initiative study, which followed 16,608 women being given hormone replacement therapy in menopause, discovered a high risk of heart disease and stroke from the use of these drugs. As a result, more and more women today are seeking the use of natural remedies for menopause symptoms such as insomnia and sleeplessness, hot flashes, night sweats, migraine headaches, anxiety and fatigue.

Vitamin E is famous for it’s health benefits to glands and organs, howevervitamin e foods it may not be generally known that vitamin E is a proven remedy for hot flashes. Adelle Davis, the first nutritionist to base her recommendations on science-based studies, says:

“During the menopause the need for vitamin E soars ten to fifty times over that previously required. Hot flashes and night sweats often disappear when 50 to 500 units of vitamin E are taken daily, but they quickly recur should the vitamin be stopped.”

One study supporting vitamin E comes from the University of Iran, published in Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation. 400 IU of vitamin E in a softgel cap was given to the participants daily for four weeks. A diary was used to measure hot flashes before the study and at the end. The researchers concluded that vitamin E is effective and is a recommended treatment for hot flashes.

Another natural remedy has been making headlines lately. Mayo Clinic breast health specialist Sandhya Pruthi, M.D., conducted a study on flaxseed for hot flashes.

The 29 participants in this clinical trial were women with hot flashes who did not want to take estrogen because of an increased risk of breast cancer. The study gave them six weeks of flaxseed therapy, consisting of 40 grams of crushed flaxseed eaten daily.

The result was that the frequency of hot flashes decreased fifty percent. Participants also reported improvements in mood, joint or muscle pain, chills, and sweating. This was a significant improvement in their health and quality of life. Dr. Pruthi said: “We hope to find more effective non-hormonal options to assist women, and flaxseed looks promising.”

Night sweats and hot flashes can become a form of insomnia in which a woman wakes up drenched in sweat and unable to sleep. Regarding mineral deficiency at the time of menopause, nutritionist Adelle Davis says:

Magnesium can also balance hormones and remedy insomnia and hot flashes.  One example is a study from the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System. Women with at least 14 hot flashes a week received 400 milligrams of magnesium oxide daily for 4 weeks, increasing to 800 mg. per day if needed.  At the end of the study, the magnesium supplements had reduced their frequency of hot flashes from 52 to 28 per week, which is a 41% reduction. Fatigue, sweating, and distress were also significantly reduced.

There is also an emerging link between estrogen decline, menopause symptoms and magnesium deficiency. Mildred Seeling, M.D. describes this in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

She says “Estrogen enhances magnesium utilization and its uptake by the soft tissues and bone, and may explain the resistance of young women to heart disease and osteoporosis — as well as the increased prevalence of these diseases when estrogen production ceases.”

Magnesium works best when it’s balanced with calcium in a two to one ratio. Dr. Seeling says: “The Cal/Mag ratio of two to one (twice as much calcium as magnesium) has long been considered physiologic (for healthy cells) and best for normal functioning. This was confirmed on the basis of long-term metabolic studies in young men and women done by the Research Division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.”

Vitamin D is more than just a vitamin, it’s also a hormone. That means, after undergoing a couple of activation processes in the body, it binds to cells throughout the body to regulate a wide range of bodily functions.

From the journal “Medical Hypothesis” comes a research study that followed 1500 patients over a 2 year period. A consistent level of vitamin D3 was maintained in their blood over many months. This produced normal sleep in most of the participants, regardless of their type of sleep disorder, which suggests that many types of insomnia may share the same cause.

During the research, the authors discovered the presence of high concentrations of vitamin D “receiving sites” or “receptors” in those areas of the brain that are related to the onset and maintenance of sleep.

Sleep Minerals IIOne insomnia remedy becoming popular among menopausal women is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs. This natural sleep aid contains highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium and is effective for sleeplessness and insomnia, as well as for heart health, restless leg syndrome, bone strength, menopause insomnia and teenage insomnia.

Sleep Minerals 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.

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 menopausal 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.”

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.”

Menopause has been found to be a fulfilling time of life for many women. In a recent survey sponsored by the North American Menopause Society, 51% of U.S. postmenopausal women reported being happiest and most fulfilled between the ages of 50 and 65. Menopause is an excellent time for a woman to keep her health at its peak and minimize symptoms such as night sweats and insomnia by using effective natural remedies.

For more information, visit the Sleep Minerals II page.

What foods help hot flashes?

Foods rich in calcium, magnesium and vitamin E are particularly helpful for hot flashes. This includes most nuts, seeds, high-quality yogurt and cheese, sardines with bones, salmon, green leafy vegetables, other green vegetables, and avocado.

What is a natural remedy for hot flashes?

Vitamin E is famous for it’s health benefits to glands and organs, however it may not be generally known that vitamin E is a proven remedy for hot flashes. Other effective natural remedies include ground flax seeds, calcium and magnesium.vitamin e hot flash remedy

What causes hot flashes?

Dr. John R. Lee, M.D. explains the source of hot flashes in his book: “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Menopause”. When the female hormones become depleted as in menopause, the brain sends out signals for the ovaries to make more hormones, but they no longer respond. The the brain begins to “shout”.  This over-activity affects adjacent areas of the brain; particularly the area that controls body temperature and sweating mechanisms — thus the occurrence of hot flashes.

What triggers hot flashes?

Sometimes spicy food, hot beverages, caffeine, alcohol or cigarettes can bring on a hot flash. For help with night sweats in bed, keep the bedroom cool and keep a washcloth in a bowl of ice near the bed to use on the forehead or chest as needed. To minimize hot flashes during the summer weather, stay cool by using fans and drinking cold drinks. Keep air conditioners on and make sure that the air is circulating throughout the room. Dress in layers so you can peel them off as needed.

For more information, visit the Sleep Minerals II page.

Chart of Nature’s Best Liver Healing Foods

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liver healing foodsGreetings to you,

Below is a helpful chart of liver healing foods that are great for keeping your liver strong and healthy.  The liver is the main detoxification organ of the body, cleansing it from toxins, drugs, chemicals and other substances. This article goes into some proven liver remedies in more detail.

Introduction

A radiant life starts with a healthy liver. This remarkable organ performs over 500 essential functions, from cleansing your blood to regulating cholesterol levels. When it comes to taking care of your liver, nature offers a treasure trove of liver-healing foods that can do wonders.

Garlic: The Liver’s Guardian

Garlic is more than just a kitchen essential; it’s a liver-loving superstar. Recent research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food highlights garlic’s potential to reduce fatty liver disease. Allicin, an active compound in garlic, acts as a potent antioxidant (a substance that reduces excess oxygen in the body, which can contribute to aging).  Garlic safeguards your liver from toxic damage and supports overall liver health.

Avocado: Creamy Remedy for Your Liver

Avocado lovers have yet another reason to celebrate. Avocados are brimming with monounsaturated fats, known to enhance liver health. These healthy fats can alleviate liver inflammation and bolster its natural detoxification mechanisms. So, indulge in that creamy avocado toast, knowing it’s a treat for your liver too!

Nuts: The Happy Crunch for Your Liver

Nuts like almonds and walnuts aren’t just tasty snacks; they are your liver’s best friends. A study featured in the Journal of Nutrition reveals that including nuts in your diet can lower liver enzyme levels, indicating reduced liver damage. With their abundance of antioxidants and healthy fats, nuts are a delightful choice for liver health.

Green Tea: Sip Your Way to Liver Health

Green tea has long been celebrated for its health benefits, and it’s no different for your liver. The antioxidants and plant chemicals in green tea protect liver cells, ensuring they stay vibrant and functional. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition suggests that green tea may lower the risk of liver diseases.

Apples: A Refreshing Detox for Your Liver

An apple a day isn’t just a saying — it’s a step towards a healthier liver. Apples are brimming with pectin, a fiber that aids in liver detoxification by flushing out toxins. Research in the journal Food Chemistry has confirmed that apple extracts can boost liver health by reducing oxidative (oxygen) stress and enhancing detoxification pathways.

Olives: Mediterranean Sunshine for Your Liver

Olives, a beloved element of the Mediterranean diet, do not only enhance the health of the heart, but also support the liver and all organs of digestion. Research featured in the World Journal of Gastroenterology (gastroenterology is the study of the stomach, pancreas and liver), suggests that the monounsaturated fats in olives are linked to a reduced risk of liver diseases. So, toss some olives into your salads and other dishes for their great health benefits.

Olive Oil: Liquid Gold for Your Liver

Extra virgin olive oil is liquid gold for your liver. With its high monounsaturated fat content (monounsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature), it can help prevent fat buildup in the liver and improve insulin sensitivity. Drizzle this liquid gold over your dishes to unlock its remarkable liver-loving benefits.

Conclusion

Including liver-healing foods like garlic, avocado, nuts, green tea, apples, olives, and olive oil in your diet can be a delightful way to support your liver’s health. These natural remedies are supported by scientific research, which demonstrates their effectiveness in enhancing our liver function and protecting it from harm. Enjoy the chart below!

This 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.
liver healing foods

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How to Improve Gut Health: 6 Proven Natural Remedies

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how to improve gut health

How to Improve Gut Health: 6 Proven Natural Remedies

Having a happy gut is the cornerstone of overall well-being. It’s where the magic happens – where nutrients are absorbed, immunity is fortified, and digestion takes place.

Sometimes there’s a “hiccup” in these processes and a person will have some stomach discomfort, pain, indigestion, gas, or bloating.

While there are over-the-counter options for stomach symptoms, nature has bestowed us with some incredible remedies that are backed by scientific research. In this article, we’ll explore six of the best ones.

1. Magnesium – The Mighty Mineral:

Magnesium is a mineral that packs a powerful punch when it comes to gut health. Research published in the “World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics” shows that magnesium aids in relaxing the muscles along the digestive tract. This helps prevent uncomfortable spasms and cramping, making it especially beneficial for those with irritable bowel syndrome.

Magnesium also has antacid properties that neutralize excess stomach acid, as revealed by researchers in the “European Journal of Clinical Investigation”. By reducing acid reflux and heartburn, magnesium provides relief to those suffering from acid-related issues.

2. Probiotics – Your Gut’s Best Buddies:

Probiotics are another essential natural remedy for stomach health. Probiotics are live microorganisms that promote the balance of healthy gut bacteria. They are found in foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir and pickles.  Numerous studies, including one published in “Nutrition in Clinical Practice”, indicate that probiotics can alleviate symptoms of intestinal disorders like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Researchers have also found evidence suggesting that probiotics play a role in reducing the risk of developing inflammatory bowel diseases by modifying the immune response and strengthening immunity.

3. Peppermint – The Cooling Comfort:

When it comes to soothing the gut, peppermint takes center stage. This cooling herb has a long history of traditional use for digestive discomfort. According to research published in the “British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology”, peppermint oil possesses muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory effects, making it an effective remedy for easing symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain.

A European journal found that sipping on warm peppermint tea can work wonders for indigestion. Regular consumption of this tea was shown to reduce the frequency and severity of indigestion, making it a delightful way to nurture your gut.

4. Slippery Elm – The Protective Shield:

Slippery Elm, derived from the inner bark of the Slippery Elm tree, has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for digestive issues. This herbal marvel contains mucilage, a jelly-like substance that forms a protective layer along the gut lining. Research in the “Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine” highlights that this protective shield can help soothe inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and provide relief from heartburn, acid reflux, and an inflamed stomach lining.

Additionally, slippery elm can aid in easing constipation due to its gentle laxative effect, as reported in a study published in the “Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy”. This makes it an excellent natural solution for promoting regular bowel movements and maintaining gut health.

5. Chamomile – Calm Your Gut and Mind:

Chamomile, well-known for its calming and relaxing effects, can also benefit your gut. A study published in “Phytotherapy Research” reveals that chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the digestive system and reduce symptoms of indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome.

Chamomile tea has been used as a remedy for centuries to ease digestive discomfort and also promote better sleep, which is vital for overall gut health.

6. Good Sleep – How to Improve Gut Health with Sweet Dreams:

Good sleep is like a magical elixir for gut and stomach health, bringing many positive improvements. A study published in the “American Journal of Physiology” uncovered that getting sufficient and restful sleep has a direct impact on promoting a diverse and thriving variety of healthy gut bacteria.

Ensuring good sleep translates to reduced instances of stomach upsets and bloating. Research from a journal in 2019 revealed that getting ample beauty sleep actually helps to bolster our gut’s protective barrier, shielding it from potential inflammation and digestive discomfort. Sweet dreams and a happy gut go hand in hand.

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

The Best Nuts for Better Sleep

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best nuts for sleepGreetings to you,

We’ve made this short and informative two-minute video (below) for you on the best nuts to eat for good sleep.  Take a peek at it below.

There are certain nuts that contain high amounts of both magnesium and melatonin.  One study on magnesium found that it “brought about statistically significant increases in sleep time and a significant reduction in early morning awakenings.”

Regarding nuts specifically, studies in the Nutrition Journal (2005) and Nutrients Journal (2017) found that nuts contain good amounts of many components that are known to enhance a deep, restful sleep.

This video was created by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II. Feel free to share the video with anyone who would like to enjoy a better night’s sleep.  And sleep well!

 

 

 

What is Cilantro? The Top 8 Health Benefits of Cilantro!

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cilantro benefitsGreetings to you,

Cilantro is an amazing herb with fantastic health benefits.

According to Medical News Today, cilantro fights pain and inflammation, enhances skin health and has anti-fungal and anti-cancer properties

Per Dr. Josh Axe, this plant removes heavy metals from the body, cleanses the urinary tract, settles digestive upset, and acts as a calming sedative. Cilantro has been found effective for calming anxiety and improving sleep due to its unique qualities.

Watch the video below to find out more about cilantro benefits and how it can be used in many types of dishes and foods.

This video was created for you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II.

Valerie H. of Santa Clarita, California says: “I had such severe menopause insomnia that it took me hours to fall asleep even though I was extremely tired. My legs also had crawling and tingling feelings at night. I got the Sleep Minerals and after about a week, it started to work really well. I fall asleep now within 20 minutes and no more restless legs.”

Here’s to your good health and great sleep.