Can yogurt actually help with better sleep, weight loss, bone strength and immunity? Read on to find out!
Yogurt’s healthy bacteria are known as probiotics. The benefits of yogurt include helping with good sleep, assisting weight loss, improving digestion, reducing risk of diabetes, lowering cholesterol and stimulating a stronger immune system. Here are some of the studies:
Yogurt for Stomach Health
One study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming yogurt or the beneficial bacteria from it, has promising health benefits for many conditions and increases the body’s immunity and ability to fight off infections. A variety of conditions were shown to improve including constipation, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, candida, stomach bacteria infections and allergies.
Bone Strength from Yogurt
A study on yogurt was published in the journal “Archives of Osteoporosis”. It reviewed the ability of yogurt to strengthen bones and found that milk and yogurt are the best dairy choices for increasing bone mineral density in the hip.
Yogurt and Good Sleep
Yogurt is also a great choice to eat in the evening to help with sleep due to the high amount of calcium it contains. The beneficial bacteria in yogurt has also been studied for its ability to create a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
A 2017 study from the journal “Beneficial Microbes” tested the benefits of yogurt probiotics on the quality of sleep. The researchers concluded: “These findings suggest that daily consumption of the Lactobacillus casei strain may help to maintain sleep quality during a period of increasing stress.” As a note, this particular strain is included in virtually all of the most popular yogurt brands.
Regarding the calcium in dairy products, 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.”
Plain, unsweetened yogurt is healthiest and Greek yogurt is a great, high-protein choice. Fresh fruit can be added as a natural sweetener.
Yogurt and Weight Loss
Yogurt is a boost to weight loss. A healthy supplement similar to the acidophilus used in yogurt was recently found in a Canadian study to help overweight women lose weight and keep it off. It was discovered that the supplement made the intestinal wall stronger and more able to prevent inflammatory, obesity-causing substances from passing into the intestine and entering the bloodstream.
Immunity Boosting Yogurt
Yogurt is great for strengthening and boosting one’s immunity against infection and illness per studies in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. In particular, yogurt with the Lactobacillus bulgaricus form has been shown to reduce the frequency of colds in older adults after they ate it over a twelve-week period. This is another commonly used form of probiotic that’s widely-available in yogurts.
This news is shared with you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a provider of natural health articles and effective natural remedies since 2001. 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.
Exposure to electromagnetic fields, or EMFs, is an expected occurrence in our daily lives. Although this is not a new development, the dose and frequency has continued to rise significantly over the last decade.
With the majority of the public continuously exposed to EMFs, researchers estimate up to 13% of these individuals experience adverse health complications (1).
Where do EMFs come from?
EMFs are produced both naturally in our environment and through technology. Now, it has become increasingly difficult to avoid EMFs as our cellphones, laptops, electricity in our homes and businesses, appliances, and industrial equipment all generate EMFs.
How do EMF’s create unhealthy side effects?
EMF research continues to uncover the unhealthy side effects of frequent EMF exposure and their findings suggest this is becoming a growing public health concern. (2). One of the key negative effects on health associated with prolonged EMF exposure is oxidative stress (3)
Oxidative stress, or an imbalance of oxygen in the body, occurs when there are more unhealthy molecules in the body compared with the anti-oxidants like vitamin C and E. The anti-oxidants can neutralize and dissolve unhealthy oxygen molecules, which act to cause cell damage, a variety of illnesses, and increase the effects of aging over time.
Other complications of EMF exposure include the opening of calcium channels in the brain (4), along with an increased use of magnesium, calcium and zinc, leading to depleted levels of these crucial nutrients (5).
How calcium channels work
Calcium channels exist in the body to selectively allow calcium ions into our cells. Calcium ions are charged molecules that play an important role in cell activity and function. They help with communication between cells and affect all stages of our cell’s life cycles. This system is tightly regulated, so when these channels begin opening abnormally due to EMF radiation, it can lead to symptoms such as (6):
Headaches
Irritability
Fatigue
Insomnia
Pain/tingling due to nerve stimulation
A natural remedy for this can be selecting magnesium-rich foods to eat, as well as taking magnesium supplements. Both can offer natural EMF protection.
The benefits of magnesium for natural EMF protection
Magnesium is a great example of a nutrient important for EMF radiation protection. Why? Well, it is involved in over 300 chemical processes in the body, including the support of several anti-oxidant enzymes (7).
Enzymes play a vital role in our bodies and they help speed up chemical reactions that take place in nearly all cells. With magnesium acting to fuel our anti-oxidant enzymes, it ultimately has the ability to help decrease oxidative stress due to sustained EMF exposure. In addition, magnesium acts as a natural calcium channel blocker (8).
Beyond magnesium’s role in improving anti-oxidant capacity and calcium channel blocking, it regulates neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain that affect our mood and stress response) and enables us to transition away from our fight and flight reactions, and into a calm, more peaceful state (9).
In fact, the calming effect of magnesium is so significant that it has been coined “the original chill pill”. So for those struggling with poor sleep quality or impaired immunity due to stress, EMF exposure, or inflammation, magnesium supplementation is key.
Top dietary sources of magnesium
Despite its crucial role in the body, about half the U.S. population aren’t getting enough of it (10). Magnesium is considered one of the most prevalent nutrient deficiencies in the United States, following closely behind vitamin D deficiency.
Deficiency is easily remedied by incorporating foods rich in magnesium into your diet. Top sources of magnesium include:
Seeds – 764 mg in 1 cup pumpkin seeds
Nuts – 307 mg in 1 cup of nuts
Dark leafy greens – 157 mg in 1 cup of cooked spinach
Fatty fish – 53 mg in ½ salmon filet
Legumes – 48 mg per serving
Avocado – 42 mg in a whole avocado
Final thoughts
If you struggle from symptoms of EMF exposure and are looking to implement natural EMF protection measures in your life, ensuring you are receiving adequate doses of magnesium in your diet is key. The daily Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for magnesium are as follows:
400 mg/day for men between 19-30 years
310 mg/day for women between 19-30 years
420 mg/day for men over 31 years
320 for women over 31 years
Another option is to supplement with a highly absorbable form of magnesium. An example of a product that contains this is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs. In addition to containing magnesium that’s mixed with healthy oils in a softgel form, it also includes calcium and zinc, which can become depleted over time due to prolonged EMF exposure.
Magnesium is a great example of a nutrient that’s important for EMF radiation protection. It is involved in over 300 chemical processes in the body, including the support of several anti-oxidant enzymes. With magnesium acting to fuel our anti-oxidant enzymes, it ultimately has the ability to help decrease oxidative stress due to sustained EMF exposure.
What is the best EMF protection?
It’s helpful to turn your Wi-Fi connection off when you’re not using the internet and also at night to protect your immune system while you sleep. EMF-blocking clothing can make a difference, such as beanies and shirts that contain silver threading. Avoid wireless watches, headsets and other wireless devices. Use regular, old-fashioned light bulbs rather than compact fluorescent ones that can give off “dirty energy.”
Studies are showing that olive oil is beneficial for many aspects of our health.
Olive oil can help strengthen the heart, support normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and can calm inflammation.
The oil assists with good sleep, supports the brain, and may prevent strokes. Stiff joints and arthritis can also be relieved with olive oil, especially when combined with fish oil (per Healthline.com).
Regarding olive oil for sleep, a recent study appeared in a journal that writes about the health of older people. This study included 1,639 people and found that eating a Mediterranean type diet improves the quality of sleep in older adults. The Mediterranean diet includes foods such as fruit, vegetables, olive oil, fish, nuts, seeds and whole grains.
Olive oil is a key component of this way of eating – a tradition that has developed in the European countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea.
Those in the study that didn’t adhere to the Mediterranean diet as well, had poorer sleep quality. The adults in the study that followed the diet more closely reaped the following benefits: More sound sleep through the night, falling asleep more quickly, feeling well rested when they woke up and during the day, and they were happy about the amount of sleep they got overall.
Olive oil has also been proven to help bone strength. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation: “Osteoporosis and low bone mass are currently estimated to be a major public health threat for almost 44 million women and men aged 50 and older in the USA.”
A recent study from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health has discovered that olives, olive oil and their potent plant nutrients called “polyphenols”, have a high potential for strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis. Human research shows that daily consumption of olive oil can prevent a decline in bone mineral density.
Some good ways to eat olive oil is to use it in salad dressings and on vegetables, rub it on meat and fish before cooking to keep it moist, use it instead of butter in sauces and gravies, spread it on fresh bread, and saute or cook food with it.
This natural health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and supplier of natural remedies since 2002. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes Sleep Minerals II, the effective natural sleep aid with calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D.
The company also makes Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails and more energy.
Olive oil for sleep?
Regarding olive oil for sleep, a recent study of 1,639 people found that eating a Mediterranean type diet high in olive oil improves the quality of sleep. This diet includes foods such as fruit, vegetables, olive oil, fish, nuts, seeds and whole grains. The people in the study who ate this way were able to fall asleep faster, sleep longer and wake up refreshed.
Is olive oil good for osteoporosis?
A recent study from the International Journal of Environmental Research has discovered that olives, olive oil and their potent plant nutrients have a high potential for strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis. Human research reveals that daily consumption of olive oil can prevent a decline in bone mineral density.
What are health benefits of olive oil?
Olive oil can help strengthen the heart, support normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels and can calm inflammation. It assists with good sleep, supports the brain and may prevent strokes. Stiff joints and arthritis can also be relieved with olive oil, especially when combined with fish oil
Look around your house and ask yourself, what couldn’t I live without? If you’re like nearly half the population, your smartphone is on the list.
That’s because our smartphones connect us to so many other things we love, from the people who are precious to us to the music that enriches our lives.
Knowing that we can’t live without our smartphones raises a question, though. How can we live more healthfully with them? From finding the best cellular service plan, to choosing a cell phone case that reflects our unique personalities, we invest a lot of time ensuring we have the best smartphone experience. You might want to think about it this way: adopting healthy cell phone habits is part of your overall smartphone optimization plan.
Cell Phone Safety During Cold and Flu Season
While the greatest risk of being infected with colds and the flu comes from inhaling airborne droplets released by people who are ill, a virus can also spread via contaminated surfaces. Plastic and metal, two of the materials commonly used to manufacture smartphones, can harbor a virus for two to three days.
What’s more, because we hold our phones close to our faces and speak directly into them, they are more likely than other objects — like countertops or pots and pans, for example — to carry traces of a virus.
The first step you can take to reduce your risk comes down to common sense. For best cell phone safety, don’t share your smartphone with others and don’t use other people’s phones. That means not handing your phone to someone else to view your Facebook photos. If someone wants to do a quick Google search on your phone, do it for them.
Don’t reach over to hand someone their phone just to be courteous. Our phones have become so ever-present in our lives, we are barely aware of how often we touch them.
Keep it Clean
It’s also a smart practice to disinfect your phone periodically. Phone manufacturers have recently advised users that common disinfectants like alcohol and bleach wipes can be used to clean screens without damaging them. But some products might be too harsh so it’s best to follow your phone’s manufacturer’s advice on the subject. If you’re into gadgets, you may also want to consider one of the phone disinfecting devices that uses UVC light to kill germs.
UVC is ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light is a type of radiation that makes black-light posters glow and is responsible for summer tans. Light in the UVC wavelength can be used for disinfecting water, sterilizing surfaces, destroying harmful micro-organisms in food products and also in the air.
UVC light has been used for years to stop the spread of disease. It’s also a component of the best air purifiers for home use. Choose a model that encloses your phone and bathes it in light, rather than a wand-style model, to avoid exposing yourself or others to the low level of radiation the devices emit.
Cut it Short
There is a body of evidence connecting too much screen time to health problems, whether it’s cold and flu season or not. In studies of cell phone safety, screen time has been linked to obesity and it can also disrupt our sleep patterns. Studies show that poor sleep can lead to chronic inflammation, an underlying cause of health problems ranging from asthma to heart conditions.
Shutting the cell phone and computer off a couple hours before bedtime can lead to a better night’s sleep. The light from these devices has been shown to reduce the sleep-inducing hormone known as melatonin and make it harder to stay asleep at night. Another tip for better sleep would be to take some highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium such as those found in the natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II. Magnesium has been proven to help reduce the harmful effects of radiation from cell phones.
Caring for Kids
Some parents have all but given up trying to limit their kids’ screen time. But limiting our kids’ use of smartphones remains important. Ironically, while adults may experience a greater sense of connectedness by using their phones, too much screen time can make kids less interested in being with their friends and family.
The shows and games that appear to keep the kids’ minds engaged may actually impair their thinking and learning abilities later in life. It’s safe to say that family members of all ages can improve their health by taking steps to use their cell phones safely.
Author Bio:
Susan Doktor is a journalist and businesswoman who hails from New York City. She writes guest and ghost-blogs internationally on a wide range of topics, including health, technology, finance and consumer products.
Wouldn’t it be great if there were a natural plant-based sweetener with zero calories that actually improved our health?
Many people would prefer to avoid eating a lot of white sugar as it affects everything from weight, to teeth, to immunity, to the health of our organs.
Although in the world of sugar substitutes, many of the options are artificial sweeteners made in the laboratory such as Equal (aspartame), Splenda (sucralose) and SweetNLow (saccharin – which is a coal tar derivative).
A recent study published in a medical journal that writes about metabolism reported that diet soda drinkers suffer with the same health problems as those who opt for regular sugared soda, including weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
At the same time that studies are discovering more and more health problems are from consuming artificial sweeteners, one natural option – the Stevia plant – is collecting positive research outcomes for stevia health benefits. It’s a South American plant from the same family that includes chrysanthemums and sunflowers. Honey is also natural, but it contains very concentrated sugars that can cause cells to store fat.
Stevioside is the natural extract from stevia leaves that gives it its sweetness. Stevia extract can taste 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar, with one teaspoon equaling a whole cup of sugar. Very small amounts go a long way. One good thing is that Stevia is not absorbed well into the stomach and when it passes through the body, there is no accumulation of it.
The cells of the pancreas receive a healing effect from stevia. A study in the journal “Metabolism” found that stevioside reduced blood sugar levels after meals in type 2 diabetic patients. Regarding high blood pressure, one study in a British medical journal gave participants with high blood pressure stevia capsules for a year. The researchers concluded it is a well tolerated and an effective alternative therapy.
In a test tube study from the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal, stevia was shown to be an effective antiviral substance that worked as a blockade to prevent a virus from attaching to other cells. Researchers proved that stevia inhibited the reproduction of the Teschen disease virus (a virus in animals) and the human Coronavirus. Other stevia health benefits include inhibiting the growth of oral bacteria, which makes it a good ingredient for mouthwashes, toothpastes and bleeding gums.
Stevia is available as fresh or dried leaves, as a powdered extract or as drops. Its health benefits are best realized when the whole plant is used to make the extract. Truvia (made by Coca-Cola) and PureVia (made by PepsiCo) contain only portions of the active ingredients, not the entire plant. So look for stevia or stevioside amounts when purchasing this natural sweetener.
This news is brought to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, providing natural health articles and effective natural remedies since 2002. Learn more about the Sleep Minerals II and Joints and More products made by Nutrition Breakthroughs.
What health benefits does stevia have?
In a test tube study from the journal “Antiviral Research”, stevia was shown to be an effective antiviral substance that worked as a blockade to prevent a virus from attaching to other cells. The cells of the pancreas receive a healing effect from stevia. A study in the journal “Metabolism” found that stevioside reduced blood sugar levels after meals in type 2 diabetic patients.
Is stevia good for you or bad for you?
Stevia is a natural, plant-based sweetener that may actually be good for our health. It is collecting positive research outcomes for conditions like high blood sugar and high blood pressure. It can also act as an effective antiviral and antibacterial substance.
Chamomile flowers are a member of the daisy family, with their bright gold cones that shine in the center of white petals. There are many proven chamomile tea benefits for health.
With more than one million cups of chamomile tea consumed every day and supplements of chamomile capsules, liquid extracts, ointments, and essential oils in wide use, chamomile is one of the most highly used and research-proven medicinal plants. It has been studied for use with insomnia, heart conditions, colds, inflammation, skin eczema, upset stomach, osteoporosis, anxiety, sore throat, wound healing and more.
Chamomile for Sleep and Insomnia
Chamomile has long been used as a natural sleep aid and insomnia remedy. The powerful oils contained in its flowers provide a calming effect for sleeplessness, nervousness and anxiety. In one study, heart patients were given chamomile tea and fell into a deep sleep. From another study with animals that was done in Japan, calmness and relaxation were increased and the time needed to fall asleep was significantly reduced. Another study showed that chamomile greatly reduces anxiety and increases well-being.
Stomach Conditions Helped by Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the main “go to” herbs for digestive disorders like upset stomach, ulcers, diarrhea and gas. It helps to relax muscle contractions, particularly in the smooth muscles that make up the intestines. In one journal study from Switzerland, the herbal combination of iberis (an herb in the cabbage family), peppermint and chamomile were shown to be effective in the treatment of stomach indigestion, irritation and inflammation.
Eczema and Skin Conditions
Inflammation of the skin is widely treated and remedied by topical chamomile preparations. It has the ability to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and help with eczema and other skin inflammations. In a European medical journal, a cream with chamomile extract was tested against a hydrocortisone cream. After a 2-week treatment, the chamomile cream showed a mild superiority in effectiveness over hydrocortisone.
Osteoporosis, Bone Health and Chamomile
In the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, chamomile extract was studied for its ability to prevent the bone loss that can occur as people age. Chamomile demonstrated the ability to help mineralize bone cells and showed an anti-estrogenic quality. The researchers noted that this may be due to chamomile having a quality as a possible regulator of excess estrogen in the body.
Calcium and Chamomile – A Winning Duo
Calcium is also directly related to our good sleep. In one study, called “The Nutritional Relationships of Magnesium”, the author notes that the type of insomnia associated with a calcium deficiency causes difficulty with falling asleep. This same study says that “Muscle cramps associated with a calcium deficiency often occur at night and without exertion.”
In another study published in the European Neurology Journal, researchers found that calcium levels in the body are higher during some of the deepest levels of sleep, such as the rapid eye movement (REM) phase when most dreaming occurs. This study discovered that disturbances in sleep, especially the absence of REM deep sleep or disturbed REM sleep, are related to a calcium deficiency.
Best Minerals for Sleep: Calcium and Magnesium
One natural insomnia remedy showing good results is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs. This sleep aid contains powerful forms of calcium and magnesium, the best known minerals for relaxation and sleep, as well as for restless leg syndrome, stomach health, teenage insomnia and menopause insomnia. The ingredients include vitamin D and zinc and are formulated in a softgel with healthy oils, making them more quickly absorbable than tablets or capsules and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
Kimberly B. of Troy, Michigan says: “I have been taking Sleep Minerals II for about a month now. I have tried everything out there and this supplement is amazing. I have suffered with insomnia for 2 1/2 years. I have also had restless leg syndrome my entire life and this is the first relief I’ve ever had…gone for a month now.”
Richard P. of Parkville, Maryland says: “The Sleep Minerals are making quite a difference. I was regularly waking up at around 3:00 a.m. and after a few days use my sleep improved quite a lot. I wake up once a night to go to the bathroom, but the great thing is, I then fall back asleep and sleep several more hours. This has been a great improvement.”
Summary for Chamomile and Calcium
Anyone who has a strong allergy to plants like daisies or ragweed (with its tiny green flowers) should start with a very small amount of chamomile, whether using it as a tea, supplement or skin ointment. Most people can gain benefits from chamomile without any reactions. It is one of nature’s most potent herbs and can help with calming insomnia, anxiety, muscle spasms, PMS, skin inflammations, stomach disorders, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, arthritis and more.
As a first line of defense against sleeplessness and insomnia, chamomile and calcium are good bets. Coming from the worlds of herbal and mineral sleep aids, they are normally taken safely without addictive qualities or side effects.
This natural health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and supplier of effective natural remedies since 2001. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes Sleep Minerals II, the effective natural sleep aid with calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D, and also Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails and more energy.
Why does chamomile make you sleepy?
Chamomile has long been used as a natural sleep aid and insomnia remedy. The powerful oils contained in its flowers provide a calming effect for sleeplessness, nervousness and anxiety. In one study, heart patients were given chamomile tea and fell into a deep sleep.
What are the health benefits of chamomile?
Chamomile is one of the most highly used and research-proven medicinal plants. It has been studied for use with insomnia, heart conditions, colds, inflammation, skin eczema, upset stomach, osteoporosis, anxiety, sore throat, wound healing and more.
Why is chamomile tea good for you?
Chamomile is one of the main “go to” herbs for digestive disorders like upset stomach, ulcers, diarrhea and gas. It helps to relax muscle contractions, particularly in the smooth muscles that make up the intestines. Chamomile also has the ability to help mineralize bone cells and strengthen bones.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has put together a handy, very helpful guide on “Healthier, Green Cleaning Options.” The link to the guide can be found below.
This is especially valuable coming from the EWG, as they do regular research and studies on chemicals and contaminants in our cleaning products, foods, and the environment.
Here is the EWG mission statement that can be found on their website:
“The Environmental Working Group’s mission is to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. With breakthrough research and education, we drive consumer choice and civic action.”
“We work for you. Do you know what’s in your tap water? What about your shampoo? What’s lurking in the cleaners underneath your sink? What pesticides are on your food?”
So, enjoy this short EWG guide to healthy green cleaning options by clicking the link below. Here’s to your good health and the health of your family!
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. They also provide Joints and More, for natural joint relief, hair growth, seasonal allergies and more energy.
Here’s a short vitamin D primer that also includes how it can affect insomnia. Shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of Sleep Minerals II
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Do you struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep at night? If so, you are not alone. Every night, millions of people lie in bed hoping for a restful night’s sleep that does not come.
It is estimated that one in three people will develop acute insomnia every year, and about 10% of these individuals will struggle with insomnia for several months at a time.
Insomnia can wreak havoc on one’s ability to live a normal, productive life. In fact, lack of sleep can lead to mood changes, memory loss, and impaired judgement. In addition, unresolved or unmanaged sleep disorders can increase the risk of chronic pain, depression, and a compromised immune system.
There are a variety of sleep medications on the market to help manage insomnia. However, the side effects often lead to a new set of health complications. As a result, many people have begun searching for a safer, natural alternative to promote a healthier sleep cycle. Of the options on the market, vitamin D is proving to be a serious contender.
Vitamin D at a glance
Vitamin D has been making media headlines for over two decades. Originally believed to be important solely for bone health, research continues to uncover a wide range of additional health benefits of maintaining optimal levels.
Unfortunately, despite the thousands of studies that have showcased the body’s need for vitamin D, deficiency remains highly prevalent. This is due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to:
Indoor lifestyle
Sunblock use
Avoidance of mid-day sun exposure
Lack of supplement use
Imbalanced diet
Obesity
Often, people who are vitamin D deficient experience symptoms like fatigue, joint and muscle pain, frequent infections and insomnia.
How vitamin D status may impact sleep quality
Vitamin D is not just a vitamin, it’s 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.
Hormones are fat-soluble substances derived from cholesterol. They are produced by glands such as the thyroid, adrenals and pancreas, and then released into the bloodstream to reach target cells. These include cortisol made by the adrenals, testosterone, estrogen and yes, vitamin D.
So, how may vitamin D impact sleep? Vitamin D receiving points are located throughout regions of the brain that regulate our mood and sleep patterns. This has led researchers to theorize that vitamin D helps regulate the circadian rhythm, which is our body’s internal clock that instructs us when to sleep, eat, and rest.
Several studies have supported this theory by reporting a relationship between healthy vitamin D levels and improved sleep quality. In addition, a recent study found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an 11-fold increased odds of resistance to sleep medication. This means that the people who didn’t respond to sleeping drugs had a lower level of vitamin D in their body.
Best sources of vitamin D
Thankfully, there are a variety of ways one can ensure they are receiving enough vitamin D to promote healthy sleep cycles. This includes safe sun exposure (avoiding getting burned), supplementation, and eating a balanced diet.
Now more than ever, foods are being fortified with vitamin D in an effort to better support the body’s needs. However, people frequently ask, which form is better, vitamin D2 or D3?
Vitamin D2 is obtained through the diet and is produced by plants; whereas D3 is naturally produced when the skin is exposed to the sun and it can be consumed via animal sources in the diet.
Vitamin D3 is more bioavailable than D2, meaning this form is more efficiently utilized by our bodies. For this reason, experts recommend people ensure they are receiving ample amounts of vitamin D3 per day.
Top sources of vitamin D rich foods
Cod liver Oil is the most potent dietary source for vitamin D3. In just one tablespoon, you can receive 1,360 international units (IU) vitamin D3. In addition to vitamin D, cod liver oil is rich in vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids.
Fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines and mackerel are the best dietary sources of vitamin D, with about 500 IU vitamin D3 content in just three ounces of cooked fish. Also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, these sources offer a heart-healthy option for those looking for a balanced dietary approach to maintaining healthy vitamin D levels.
Plain greek yogurt is another healthy option to provide some of your daily vitamin D needs. Known for its probiotics, greek yogurt helps support a healthy intestinal tract. In addition, it is a great snack for people who struggle with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) due to its high protein, low carbohydrate ratio. It also contains calcium, magnesium and about 80 IU vitamin D per 6 oz serving.
Eggs offer another beneficial source of vitamin D3. They generally contain about 40 IU per yoke.
Perhaps one of the most popular dietary sources of vitamin D is milk. It offers about 120 IU vitamin D3 per serving. Milk also provides a great source of calcium. For this reason, milk is an important dietary component to protecting bone health.
Final thoughts
If you struggle with insomnia and hope vitamin D may help improve your sleep quality, there are a couple important factors to keep in mind. First, consistency is key. Although time of day isn’t important when eating foods rich in vitamin D or taking an oral supplement, it is important that this is done on a regular basis.
Research suggests that taking a couple thousand international units (IU’s) of vitamin D per day between foods and supplements is ideal when addressing sleeplessness and insomnia.
One supplement that contains a good amount of vitamin D is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs. It also contains highly absorbable forms of calcium, magnesium, and zinc, which are all blended together with healthy oils to form an absorbable soft gel. Together, these vitamins and minerals work to help facilitate quality sleep. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause one to wake up in the middle of the night and be unable to fall back asleep.
One Sleep Minerals II user in Massachusetts says: “I had become dependent on sleeping drugs and couldn’t sleep without them. Now I take the Sleep Minerals before bed and can sleep through the whole night without drugs. I’m also able to easily fall back to sleep if I do have to get up. Another benefit is this helps alleviate my chronic fatigue and aches and pains.”
Vitamin D is one of the master players in the game we all hope to win: Vibrant health, well-being and good sleep. Use it well in foods and supplements, as well as together with those minerals that are best-known for being relaxing insomnia remedies.
A hot flash, also called hot flush, is a sudden feeling of warmth and often a breakout of sweating in the upper half of the body. When these occur at night, they’re known as night sweats.
Hot flashes are normally brought on by a reduced function of the brain’s temperature regulation, are caused by changing hormone levels, and are one of the most common menopause symptoms. Having night sweats while sleeping can cause overheating and frequent awakenings.
Another source of hot flashes can be medications. According to WebMD, “Taking certain medications can lead to night sweats. Antidepressant medications are a common type of drug that can lead to night sweats. From 8% to 22% of people taking antidepressant drugs have night sweats. Other psychiatric drugs have also been associated with night sweats.”
The “Sleep in America” poll results from the National Sleep Foundation found that more than half of all Americans (60%) experience a sleep problem every night or almost every night. Interestingly, a ten-year study to discover which drugs are used to treat insomnia was published in the journal “Sleep”.
The study found that prescriptions for sleeping medications have decreased by 53.7%, but that antidepressant drugs prescribed for insomnia have increased by a surprising 146%. Examples of antidepressants prescribed for insomnia are trazodone, doxepin, trimipramine, and amitriptyline.
Medications may not always have the desired effects. For example, Drugs.com says the following about an antidepressant drug called Welbutrin — “Nervous system side effects have frequently included headache (27%), insomnia (16% to 33%)….and sleep abnormalities.” Health.com lists other possible side effects of antidepressants as sexual dysfunction, weight gain, dry mouth and throat, racing pulse, confusion, disturbed dreams, and an increased risk of suicide.
Nature has provided us with some natural sleep remedies and relaxants that have stood the test of time. Regarding mineral deficiency as we age and at the time of menopause, the pioneering nutritionist Adelle Davis says, “The amount of calcium in a woman’s blood parallels the activity of the ovaries. During the menopause, the lack of ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone) can cause severe calcium deficiency symptoms to occur, including irritability, hot flashes, night sweats, leg cramps, and insomnia. These problems can be easily overcome if the intakes of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D are all generously increased and are well absorbed.”
One sleep remedy increasing in popularity is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs. This natural sleep aid contains highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium, the best minerals for sleeplessness and insomnia, as well as for restless legs syndrome, bone strength, aches and pains, and menopause insomnia.
The formula also includes vitamin D and zinc and is delivered in a softgel form with healthy carrier oils, making the minerals more quickly assimilated than tablets or capsules. The softgel formulation provides a deeper, longer-lasting sleep and is an effective alternative to medications.
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 flashes, I’m sleeping much better and am a lot more comfortable.”
Alex R. of Ramseur, North Carolina says: “Sleep Minerals II has been a blessing for me. It has given me the opportunity to withdraw from a highly addictive sleep medication over time, and has allowed me to sleep while going through this most difficult ordeal. What’s great about it is it doesn’t lose its effectiveness, which is something that happens with sleep medications. I am most thankful for this product.”
The word “metabolic” refers to the processes in plants and animals by which food is changed into energy or used to make cells and tissues. A “syndrome” is a group of signs or symptoms that together indicate a particular disease or condition.
So, “metabolic syndrome” is a group of risk areas that increase the likelihood of developing diabetes, heart disease or stroke. These include high blood sugar levels, increased blood pressure, excess stomach fat and high cholesterol.
Fish and omega-3 foods for metabolic syndrome
Omega 3 fatty acids are a type of fat that we must get from our diet as the body can’t produce them on its own. This classifies them as “essential” fatty acids. These include wild-caught fatty fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel and oysters, as well as fish oils, walnuts, flaxseeds, grass-fed beef and leafy greens. Omega 3 fats assist in reducing blood pressure, supporting a healthy heart and strengthening the eyes and brain.
The Journal of Physiology published a study on omega 3 fatty acids. They reviewed the evidence on the effectiveness of eating omega 3 fish and fish oil supplements for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome. They found that supplementing with Omega 3 sources improved obesity, insulin levels, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. They commented that the anti-inflammatory aspects of these fatty acids also offer good protection for the heart.
Flaxseeds for metabolic syndrome
Phytotherapy is a word that comes from the Greek word “phyton” meaning “plant”, and therapeuein” meaning “to take care of, to heal.” This is the term used to describe medical herbalism.
A study in the magazine “Phytotherapy Research” discovered that flaxseeds are a good remedy for metabolic syndrome by helping to reverse high blood sugar and obesity. In the study, the participant’s body weight, waist circumference, and body mass index all had significantly greater reductions in the flaxseed group. The researchers concluded that co-administration of flaxseed with lifestyle modifications is more effective than lifestyle modification alone in management of metabolic syndrome.
Vegetables and fruits for metabolic syndrome
In a study of Chinese adults, it was discovered that those with adequate vegetable and fruit intake had the lowest risk of metabolic syndrome. Eating a good amount of these foods was significantly associated with reduced risk among adult residents of China.
Healthy vegetables to eat include dark leafy greens such as lettuce, kale and spinach, as well as avocado, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, olives, sweet potatoes, cabbage and others that are enjoyable. Avocados in particular have been found to be related to improved overall diet quality, a healthy nutrient intake, and reduced risk of metabolic syndrome
Good fruits to eat include berries, applies, grapes, apples, pears and others. Due to the natural sugars in fruit, It’s good to keep fruit in moderation and eat at least two or three times as many vegetables as fruit.
Magnesium for metabolic syndrome
A study from the journal “Diabetic Medicine” reports on the role of magnesium deficiency in metabolic syndrome. They found that magnesium acts through many mechanisms in the body to help prevent this group of health disorders. Magnesium has a positive effect on glucose metabolism and insulin, as well as beneficial effects on fat metabolism.
The authors of the study explain that magnesium actively promotes muscle relaxation and offsets calcium-related muscle contractions. This mechanism may explain the hypertension (high blood pressure) in metabolic syndrome that’s found in populations with magnesium deficiency. (In supplements, calcium and magnesium should be taken together as they balance each other).
Dietary magnesium prevents chronic inflammation, a state that sets the stage for metabolic syndrome and its consequences. Magnesium does this by preventing the activation of inflammatory changes. The researchers concluded that the amount of magnesium a person consumes is directly related to the presence of metabolic syndrome or its absence. Good food sources of magnesium include almonds, beans, peas, seeds, banana, avocado, leafy greens and whole grains.
This natural health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and a supplier of natural remedies since 2002. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes Sleep Minerals II, the effective natural sleep aid with calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D.
The ingredients in Sleep Minerals II can be helpful for a variety of health conditions. I.C. of Ontario, Canada says: “I have diabetes, a thyroid condition, arthritis and other issues. The Sleep Minerals helps me sleep and gives me the minerals I need. I also have arthritis throughout my whole body and the minerals help this a lot. In fact, Sleep Minerals lessens all of my symptoms greatly and has helped me to go into remission.”
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