Tag Archives: sleep remedy

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.

The Best Teas for Sleep, Stress and Anxiety

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best teasThe Best Teas for Sleep, Stress and Anxiety

Greetings to you,

Can making and drinking a cup of tea help to reduce stress and increase relaxation?

A study from the City University of London found that drinking a cup of tea does indeed help with relaxation, not only from the action of drinking it, but also from the calming ritual of heating the water or using a kettle.

The ritual of slowing down to make the tea is one of its greatest calming benefits.  One of the main ingredients in the best teas is L-theanine, a non-protein amino acid that increases the levels of calming chemicals in the brain.

Many health benefits can be obtained from drinking herbal teas.  Some of their medicinal effects include soothing stress, easing nausea, helping with menopausal or menstrual symptoms, relaxing muscles, and calming an upset stomach.

Take a peek at the video below to discover some of the most time-proven best teas. This video was created for you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II.

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.”

Here’s to your good sleep and a balanced point of view by drinking the best calming teas and taking some absorbable calcium and magnesium.

The Top 8 Sleep Tips for Insomnia – Most Proven Ones

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sleep tipsGreetings to you,

The two-minute video below reveals the top eight sleep tips for insomnia. Learn the best, most proven ways to enjoy better sleep.

These sleep tips are for anyone who has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep during the night. If this describes you or someone you care about, take a peek at this entertaining video and share it with others.

Here’s to your good sleep and great health!

This video was created 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.

Good Sleep: The Four Best Vitamins

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good sleepGreetings to you,

In our quest for good sleep, there are many natural aids and effective alternatives to sleeping drugs.  The video below focuses on the best vitamins to take.

Other good sleep remedies include taking certain minerals or herbs, taking walks, keeping the bedroom dark and cool, having a good quality mattress and pillow, getting more sunlight during the day, and keeping relationships with others at an upbeat and cheerful tone.

Sleep well!

How to Sleep with a Snoring Spouse: Short Video

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snoring spouseGreetings to you,

If you’ve ever had to sleep with a snoring spouse, you’ll appreciate the practical and workable tips in this short video.

It covers the best positions for the snorer to sleep in, tips for them to sleep better, and some things that their mate can do.

Enjoy the video below and put it to good use as needed.

Here’s to your good health and great sleep,

Jobee Knight
Nutrition Breakthroughs
Maker of Sleep Minerals II

True Story #1: How Nutrition Breakthroughs Started

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nutrition breakthroughsGreetings to you,

This is Jobee Knight from Nutrition Breakthroughs. Thanks for being a reader of the natural health discoveries I share.  Today I have a different story to share with you.

It’s the true story of how Nutrition Breakthroughs started.  Let me know what you think of it!

My journey into the natural health field began a couple of decades ago when I was the public relations director for a computer software company.

I was always writing press releases about our latest software version and what a “breakthrough” it was and how fantastic its great new features were.

I had always been interested in nutrition and had experienced great benefits from eating good foods and taking natural supplements.  It was amazing to me that a supplement could have such beneficial effects.

I decided I would create a website called “Nutrition Breakthroughs”, similar to all the computer “breakthroughs” I had been writing about.

Nutrition Breakthroughs would have easy to understand articles about natural remedies that worked and actually helped people to improve their health.

It would also provide natural supplements that would be so effective, people would not need to turn to drugs for relief and would heal naturally.

So I bought my first computer on credit, bought an easy website designer on the internet, put up the website, and Nutrition Breakthroughs was born!

So far, it has lived up to it’s original vision with its natural health articles and effective supplements for better sleep and pain-free joints.

So now it’s your turn! I would love to hear from you. Is there something you have always wanted to do in your life to improve your career or your health, but haven’t known which steps to take to bring it into reality?

Send me an email at info@nutritionbreakthroughs.com. I check this inbox myself and I may not reply to each message, but I do read each one.  It helps me to provide good information that is of interest.

Here’s to your good health, good sleep and long life.

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

Study Shows “Beauty Sleep” Vital to Attractiveness (Plus Some Good Sleep Aids)

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beauty sleepIs “Beauty Sleep” a myth or a reality?  If you want to look attractive and healthy, the best thing you can do is get a good night’s sleep, according to recent research from the British Medical Journal

For the first time, say the authors, there is scientific backing for the concept of beauty sleep.

The study that was led by John Axelsson from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, investigated the relationship between sleep and perceptions of attractiveness and health. The authors believe this research is important in today’s 24 hour society with the number of people increasing who are suffering from sleep disorders and disturbed sleep.

23 participants between the ages of 18 to 31 took part in the study. They were photographed between 2pm and 3pm on two occasions, once after normal sleep and once after being deprived of sleep. Smokers were excluded from the research and no alcohol was allowed for two days prior to the experiment.

The photographs were taken in a well-lit room and the distance to the camera was fixed. During both photography sessions participants wore no make-up, had their hair loose (combed back if they had long hair) and underwent similar cleaning or shaving procedures. They were asked to have a relaxed, neutral facial expression for both photos.

Sixty-five observers, who were blinded to the sleep status of the subjects, rated the photographs for attractiveness and whether the individuals looked healthy or unhealthy and tired or not tired.

The results?  The observers judged that the faces of the sleep-deprived participants looked less healthy, less attractive and more tired.  The study authors then concluded that the facial signals of sleep deprived people can be very telling – affecting their appearance, their attractiveness and how healthy they look.

A comment from the blog author Nutrition Breakthroughs: To preserve your “Beauty Sleep” and attractiveness at those times when you’re experiencing insomnia or sleeplessness, try taking some natural minerals to soothe you to sleep.

A popular example of this is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs.  This natural sleep aid contains highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium, which are the best minerals for sleeplessness and insomnia, as well as for heart health, restless legs syndrome, bone strength, menopause insomnia and teenage insomnia.  It comes in a softgel form for rapid and complete absorption.

Wendy R. of Honolulu, Hawaii says: “My friends know that I’ve had chronic insomnia for a long time. Surprisingly, I received the Sleep Minerals II and began taking it and found this thing really works. In the past if I ever got a good nights sleep I’d say ‘I slept like a baby’, but that’s the wrong comparison. Those little guys get up every two hours. I am actually beginning to sleep like an adult — a much-rested adult.”

To learn more, visit the Sleep Minerals II page.
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Source: The British Medical Journal: http://www.bmj.com/content/341/bmj.c6614