Recent discoveries in the fields of natural remedies and nutrition have uncovered promising breakthroughs in the treatment of chronic health problems such as insomnia, arthritis, and anxiety.
These groundbreaking studies highlight the benefits of specific natural remedies that can improve health outcomes without the possible side effects and addiction of medical drugs.
A study published in the “Journal of Sleep Research” (2023) has revealed that calcium, magnesium, and zinc significantly improve sleep quality in individuals suffering from insomnia. These essential minerals are found in various natural foods, including leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fruits like cherries and bananas.
Participants in the study who supplemented their diet with magnesium and zinc reported better sleep quality, falling asleep faster, and waking up less frequently throughout the night. Sleep specialists recommend magnesium as a key element for enhancing melatonin, a hormone made in the brain that is essential for good sleep..
The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, widely known for their anti-inflammatory properties, have been further reconfirmed by a “Nutrition Research Reviews” (2023) publication. The study demonstrated that omega-3-rich foods like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts can significantly reduce joint pain and stiffness in individuals with arthritis.
Another recent study, which focused on the mineral MSM, was published in the journal “Osteoarthritis Cartilage.” The results showed that compared to placebo, MSM produced significant decreases in knee pain and significant improvement in physical function. The use of MSM also resulted in better performance of the activities of daily living, as well as reduction in stress and better cardiovascular health.
With arthritis affecting millions of people globally, natural remedies offer an effective alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are often associated with harmful side effects such as gastrointestinal issues and cardiovascular risks. Joints and More from Nutrition Breakthroughs is a popular example of a supplement containing pure MSM.
***** R. Boulos of Houston, TX. says: “I’ve been taking the Joints and More supplement and it’s helping a great deal. After taking it twice a day, I notice that when I wake up in the morning the pain I was having in my front and back shoulders is almost gone.”
In the realm of herbal remedies, a recent discovery is the potential of the herb ashwagandha to alleviate stress and anxiety and improve mood stability. Published in “Phytotherapy Research” (2024), the study showed that participants who took ashwagandha supplements over 8 weeks had a notable reduction in cortisol levels, a hormone made in the adrenal glands that is responsible for stress.
Insomnia is a widespread issue, with 30% of the people in the U.S. having sleeping problems (per the National Council on Aging). With the recent discovery that calcium, magnesium, and zinc can significantly improve sleep quality and quantity, these minerals are becoming more popular as ingredients in natural sleep aids. One example is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs, widely known as the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid.
***** Doctor P. P. of Houston, Texas says: “I had developed sleeping problems and took two different sleeping medications over the course of several weeks. When I discontinued them the insomnia came back even worse. I literally got about 20 hours of sleep in 6 weeks time. Sleep Minerals II was just what I needed. I’ve been taking it for a couple weeks and getting many hours of sleep a night. As a doctor I would definitely avoid prescribing sleeping drugs — I would recommend Sleep Minerals II.”
As the demand for natural remedies continues to rise, these new discoveries offer hope for individuals who seek alternative solutions for managing chronic health problems.
This health news is shared with you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and the natural solution for joint relief, allergies, pain relief and increased energy, Joints and More.
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.”
Ahhh Chooooo! Over twenty percent of Americans suffer from chronic allergies or hay fever. Many are seeking to reap the benefits from natural remedies for the sneezing, runny nose, teary eyes and scratchy throat.
Allergies are the result of the immune system’s overreaction to a normally harmless substance, such as pollen, animal hair or indoor dust mites.
Specifically, an allergy occurs when the immune system develops a sensitivity and attacks … (continue reading)
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This news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs. They provide science-based health articles that are designed to clarify and simplify the subjects of good nutrition and natural health. They make the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and also Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, and more energy.
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 (Continue reading) …
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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, better nails, and more energy.
What if a research study was conducted with actual real human beings (not animals) that demonstrated a mere one to two minutes a day of exercise could result in better, stronger bones? Well, there is one.
With increasing age, our bones become weaker and less dense, particularly in women after menopause due to the decline in estrogen and calcium in the body. More and more studies are finding that physical movement and activity can counteract the effects of weaker bones and any tendency toward bone fractures.
Epidemiology is the study of how often various diseases occur and also what possible ways or methods might exist to control or eradicate them. The most recent study on the topic of bone health was published in the International Journal of Epidemiology. The burning question in the researcher’s minds was this: How do we discover what type of exercise, what quantity of exercise, and what intensity, would provide the most positive, beneficial impact on bone strength.
For the study, both pre and post-menopausal women wore small wrist monitors for a week that measured and recorded the intensity of their physical movements. It was particularly important to the researchers to be able to record very short amounts of activity. They looked at data for more than 2,500 women, and compared their activity levels with bone health, which was measured by an ultrasound scan of heel bone.
The outcome? A mere one to two minutes of flat-out, intense exercise resulted in an increase in bone strength. This translates to a minute or two of slow jogging for a post-menopausal woman or a minute or two of running for a pre-menopausal woman in order to achieve a 4% increase in bone health. Women who did more than two minutes had a 6% increase. (Please see further recommendations below on how to safely transition into more intense exercise).
The lead author of the study, Dr Victoria Stiles of the University of Exeter in the UK, said: “We wanted to make every second count in our analysis, because short snippets of high-intensity activity are more beneficial to bone health than longer, continuous periods. We were careful not to ignore short bursts of activity throughout the day.”
Dr. Stiles makes a suggestion for people who are interested in upping their levels of daily exercise. She said: “The UK’s National Osteoporosis Society recommends increasing your walking activity first. Further on, we would suggest adding a few running steps to the walk, a bit like you might do if you were running to catch a bus.”
Another proven way to increase bone health is to include more calcium-rich foods in the diet. Olive oil, leafy greens, almonds, raw cheeses, yogurt, broccoli and carrots are good choices. Calcium, magnesium and vitamin D supplements are also beneficial. Not only do these minerals strengthen bone and muscle health, but they are proven to calm sleeplessness and insomnia as well.
One study published in the European Neurology Journal found that calcium levels in the body are higher during some of the deepest levels of sleep, such as the rapid eye movement (REM) phase. The study concluded that disturbances in sleep, especially the absence of REM deep sleep or disturbed REM sleep, are related to a calcium deficiency.
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.”
One calcium-based supplement shown to be effective for insomnia is Sleep Minerals IIfrom Nutrition Breakthroughs. This formula contains highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium, the best minerals for sleeplessness and insomnia, as well as for menopause insomnia, heart health, restless leg syndrome and bone strength. It 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.
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 menopause 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.”
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 couldn‘t go back to sleep. Now I wake up once to go to the bathroom, but the great thing is, I then fall back asleep and sleep several more hours.”
The main message is that a combination of exercise and calcium tend to ignite into a dynamic duo that can bring great boosts to bone health, healthy sleep and good overall health.
This health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and supplier of effective natural remedies since 2002. 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.
Nutrition Breakthroughs would like every customer of Sleep Minerals II to get the full benefits of the product and enjoy the restful, deep sleep they desire. Here are some tips and advice we’ve put together over the years, from learning how to coach people to use the product successfully.
Sleep Minerals II has been newly improved to feature rice bran oil as its main oil ingredient. Rice bran oil is rich in two types of natural vitamin E and also high in Oryzanol (a word that sounds like “Original”), which is a powerful antioxidant only found in rice bran oil. Antioxidants protect our tissues from deterioration and help slow the aging process.
Rice bran oil is proven in studies to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, remedy menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and strengthen the immune system.
If you are an existing customer, it’s possible that you may need to take less of this new formula. The softgel shell is made of natural gelatin and it has a slightly yellowish hue. The amounts of vitamin D and magnesium in the product have been increased, and zinc has been added as it contributes to healthy bones, eyes and digestion. We have received many testimonials for this formula. Here is one of them:
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 week or so my sleep improved quite a lot. I wake 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.”
Here are the tips on using Sleep Minerals II:
1) Some of my customers have asked me with amazement: “What is in this product? Is it really all-natural?” I want you to know that even though the product is effective at helping people fall sleep or get back to sleep in the night, it is made from only natural minerals and vitamins — it’s just a potent formula. Sleep Minerals II is a safe product. The factory that makes it has been certified as having Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and all ingredients are sourced in the USA.
2) Keep the bottle of softgels by your bed. For difficulty falling asleep, take 1 softgel with water 30 to 45 minutes before bed. Go to the bathroom before bed so you’re not woken up to go too often during the night. If you are sensitive to supplements or minerals, start with 1 softgel for several nights. In any case, its best to stay with one softgel for about a week. If you are unable to get to sleep, increase to 2 softgels before bed. Reduce the dose if you become drowsy during the day or your bowels become too loose. Use 1 softgel for kids over 10
3) Gradually building up the minerals in your system is the best approach to gaining better sleep. It may take days or weeks of use to get the best results. Some people start noticing good effects after the first or second week of use – some sooner, some later. Be sure to continue taking the product, as consistency is the key.
4) If you are taking the product before bedtime and have a drowsy feeling in the morning or your bowels become too loose, you can take it earlier than at bedtime. For example, take it with dinner or an hour or two before bedtime with a snack, rather than 45 minutes before bedtime. If one softgel continues to be too much, you can cut or bite one end open and squeeze half the contents of one softgel into your mouth or onto a cracker with peanut butter (or another topping) and swallow it down. Save the other half in a baggie. This is worth doing if you find you need to, as some people require less to get results. Even if you’re taking just half a softgel, it’s important to be consistent with it.
5) Occasionally, if someone takes too many softgels for them, the calcium may have a stimulating effect. If this occurs, reduce the amount you’re taking and it should have a more relaxing effect. For others, taking too many may leave them feeling tired during the day. In this case, reduce the dose.
6) If you prefer not to swallow the softgels, bite or cut one end open and squeeze the contents into your mouth and drink it down. You can also mix it with food or spread it on food. It’s like a creamy paste inside with mixed minerals. This paste is the essence of what makes the minerals so very absorbable.
7) If you are taking any medications in the evening, its best to take them at least an hour apart from the Sleep Minerals. This is because each thing may have a different effect and its best to keep them separate.
In addition to insomnia, this product also provides excellent nutritional support for restless leg syndrome, bone health, muscle cramps, menopausal symptoms, heart health, stomach health, premenstrual syndrome, and teenage insomnia.
We look forward to staying in touch with you and to hearing any questions, comments, or beneficial improvements to your sleep. Let us know how you do.
Here’s a handy chart that shows all the many benefits of walking. Whether it’s a walk around the mall or around the block, walking provides an almost unlimited number of health benefits.
Studies at the University of Arizona found that walking more than six blocks a day at a normal pace significantly improves sleep at night for women. Scientists suspect that exercise helps set our biological clock into a consistent wake/sleep pattern, or it may boost the brain’s production of serotonin, a neurochemical that encourages sleep.
This health news is provided to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural insomnia remedy Sleep Minerals II.
There are a high percentage of people who encounter nightly insomnia and sleeplessness all over the world. In the United States, the National Sleep Foundation reports that up to 25% of adults have tried sleeping drugs in an effort to get some sleep. These medications come with extensive side effects and are not always effective.
Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs is a natural insomnia remedy that contains highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium. Customer reviews show that it works well for sleeplessness and insomnia, as well as for heart health, restless leg syndrome, bone strength, muscle cramps, menopause insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, and teenage insomnia.
Sleep Minerals II 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.
James F. Balch, M.D., author of “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” writes that: “A lack of the nutrients calcium and magnesium will cause you to wake up after a few hours and not be able to return to sleep.”
Here are some of the latest reviews of Sleep Minerals II from customers all over the world:
S.K. of Indianapolis, Indiana says: “I have been using Sleep Minerals II. I use it religiously every single night. I suffered from YEARS of anxiety-related insomnia. Nothing helped. My doctor couldn’t find a medicinal combination of medications to treat my anxiety well enough to allow me to get some good sleep. On my first night of Sleep Minerals II, I was able to sleep all the way through the night. I’ve been using it for almost two years now. I am absolutely 1000% satisfied with this product and have even recommended it to my friends and family when they discuss their sleep issues with me.”
K. C. of Homer, New York says: “I am writing to you a true believer of Sleep Minerals II. I never write product reviews…. good or bad. I had originally ordered your sleep minerals product and thought I would give it a try. Well I had given it to the entire family. We ran out of it and I really thought it wasn’t working. I quickly realized within a couple nights that without them the entire household was not falling asleep as easily as they were before! So I immediately ordered more. I will not let that happen again.”
I.C. of Ontario, Canada says: “I have Lupus, which is an autoimmune condition. I’m not allowed to take vitamins like vitamin C or anything that builds up my immune system. If I do, my immune system gets stronger and attacks me. I have diabetes, a thyroid condition, arthritis and other issues. The Sleep Minerals is just subtle enough that it helps me sleep and gives me the minerals I need – especially calcium. I have arthritis throughout my whole body and the minerals help this a lot. In fact, the Sleep Minerals lessens all of my symptoms greatly and has helped me to go into remission.”
W.W. of Perth, Australia says: “I have been taking the Sleep Minerals for the past 15 nights and am noticing an improvement in my ability to go back to sleep when waking during the night. I have also been able to start reducing the medication that I have been taking for the past 7 years for sleep. I will definitely keep taking them and hope to keep reducing the prescription meds and continue to feel more rested during the day.”
J.H. of Manitoba, Canada says: “Sleep Minerals II has made a huge difference in my life as I was having debilitating leg cramps that used to occur every night. My legs were sore even into the next day. These have now become history. My sleep is also so much better and now I don’t worry constantly about my calcium and magnesium levels. I am 70 years old and look forward to a very healthy old age. I suffered with sleep deprivation for a very long time and I will continue to pass the word on to my friends about how Sleep Minerals II has changed my life.”
M. T. of Tasmania, Australia says: “I received the Sleep Minerals II about a week ago and have been taking the softgels about an hour before bed. The last two nights I have slept well. The best side effect I have found, however, is that the night sweats and hot flashes I had constantly throughout the day, have almost completely stopped. And if I do have one, it is 95% less than I previously experienced. So far I’m very happy with the Sleep Minerals.”
Magnesium: Sleep Better and Reduce Insomnia — from the Poliquin Group
Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system, meaning that if you are deficient your heart rate and nervous system will be sent into overdrive.
Additionally, lack of magnesium has shown to alter electrical activity in the brain, causing agitated sleep and frequent awakenings.
A recent study of people with poor sleep quality as measured with the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index found that taking a magnesium supplement decreased chronic inflammatory stress levels and improved sleep quality. The researchers suggested that adding magnesium to their diets decreased the participants’ nervous activity, effectively reducing stress and allowing them to relax.
Take note that in this study, lower magnesium levels were also associated with a higher body mass index, indicating the connection between body fat percentage and magnesium levels.
A second study supported the relationship between low magnesium levels, sleep deprivation, nervous system stimulation, and elevated heart rate response to exercise. Participants were chronically sleep restricted and it was found that a decrease in magnesium levels coincided with increasing levels of sleep deprivation.
At the same time, stress hormone concentration increased—an indication of nervous stimulation—which was suggested as the reason for the diminishing magnesium levels. Meanwhile, heart rate was elevated after a fatiguing exercise test, lending support to the connection between low magnesium, high stress, and anxiety.
TAKEAWAY : Take Magnesium to help you sleep restfully throughout the night and de-stress.
Comments from the blog author Nutrition Breakthroughs:Regarding the use of minerals for better sleep, one study called “The Nutritional Relationships of Magnesium”, notes that the type of insomnia associated with a calcium deficiency causes difficulty with falling asleep. The classical sign of magnesium deficiency is insomnia characterized by falling asleep easily, but awakening frequently throughout the night, with individuals finding themselves tired even after several hours of sleep.
It’s important to note that a balanced calcium magnesium ratio is important to overall health, and these two minerals should be taken together for best results (in a two to one ratio with twice as much calcium and magnesium). The original research on this recommended ratio appeared in 1935 in the Journal of Physiological Reviews.
In addition, a softgel form containing healthy carrier oils mixed with the minerals is more digestible than tablets or capsules, and provides a deeper, longer-lasting sleep. One formula that has these qualities and is gaining in popularity with people of all ages is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs.
Sleep Minerals II contains highly absorbable forms of the best minerals for relaxation — calcium and magnesium, combined with vitamin d, zinc, and heart-healthy rice bran oil in a softgel.
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.”
By Dr. Joseph Mercola, a physician trained in both traditional and natural medicine who provides up-to-date natural health information.
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This article is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective calcium, magnesium and vitamin D based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II.
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Did you know that some air pollutants are 100 times more concentrated in your home than they are outside? You are dependent on quality air to support your respiratory system and your overall health.
Unfortunately, several sociological studies demonstrate the average amount of time a person living in the U.S. spends indoors is close to 92 percent of their day. The data indicates people who are employed spend 2 percent of their time outside and 6 percent in transit between home and work.
This means the quality of the indoor air you breathe is very important to your long-term health. According the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), poor indoor air quality is one of the top public health risks you face each day.
Poor quality air has been linked to a number of different health effects that may be experienced immediately or several years later. Understanding and controlling the indoor air pollution you are exposed to by making small changes to your living space may help reduce your health risks.
Your Indoor Air Quality May Be 100 Times Worse Than Outside
You may think of outdoor air as being polluted and your indoor air as clean because you don’t detect chemical smells or notice smog in the air at home or in the office. As it turns out, the air in your home may be more dangerous to your health than the air outdoors.
According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the levels of indoor air pollution in your home may be between two and five times higher than they are outside. Some of the different pollutants you breathe can even be as much as 100 times more concentrated inside.
Many newer homes and buildings are also built with an eye toward reducing utility costs. This requires the building or home owner to purposefully ventilate the building for air exchange. Although these buildings lower utility costs, they increase your risk of health conditions when not ventilated.
Both the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have established that 80 percent of all cancers may be attributed to factors from your environment.
Rather than genetic factors being responsible for the majority of cancers, exposure to carcinogenic chemicals and toxins are among the causative factors.
This was proposed as far back as 1977, when four scientists explained evidence from their data indicating 80 percent of all cancers were triggered by environmental factors. Their studies included data relating to variations in geography, changes to risk over time, migrants, correlations studies and case reports.
What Is in the Air You Breathe?
The source of indoor pollution is a combination of interactions between the building, the occupants, climate, construction, furnishings and contaminated sources.Pollution generated by occupants is related to tobacco smoke and the products you may bring into your home, such as air fresheners and cleaning supplies.
There are a number of different contributors to the rise in poor air quality in your home or office. Although volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is listed as one contributor, there are hundreds of different products you may find in your home that emit VOCs. The variety of contributors to indoor pollution include:
Asbestos
Bacteria and viruses
Building and paint products
Carbon monoxide
Carpets
Cleaning supplies and household chemicals
Cockroaches
Dust mites and dust
Formaldehyde
Lead
Pet dander
Radon
Secondhand smoke
VOCs
Fire retardants
VOCs are a specific and rather dangerous type of pollution emitted from products such as aerosol sprays, cleaning supplies, wood preservatives, hobby supplies and pressed wood products. Some of the more familiar names are benzene, formaldehyde and toluene.
Most of the health studies have focused on exposure to one VOC, so less is known about the effects on your health when these chemicals are found in combination.Although the toxicity levels for each of the separate VOCs has been determined, there are no real safe levels, and in combination those toxic levels may be lower.
How Indoor Air Pollution Impacts Your Health
Indoor air pollution can result in both short-term and long-term effects on your health. Children are especially vulnerable to chemicals and pollutants, both in their home and their school.Stay watchful for symptoms of air pollution in your children and get involved in your school district to improve the quality of their air.
Short-term symptoms of exposure to indoor air pollution resemble symptoms you experience from an allergy or a cold. They include:
Worsening asthma
Itchy watery eyes
Headaches
Dizziness
Fatigue
Scratchy throat
Runny nose
While these symptoms usually disappear within a couple hours after no longer being exposed to the pollutant, long-term health conditions don’t simply resolve by removing yourself from the polluted environment. These health conditions include:
Bronchitis, asthma and emphysema
Accelerated aging of lung tissue and lung cancer
High blood pressure,heart attack and stroke
Shortened lifespan
Decreased cognitive function
Houseplants Improve Your Home Environment
Houseplants are very functional decorations for your home and office that brighten your space, improve your mood and clean your air.
Several studies have found potted plants improve your work and living space by reducing your blood pressure, improving your attention and productivity, lowering your anxiety levels and raising your job satisfaction.
Other research has demonstrated that doing tasks around plants has led to a higher degree of accuracy and better results in the task performed. Memory retention and concentration also improved in this study. The researchers found that exposure to plants improved memory performance by 20 percent.
Research has also demonstrated that indoor plants kept close to an individual’s space at work had a statistically significant effect on how many sick days they took and their level of productivity. These associations may have practical significance when applied to a large number of workers over time.
Plants may also be used for phytoremediation, or the mitigation of pollution in air, soil and water. Scientists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), University of Georgia and Pennsylvania State University have demonstrated that potted plants in your home can improve your air quality.
Plants remove pollutants by absorbing them through their leaves and roots, in much the same way they clean the outdoor air from the pollution given off by manufacturing plants, cars and heating systems.
Plants You May Use to Decorate and Improve Your Air Quality
Most leafy plants are adept at removing some pollution from your indoor air. However, scientists have also discovered there are several that are better at removing VOCs from your home and workplace. NASA was behind some of the initial research in 1989 to determine specific plants that might be useful to reduce pollution in sealed environments.
Researchers have continued to investigate the abilities of different plants to clean your indoor air of pollution. More recent research has identified these 12 houseplants as those that are most beneficial, and the specific VOCs they are adept at removing. The results from this study are on the agenda of a meeting of the American Chemical Society.
Jade Plant
Particularly good at absorbing toluene emitted from gasoline, paint, kerosene and lacquers. These plants flourish in medium light, single pot and room temperature. Allow the soil to dry between watering; brown leaves indicate they need more water.
Spider Plant
These plants can absorb up to 90 percent of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from tobacco smoke and O-xylene from fuels and P-xylene found in plastics. (This plant is also called the airplane plant.) It is resilient and survives well even if you don’t have a green thumb. The plant is safe for your pets and easy to grow.
Scarlet Star Plant
In the family of Bromeliads, as is the pineapple, this plant easily purifies the air of 90 percent of benzenes emitted from glues, furniture wax, detergent and paint. These plants are easy to grow indoors and have very few problems with pests. They withstand drought well, but never overwater them.
Caribbean Tree Cactus
These lovely cactus plants can absorb up to 80 percent of the ethylbenzene in the space they are kept. This chemical is emitted from electronic products, construction material, garden care products, toys and furniture.
Most cactus plants will do well in pots with the right amount of food, light and water. Although they withstand the drought well, they do require more water indoors than they do in the ground.
Dracaena
These beautiful variegated leaf plants absorb 90 percent of the acetone from household cleaners and nail polish remover.
Ferns
These leafy plants require a lot of water and provide humidity for your home.
Peace Lily
These plants come in either a solid color or variegated leaf variety. They bloom in the spring and don’t require much light. Keep them close at hand in your office as they absorb electromagnetic radiation from your digital devices and humidify the air.
English Ivy
Easy to grow and care for, they are excellent at absorbing the toxins from cigarette smoke and cleansing the air for people suffering from asthma.
Ficus
Slightly more difficult to care for, the Ficus cleanses odors from the air and reduces toxic substances from your home and office. There are several varieties of the plant.
Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
This plant is easy to care for and grows well. It removes benzene and formaldehyde and increases the oxygen supply in the room at night.
Philodendron
These are favorite plants as they are easily grown and look great in hanging pots. They efficiently detoxify formaldehyde but are toxic to cats and dogs.
Bamboo Palm
Also known as the Reed Palm, this plant thrives indoors and readily absorbs formaldehyde outgassing from furniture. If you’ve purchased a new chair or couch you may want to decorate with a couple of these plants.
A Note from Nutrition Breakthroughs: Keep as many of these plants as possible in your home and work environment to help purify the air and protect your health.
This article is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective calcium, magnesium and vitamin D based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II.
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