Archive for May, 2009

Natural Sleep Aids

Melatonin

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

When it comes to water there are so many options you have.You could purchase spring water, a type of water that allegedly comes straight from a natural mountain stream. Or, you could always just drink tap water. The water that comes straight from your sink is packed full of government approved levels of fluoride, chlorine, and various other chemicals that might cause health problems for you later. Another option is to choose filtered water. At its core, filtered water is just your average municipal tap water that’s been run through a water filter, and that filter removes a number of toxins and chemicals that could potentially harm you and your family.

Is there an option that is healthy, cost effective, and environmentally friendly?

Aquasana Water Filters

Review

Aquasana water filters have been around for over 50 years, selling their filters under other househould names. They produce drinking water filters, shower water filters and whole house water filters. The whole house  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 being filtered.

Water is at its best when it is free of the chemicals introduced by man. This water tastes great, is healthy, and is environmentally friendly.

Just 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 doesn’t get all dried out  from the chemicals. Your family’s healthier, you have fewer recycling duties, and none of it costs a lot of money. Doesn´t that sound wonderful?

The solution is simple: use a water filtration system capable of removing toxins and contaminants from your tap water.

I decided to try the Aquasana AQ 4000 and AQ 4500. Compared to similar filtration systems from Aqua-pure, Culligan and Everpure I found that Aquasana a) removes more contaminants and b) has a lower cost per gallon of water.

Although installation of an under-counter Aquasana water system is easy I hired a plumber to install the under sink system.

Aquasana water filter systems use cartridges made of extruded coconut shell carbon, one of which, the b cartridge (used in the countertop and under sink model) is impregnated with ATS ion-exchange sorbent resin. Both the a-cartridge and the b-cartridge are 5 microns absolute. What that means is that an element must be 200 times smaller than a human hair (a human hair is 100 microns thick) to be able to pass through the 5 micron absolute b cartridge.

Aquasana cartridges have been tested to meet or exceed NSF standards and are certified by the State of California as well. Carbon filtration, ion exchange and sub-micron filtration combine to help these dual filtration cartridges produce really healthy, safe, great-tasting water. In addition to microbial organisms such as cyst parasites (including giardia and cryptosporidium), the Aquasana dual cartridge filtration system eliminates volatile organic compounts (VOC’s), lead and other heavy metals, a gasoline by-product called mbte, and over 40 other carcinogenic contaminates and simultaneously ensures that beneficial elements like oxygen as well as natural trace minerals remain intact leaving behind spring-fresh water.

You’ll love the taste of the filtered water, it’s delicious! That awful chemical taste in my tap water, it’s totally gone after filtration. And, the water is as cheap as 9 cents a gallon.

In sum, if you are looking for a solution to your water needs that is healthy, tastes like pure water, is eco friendly and cost efficient the Aquasana water filters are an excellent choice. 

You can check out the entire line of Aquasana products at the following link-> Click here to visit the Aquasana website 

Company Information

Sun Water Systems, Inc.
Makes and sells high-end home water-filtration systems, primarily under the Aquasana brand.
Street: 6310 Midway Road
City: Haltom City    TX 76117
Country: United States
 

Current promotions

• FREE Shipping on orders of $25 or more anywhere in North America!
• FREE Aquasana Designer Glass Water Bottle with each purchase of a Aquasana Drinking Water System or Aquasana Combo-Pack(Drinking Water Filter and Shower Filter).
• 20% discount on all Aquasana water filter orders! To activate the coupon code : click here . In case you order by phone make sure to mention coupon code 5012

 

Frequently Asked Questions

My tap water has too much chlorine. Do the Aquasana water filters eliminate chlorine?

The Aquasana Countertop Filtration System, Under Counter Filtration System, Whole House Water Filters and Shower Water Filters reduce chlorine by 99%.

Are the Aquasana Water Filters NSF Certified?

The most stringent tests have been performed on the Aquasana products in California. The water filters comply with NSF Standards 42 and 53, and are certified by the California Department of Health Services Drinking Water Treatment Device Program. California has the strictest requirements in the United States.

When do I need to change my water filter?

An Aquasana cartridge will last a family about 6 months (500 gallons). Even If you consume considerably less than 2-3 gallons a day it’s best to replace the cartridges after six months. If you enroll in the Aquasana Water4Life program, they will automatically send replacement filters every 6 months. The service is very convenient; you get free shipping, an extra 20% discount on the replacement cartridges and lifetime warranty. You just pay a small monthly fee ($8 for the Aquasana AQ 4000) and never have to worry about replacement cartridges again.

 

Awards

Best Water Filter Consumer´s Digest Best Buy award for performance and cost per gallon. Gold Customer Service Award. Amazon.com gives Aquasana a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

 

Guarantee

All Aquasana Systems come with a 60-day 100% Money-Back Guarantee.

 

Certification

 Contaminant reduction capabilities for Aquasana products are third party tested and certified by the California Department of Public Health Services.

 

Types Of Aquasana Water Filters

Aquasana aq 4500 Under Counter Water filter System

Model # AQ-4500: Twin cartridge drinking water filter- a combination of carbon filtration, ion exchange and sub-micron filtration- installs easily on standard kitchen faucets and provides up to 30 gallons an hour of filtered water.

Model #: AQ-4501:  This is the AQ-4500 premium version. Comes with a Premium Faucet for Sink and Premium Under-Sink Install Kit. Faucets available in 7 colors.

Click here for more information

Aquasana aq 4000 Countertop Water filter system

This is Aquasana’s most popular product. The AQ-4000, a complete counter top filtration system,  installs easily on standard kitchen faucets and provides up to 30 gallons an hour of filtered water.

Product Dimensions: 9 x 4 x 11 inches ; 2.5 pounds

Includes filter housing, chrome faucet diverter, twin filter cartridge set (good for 6 months filtered water), and easy-to-follow instructions.

Click here for more information

The above water filter systems effectively remove: Chlorine, Lead,Cysts,VOCs,THMs,Lindane,Alachlor,Benzene,TCE,MTBE

Aquasana water filters are Made in the U.S.A.

Did you know…

-17 million barrels of oil are used in the production of PET(polyethylene terepthalate) water bottles every year.

-PET bottles take 400 to 1000 years to degrade. So where are we going to put all those plastic bottles knowing 86% of water bottles are not being recycled?

Feedback / User Reviews

Did you find our review of the Aquasana water filters useful? Leave us a comment below. If you decide to purchase a water filter or if you already use one, please share your experience with us. We’d love to hear from you!