Natural Sleep Aid
Posted May 13, 2009 – 1:09 pm in: Natural sleep aidMelatonin
Melatonin may improve sleep. Scientific findings show that melatonin decreases the time it takes to fall asleep, increases feelings of “sleepiness,” and may increase the duration of sleep.
Melatonin has been used successfully as a natural sleep aid in healthy individuals, as well as to reduce feelings of jet lag during global travels. This natural hormone is also being tested as a sleep aid with the elderly and other populations. In addition, studies are focusing on whether or not melatonin can help improve sleep patterns in individuals with depression.
Melatonin, like all natural over the counter dietary supplements, is unregulated and untested for long-term use in humans. Some people find that melatonin causes grogginess and depression. Others report falling asleep quickly with melatonin only to awaken in the middle of the night. Still, studies show that melatonin is safe with short-term (< 3 months) use.
Dosage: studies show that as little as 0.1 to 0.3 milligrams may be enough for most people.
Phenibut
Phenibut is natural derivative of the relaxing neurotransmitter GABA. Sold as a dietary supplement in the US while in Russia sold as a neuropsychotropic drug that is capable of passing the blood-brain barrier. Phenibut is cited as a nootropic for its ability to improve neurological functions. It was discovered in Russia in the 1960’s, and has since been used there to treat a wide range of ailments including anxiety and insomnia. Phenibut should be used with caution as it can have withdrawal symptoms.
Valerian
Valerian is one of the leading natural supplements for managing anxiety and insomnia. Some limited findings show that valerian may reduce the time needed to fall asleep and may improve sleep quality. Unlike the benzodiazepines, most people feel no morning grogginess after taking valerian. Other findings were not as promising. They showed that when compared to a placebo, valerian didn’t relieve anxiety or insomnia any better than the placebo.
Valerian is usually well-tolerated for up to a month to six weeks. Sometimes there may be headache or a “hangover” feeling after using valerian. A few studies indicate valerian impairs thinking for a period of time after it is used.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a popular herbal sleep remedy that’s been used for centuries. This herb also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
German chamomile is best taken as a tea. Roman chamomile has a bitter taste and may be taken as a tincture. Both types cause a calming effect in the body for many people, which may help people feel relaxed and more prepared for sleep.
Kava
Kava, also known as kava kava, is an herbal remedy that’s used for stress and anxiety relief and insomnia. Kava acts by way of a different mechanism. It induces relaxation without hindering memory or motor function.
While kava has some sedative properties, it is now considered unsafe. Reports in Europe of more than 20 cases of cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver failure suggest the possibility of liver toxicity associated with its use.
Tryptophan
Tryptophan is a precursor in the synthesis of serotonin in the brain. That means it’s a biochemical substance that is necessary for the formation of the more stable serotonin.
Because tryptophan is present in milk and warm milk helps some people feel drowsy, tryptophan became a much sought-after item for the treatment of insomnia at natural food stores. Yet some people who took tryptophan as a natural supplement developed a syndrome with features of a disease called scleroderma. Those features included skin tightening, pain in the joints, muscle aches, and weakness. These people also developed anxiety, depression, and difficulty learning. Some people died. Scientists later believed the deaths were the result of taking the amino acid tryptophan. Not everyone who took tryptophan, however, experienced these side effects. In addition, not everyone who took tryptophan received help for insomnia.
Studies:
MIT study confirms melatonin’s value as sleep aid: http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2005/melatonin.html
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Posted May 13, 2009 – 1:00 am in: water filtersWhen it comes to water there are so many options you have. You can go with spring water, that is suppose to come right from the natural springs of water out in the mountains. You can go with filtered water, which is basically regular water that is filtered from many toxics and chemicals. There is the option of tap water which is packed full of government regulated amounts of fluoride, chlorine and other chemicals that can cause health problems.
The choices are endless and it can be very difficult to choose the best water for your family. When weighing things such as health, environment concern (ie. several plastic water bottles), and cost. It isn’t an easy choice. Everyone wants to be healthy, but the pressing concerns of the environment and the economic lows at this time are just too difficult for some to bear. Something has to give.
While it seems like a very difficult choice to make, it might just be that you are not aware of ALL of your choices. For instance you might think you have to choose between the filters, bottled water and tap at your favorite department store, but there are many more choices than that. Even better there is a choice that will deliver on all of the levels of health, cost and environment concern.
Aquasana water filters are the very best water filters available. They have been around for over 50 years, selling their filters under other househould names. They produce the best household water filters one could ask for. The filters themselves do not actually go on your sink or tub, but can be installed at the root of the system that branches water through your home, so that ALL of the water in your home is healthy.
The benefits of Aquasana are tremendous. The company believes that water is at its best when it is free of the chemicals introduced by man. Water as it was created. This water tastes great, is healthy for your whole body, and is environmentally friendly. You won’t have to worry about buying bottled water ever again. The only thing you have to buy is the system and then every six months you should update your filter.
Imagine going to your sink and pouring water that is healthy to drink right away. No chemicals, no chlorine and nothing else that can harm you. In the shower your skin won’t get all dried out anymore from the chemicals. Your family will be healthier, you will have fewer recycling duties, and none of it costs a lot of money. The water is as cheap as 9 cents a gallon.
If you are looking for a solution to your water needs that is healthy, earth friendly and cost efficient there is nothing that compares to Aquasana water filters, check out their products today, you will love them.
