Posts Tagged ‘diet’
Sleep Minerals II is the original and time-tested calcium and magnesium remedy for better sleep.
Nutrition Breakthroughs has enhanced the product to provide an upgraded formula for those struggling with sleeplessness or insomnia.
With increased amounts of zinc, a shift to sunflower lecithin from soy lecithin, and a reduced serving size, the new formula provides increased benefits for those who seek a more restful night’s sleep.
Sleep Minerals II contains calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and zinc, formulated in a softgel with healthy oils. The softgel is a unique form that is absorbed and digested more rapidly and fully than tablets or capsules.
Zinc is a vital mineral for sleep regulation and it is also the most important mineral for immune function. The amount of zinc present in the body is a factor that can determine the quality and quantity of sleep. Zinc aids in the manufacture of chemical messengers in the brain such as melatonin and serotonin, which support a sound night’s sleep and help to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
According to the U.S. Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, about half of U.S. women consume less than two-thirds of the Recommended Dietary Daily Allowance of 11 mg. to 12 mg. of zinc. And the amount of zinc people absorb from their meals decreases with advancing age. The new version of Sleep Minerals II provides 12 mg. of zinc in each softgel.
The balance of calcium and zinc are important to overall health. In one study from the Human Nutrition Research Center, 18 women increased their calcium intake and this resulted in their absorption of zinc significantly reducing. This happened regardless of whether they got the extra calcium from milk or from a calcium supplement.
In a second study from the same source, zinc absorption dropped by half when a group of 10 men and women took a calcium supplement with a single test meal. However, adding zinc to the calcium supplement acted to offset this effect.
On its own, calcium is directly related to our cycles of sleep. In one study published in the European Neurology Journal, researchers found that calcium levels in the body are higher during the deepest levels of sleep, such as the rapid eye movement (REM) phase.
This is the phase where dreaming occurs. The study concluded that disturbances in sleep, especially the absence of REM deep sleep or disturbed REM sleep, are related to a calcium deficiency.
Sleep in magnesium deficiency is usually agitated with frequent nighttime awakenings. Chronic sleeplessness is one of the main symptoms of magnesium deficiency. On the other hand, a high magnesium diet has been found to be associated with deeper, less interrupted sleep. This was proven in a study done by James Penland at the Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota.
Regarding vitamin D, researchers in Texas found a definite link between vitamin D deficiency and the current global epidemic of sleep disorders. Their clinical trial followed 1500 patients over a 2-year period.
A consistent level of vitamin D was maintained in the participant’s blood over many months. This produced normal sleep for most of them, regardless of their type of sleep disorder.
Nutrition Breakthroughs is pleased to include sunflower lecithin in the new formula, replacing the former soy lecithin. Sunflower lecithin is not only a more allergen-friendly option but it provides additional health benefits such as supporting brain function and healthier cholesterol levels. When used in nutritional supplements, lecithin is known for improving the stability and smooth mixture of the ingredients.
Sleep Minerals II contains all of the most proven and effective minerals and vitamins for good sleep. It continues to be a safe, drug-free and gentle option for those seeking a time-tested natural sleep remedy. It helps with falling asleep faster, staying asleep longer, sleeping deeper, and waking up refreshed.
***** 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 night’s 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.”
***** L.R.C. of Massachusetts says: “I had become dependent on sleeping drugs and couldn’t sleep without them. Now I take the Sleep Minerals before bed and I 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.”
Visit the Sleep Minerals II page for more information.
Home Remedies for Veins – Best Foods to Calm Swollen Veins
If you’ve ever felt like your legs are heavy, tight, or ballooning during a hot day, you’re not alone.
Swollen veins – especially in the legs- are a common issue that can flare up from heat, standing for long periods, poor circulation, or chronic conditions like varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.
While compression socks and elevation can help, what you eat can actually play a powerful role in calming those inflamed blood vessels. Let’s dive into the tastiest, science-backed foods that support healthy veins and reduce swelling.
1. Berries – Nature’s Tiny Anti-Inflammatories
Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are packed with flavonoids –natural plant chemicals that help reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel strength. A 2016 review in Nutrients found that flavonoid-rich foods enhance blood flow and reduce leg swelling.
Plus, they’re full of antioxidants, compounds that protect your cells from damage caused by stress, heat, or injury. Antioxidants = the superheroes of your bloodstream.
Snack tip: Toss them into a smoothie, yogurt, or just eat them straight!
2. Leafy Greens – Full of Healthy Magnesium
Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are loaded with magnesium, a mineral that helps veins relax and blood circulate freely. Low magnesium levels have been linked to poor vein health and increased swelling.
These greens also pack vitamin C, which helps your body make collagen — a protein that strengthens vein walls.
Food Tip: Throw a handful in your eggs, soup, or smoothie.
3. Citrus Fruits – Vitamin C for the Win
Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are citrus superstars bursting with vitamin C and more flavonoids. A 2014 study published in Phytotherapy Research showed that citrus flavonoids helped improve circulation and reduce pain and swelling in patients with chronic venous disease.
Simple fix: Squeeze lemon into your water or add orange slices to your salad.
4. Fatty Fish – Omega-3s to the Rescue
Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. A study in The Journal of Nutrition found that people who ate more omega-3s had healthier, more elastic veins.
Try this: Aim for two servings a week — grilled, baked, or in fish tacos.
Bonus: Quick Exercises to Help Your Veins
Food helps—but so does movement! Try these two simple moves daily:
- Heel Pumps: While sitting or standing, lift your heels and then your toes — 20 reps boosts circulation fast.
- Leg Lifts: Lie down and raise each leg for 10 seconds, 10 reps per leg.
- Walks around the block – A morning or evening stroll can do wonders for leg circulation and overall health.
Summary
Swollen veins can cramp your comfort, but nature’s got your back. By loading up on berries, greens, citrus, and omega-3-rich fish—and staying active — you can reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and help your veins feel (and look) their best.
Remember: Your veins work hard — give them something good to work with!
Shared with You by Nutrition Breakthroughs:
This natural health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and supplier of effective natural remedies since 2002. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes Sleep Minerals II, the effective natural sleep aid with calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D, and also Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails and more energy.
Customer reviews say it best:
“The longer I take Sleep Minerals II, the better I sleep.” S. T.
“Nothing has helped me more than Sleep Minerals II.” T.M.
“I can’t express the relief of getting a good night’s sleep.” S.D.
Sources:
- Ghosh, D. & Scheepens, A. (2009). Nutrients – “Vascular benefits of berries”
- Martinez, M.J. et al. (2014). Phytotherapy Research – Citrus flavonoids & vein health
- Zhao, Y. et al. (2004). The Journal of Nutrition – Omega-3s and vascular function
Welcome to another edition of “Friday Fun Nutrition Facts!” Get ready to be entertained and inspired by some fascinating tidbits about the food we eat. Let’s dive in …
- Peppers Can Help with Pain Relief
Capsaicin is a plant chemical found in the fruit of chili peppers that gives them their burning sensation and sense of heat. Capsaicin is known for its pain-relieving properties. It works by desensitizing nerve receptors and is often used in topical creams to alleviate pain from arthritis and other conditions. Spicy but soothing!
Reference: Anand, P., & Bley, K. (2011). Topical capsaicin for pain management: Therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of the new capsaicin 8% patch. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 107(4), 490-502.
- Cranberries Can Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins – plant chemicals that give the fruit or flowers of plants their red, blue, or purple colors. This plant substance can prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract. This makes cranberries effective in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and they’re also helpful for gum health by preventing oral bacterial from binding together. Enjoy cranberry juice or dried unsweetened cranberries for a tasty health boost.
Reference: Jepson, R. G., Williams, G., & Craig, J. C. (2012). Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (10), CD001321.
- Kiwi Fruit Can Improve Sleep Quality
Eating two kiwis an hour before bedtime can improve sleep quality per recent studies. Kiwis are rich in serotonin and antioxidants (substances that keep cells healthy), both of which can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. Sweet dreams are made of kiwis.
Reference: Lin, H. H., Tsai, P. S., & Fang, S. C. (2011). Effect of kiwifruit consumption on sleep quality in adults with sleep problems. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 20(2), 169-174.
Fun and Health Go Hand-in-Hand
Isn’t nutrition fascinating? From pain-relieving peppers to sleep-enhancing kiwis, these fun nutrition facts highlight the amazing world of food. Each week, we’ll bring you more surprising and inspiring nutritional facts to help you on your journey to healthier eating. Stay tuned!
This natural health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original and effective calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.
Better sleep is something that millions of people with insomnia are looking for.
Per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine survey results, about 1 in 8 people, or 12% of Americans said they have been diagnosed with chronic insomnia.
What if one of the the keys to restful slumber could be related to what you put on your plate? Recent studies reveal that certain healthy carbohydrates can work wonders for improving sleep quality, helping you fall asleep faster and wake up less often. Here’s a breakdown of the top sleep-friendly carbs and how they benefit your body.
Sweet Potatoes: A Sleep Superfood
Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also packed with sleep-promoting nutrients. High in potassium and magnesium, they help relax your muscles and reduce nighttime cramping. A 2022 study in the *Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine* highlighted that potassium-rich diets can reduce nighttime disruptions, making sweet potatoes an excellent choice for dinner.
Oats: The Comfort Carb
A bowl of oatmeal isn’t just a comforting snack; it’s a scientifically proven sleep booster. Oats are high in melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles, and they’re also a great source of calcium, which helps the brain use the amino acid tryptophan to produce melatonin. Plus, oats contain slow-digesting fiber that keeps blood sugar stable, preventing nighttime awakenings. According to a study in *Nutrients*, calcium is a vital nutrient for improving deep sleep.
Bananas: Nature’s Nightcap
Bananas are a natural sleep aid, loaded with magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C, which supports healthy nerves and reduces stress. They also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes relaxation. Regarding the magnesium contained in bananas, an analysis of several different studies explored the impact of magnesium supplementation on sleep quality. The findings revealed that magnesium not only improves overall sleep quality but also enhances sleep duration.
Brown Rice: For Slow and Steady Rest
Brown rice is a fantastic option for those who wake up frequently during the night. This whole grain provides steady energy and contains GABA, a natural brain chemical known for its calming effects on the nervous system. The Healthline website shared a study showing improved sleep from GABA supplementation. Brown rice is also a good source of the mineral manganese, which promotes strong, dense bones when combined with calcium and vitamin D.
According to the National Council on Aging, brown rice contains many of the B vitamins including B1, B3, B6, and B9. Vitamin B9, also known as folate, is a key player in helping the body produce serotonin and melatonin for a good night’s sleep
Quinoa: Iron for Strong Sleep
Quinoa is a complete protein and a top choice for vegetarians seeking sleep-friendly carbs. In addition to magnesium, quinoa is rich in iron, which supports healthy oxygen flow to the brain and reduces fatigue. A 2023 study in *Advances in Nutrition* found that iron-rich diets can significantly reduce a form of insomnia known as restless leg syndrome.
A Recipe for Restful Nights
Incorporating these foods into your daily meals can pave the way for a relaxing night’s sleep. Whether it’s a sweet potato mash for dinner, a banana-oat smoothie before bed, or a quinoa salad for lunch, these healthy carbs will help you fall asleep better and wake up feeling refreshed.
Supplements for Better Sleep and Good Health
This natural health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original and effective calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II (also containing vitamin D and zinc).
***** Suzanne G. of Tucson, Arizona says: “I am now taking the Sleep Minerals II capsules each night. I have had insomnia for most of my life and the longer I take Sleep Minerals, the better I sleep. The best thing is that I can now get back to sleep if I wake up in the night. It has given me such a sense of peace to know that I now can be well rested during the day. I also find my brain less foggy from lack of sleep. I have tried many products on the market and this is the one that is gold. Thank you so much for producing a quality product!”
The True Benefits of Healthy Eating and Exercise – The Popsicle Society Blog
Posted on: December 16, 2023
Wow, there are so many profound benefits of healthy eating and exercise listed in this article. Some of these include: increased muscle strength, better heart health, a healthy weight, stress relief, improved digestion, a longer life, and more energy to do the things you enjoy.
Note: A few definitions are in order. This article has the sentence: “Antioxidant-rich foods, like berries and leafy greens, help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals.” Just to define this, antioxidants are healthy substances mostly found in fruits, veggies, seeds, nuts, and the omega-3 fats in fish like salmon and sardines. Antioxidants protect our tissues from the damage caused by free radicals, which are excess oxygen particles in the body (from junk food, fast-foods, sugar, fried foods, etc.).
Have a look at the article, and even if you are doing only a few of the things that it mentions, be proud of the steps you’re taking for better health!
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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.
News on Natural Remedies, Good Sleep and Good Health 