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Latest insomnia help news – Depression, Smoking, and Quitting

admin — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:05:21 +0000

I hope you’ve been enjoying my posts lately. I thought I might do something different today and rustle up a few bits of info from around the WWW. These are some of the news items and blog posts that have been popular over the last few weeks. Leave me your thoughts.

Depression, Smoking, and Quitting

These include (1) dysphoric or depressed mood; (2) insomnia; (3) difficulty concentrating; (4) increased appetite or weight gain. … Read More…

Getting Rest Even When We Can't Sleep

Most days I don't experience insomnia, and can drop off to sleep with little or no assistance from my herbal medicine shelf. When I do need help falling … Read More…

Simmons and Danny Seo Offer Tips for a Hypoallergenic Bedroom

Indoor allergens' effect on sleep is profound – allergy sufferers may experience insomnia or difficulty breathing during the night; plus, allergies can … Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

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Latest insomnia help news – Is there power in energy healing?

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 23:33:37 +0000

How about these right… I think you’ll find the following nuggets of wisdom particularly insightful. Leave your comments below. Check out the second one in particular…

Is there power in energy healing?

As for me, I'm not battling any diseases that I know of, but do have a general disposition toward grumpiness and insomnia. Maybe energy healing could help? … Read More…

Injuries, resources challenge doctors

An increasing number of patients arrive with anxiety or insomnia who are unable to forget the earthquake, and constantly fear another. … Read More…

Lady Gaga tells fans "its ok not to have sex"

… Lady Gaga has decided to help her fans with their health and wellbeing. The star, who recently admitted she suffers from insomnia and also caused … Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

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What Are Natural Treatments For Insomnia?

admin — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 05:55:08 +0000

What Are Natural Treatments For Insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleeping disorder where the patient feels trouble falling or staying asleep, or wake up feeling dull and tired. It can be classified as short term (transient), on and off (intermittent), and constant (chronic). It affects all age groups. Among older adults, insomnia affects women more often than men.

Symptoms of insomnia are difficulty in falling asleep, waking up repeatedly during the night, waking up too early in the morning, feeling tired upon waking, sleepiness and sleep attacks during the day, irritability and problems with concentration or memory.

The major causes of acute insomnia are stress, emotional or physical discomfort, illness, certain medications used for the treatment of colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure and asthma or working in night sifts. The causes of chronic insomnia include chronic stress, depression or pain or discomfort at night.

Insomnia can be treated in several ways. There are medical as well as self-help non-medical treatments for insomnia. Sometimes just changing lifestyle, having regular sleep habits, exercise, etc. can help in overcoming insomnia and other sleeping disorders.

Insomnia may be a symptom of lower magnesium levels or magnesium deficiency. Healthy diet containing magnesium can help to improve sleep in individuals without an adequate intake of magnesium. Relaxation techniques such as meditation are also helpful in falling asleep. Using aromatherapy, including jasmine oil, lavender oil and other relaxing essential oils, may also help induce a state of restfulness. Restrict or minimize your use of caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate), decongestants, alcohol and tobacco. Antidepressant or anti stress herbal supplement may also help in insomnia.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

By: Nick Mutt

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Here is an excellent Genital herpes treatment that will give you relief from herpes. Also read about Genital warts treatment at Natural cures website – a comprehensive health guide for Herbal supplements and natural treatments.

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Herbal Allies For Pregnant Women by Susun Weed

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:38:25 +0000

Pregnancy is a special time. One that brings joys and pains. Many minor, but distressing health complaints can accompany pregnancy, such as morning sickness, varicose veins, skin discoloration, hemorrhoids, constipation, folic acid anemia, iron deficiency anemia, muscle/leg cramps, backache, heartburn, fatigue and mood changes, bladder infections, and high blood pressure. What can the expectant mother use that is safe for her unborn child as well as herself?

Most women would agree that drugs are to be avoided during pregnancy. Many over the counter remedies, especially antihistamines, acne medicines, and laxatives, have been shown to cause birth defects in animals or humans. Antibiotics may cause fetal abnormalities and sulfur drugs can cause neo-natal jaundice. Tranquilizers and painkillers can cause birth defects and addict the fetus. Antacids can cause muscle problems in the baby and edema in the mother. (In addition, they mess up a woman’s calcium metabolism; see discussion following.)

And it is well accepted that the drug-like actions of alcohol, tobacco, and coffee are best avoided both before conception, during pregnancy, and while lactating.

Few women, however, understand that vitamin/mineral supplements are more drug-like than food-like. Though they are widely recommended, even by orthodox MDs, supplements are problematic for pregnant women and ought to be avoided. A study of 23,000 pregnant women, reported in The New England Journal of Medicine (1995) found 4.8 times more birth defects among the children of women who consumed 10,000 IU or more of vitamin A in supplemental form. And if that isn’t enough to make you hesitate before reaching for the pills, consider this: the amount of iron in four prenatal-formula tablets can kill a child under the age of three.

In addition to drugs and supplements, many common herbal remedies, including golden seal, and flax seed are best avoided during the weeks of gestation. See below for herbs that may be problematic during pregnancy.

Nevertheless, there are many simple, safe home and herbal remedies available to ease the discomforts of pregnancy. The remedies of wise women, or “old wives,” have persisted for centuries, passed from woman to woman. They are not strict protocols designed to work with the greatest possible number of women. Rather, they are part of the ever-changing wisdom ways of women, meant to be applied to the unique individual in unique and ever-changing ways. Although they have not been subjected to double blind studies, they are not superstition and dumb custom, but the results of millions of careful observations over thousands of generations. These remedies are the gifts of our foremothers. They are gifts from women who were deeply intuitive, immersed in day-to-day practice, and in tune with women’s needs – emotional and spiritual, as well as physical.

Wise women believe that most of the problems of pregnancy can be prevented by attention to nutrition. Morning sickness and mood swings are connected to low blood sugar; backaches and severe labor pains often result from insufficient calcium; and varicose veins, hemorrhoids, constipation, skin discolorations and anemias are also related to lack of specific nutrients.

Excellent nutrition for pregnant women includes not just vital foodstuffs and nourishing herbal infusions, but also pure water and air, abundant light, loving and respectful relationships, beauty and harmony in daily life, and joyous thoughts.

All nutrients are needed in abundance during pregnancy as the gestating woman forms two extra pounds of uterine muscle; the nerves, bones, organs, muscles, glands and skin of the baby; several pounds of amniotic fluid; the placenta; and a great increase in blood volume. In addition, extra kidney and liver cells are created to process the waste of two beings instead of one.

Wild and organically grown foods are the best source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients needed during pregnancy. All the better if the expectant mother can get out and gather her own herbs: stretching, bending, breathing, moving, touching the earth, taking time to talk with the plants and to open herself to their spiritual world.

Red Raspberry (Rubus ideaus and other species)

For centuries herbalists have relied on the leaves of red raspberry to nourish pregnant women and relieve difficulties during pregnancy and birth. Scientific herbalists are baffled by these claims, as they find no chemical constituents in raspberry leaves that are capable of inducing these purported effects. Nonetheless, “if pregnant women believe that it provides relief from various unpleasant effects associated with their condition, no harm is done,” says Varro Tyler in The Honest Herbal.

Most of the benefits associated with regular use of raspberry throughout pregnancy can be traced to its astringent, strengthening, and nourishing powers. Raspberry leaves contain tannins and fragrine, which give tone to the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus. They also contain nourishing vitamins and minerals. Of special note are the concentrations of vitamins A, C, E, and B, plus generous amounts of easily assimilated calcium, iron, phosphorous, and potassium salts.

A strong infusion of dried raspberry leaves increases fertility, tonifies the uterus, aids in easy birthing, helps prevent miscarriage, alleviates morning sickness, reduces muscle/leg cramps and backache, and counters fatigue.

To make it:

* Put one ounce of the dried raspberry leaves in a quart jar; fill it to the top with boiling water, and cap tightly.

* After steeping for at least four hours, strain the leaves out of the infusion.

* Drink the liquid hot or cold, with honey, or anyway you like it.

* Refrigerate left-overs.

Capsules, tinctures, and teas of raspberry are not as effective.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Some people dislike nettle because of its strong sting, but it is an herb with myriad benefits for the expectant mother. A strong infusion (prepared by brewing one ounce of dried nettle leaves in a quart of boiling water for at least four hours) helps prevent varicose veins and hemorrhoids, eases leg cramps and backache, reduces the incidence of hemorrhage after birth, and increases the richness of breast milk.

Every cup of nettle infusion supplies amazing amounts of energy as well as huge amounts of calcium, magnesium and vitamins A, D, C, B, and K. It prevents folic acid anemia and iron deficiency anemia, and is also a digestive aid, a strengthener to the lungs, an ally of the kidneys, and a restorative to the hair and skin.

Capsules, tinctures, and teas of nettle are not as effective.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

As a keeper of dairy animals, I was introduced to this herb as an ally to keep my goats’ fertility high and their milk production generous. It took only a little imagination for me to begin to use it for women, too. Red clover blossoms are best taken as a strong infusion (one ounce of dried blossoms brewed overnight in a quart of boiling water). The tincture is a sedative; pills and capsules have very little effect.

To date, I know of dozens of women who, unable to conceive, have found success after drinking up to a quart of red clover infusion every day for at least six weeks. The generous amounts of minerals, proteins, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens in red clover restore health to the entire reproductive system. It’s great for men, too. Most notable are the amounts of vitamin E and the presence of selenium and zinc. Red clover has ten times more plant hormones than soy.

Don’t stop drinking red clover infusion once you get pregnant though. The infusion prevents and eases the constipation so common during pregnancy. It also strengthens the liver and improves appetite, especially when morning sickness is a problem. And it relieves anxiety.

And keep on drinking red clover once your child is born. There is no more valuable herb to keep breast milk rich and the breasts healthy then red clover. In fact, it is the world’s most respected anti-cancer herb, acting not only to eliminate cancer but to stop its occurrence as well.

Seaweeds (including kelp, nori, dulse, kombu, and wakame)

One of the best green allies for women in their fertile years is seaweed, both for its mineral richness, and for the special substances it contains which directly counter birth defects. Algin or alginic acid, found in many seaweeds, absorbs radioactive neucleotides and heavy metals. When eaten by the prospective mother and father, seaweed protects them from cancer and protects the fetus from faulty genes. Seaweeds also protect the fetus and parents from the harmful effects of chemicals and carcinogens.

Seaweed is one of the most nutritious plants known. Earl Mindell, in his book Vitamin Bible notes that kelp contains vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as choline, carotenes, and 23 minerals including calcium, selenium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. He recommends it especially for nourishing the brain, spinal cord, and nerves of the fetus. Eating seaweeds regularly improves the fertility and the health of the pregnant woman, too, strengthening her digestive system, increasing her overall energy, and helping to prevent constipation, muscle cramps, backaches, anemias, hemorrhoids, and depression. For healthy skin, hair, and bones, there is no better food or herb than seaweed.

Capsules, tablets, and powdered seaweeds are not as effective as eating seaweed as a vegetable several times a week. In addition to buying seaweed at your health food store, you can harvest it yourself. There are no poisonous seaweeds. For more information on harvesting and using seaweeds, consult the Lewallens’ Sea Vegetable Gourmet Cookbook.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis)

This common weed of suburban lawns is one of the best liver tonics known. All parts of the dandelion are medicinal: the roots, leaves, and flowers are brewed into tinctures, medicinal vinegars, cordials, wines, and bitter infusions.

If you dig your own, use them to make a mineral-rich vinegar: Fill a jar with cut dandelion, then fill the jar to the top with pasteurized apple cider vinegar. Cover with a piece of plastic wrap held on with a rubber band. Label, with the date; it’s ready to use in six weeks. Try it as a salad dressing, or a condiment for beans. Some women like to drink it first thing in the morning: 1-2 tablespoonsful in a glass of water.

Nourishing the liver is critical during pregnancy. Lack of strong liver functioning is implicated in morning sickness, hemorrhoids, constipation, heartburn, indigestion, lack of energy, headaches, and mood swings. If using the tincture, try a dose of 10-20 drops in a small glass of water just before meals.

Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)

Anise Seed (Pimpinella anisum)

Dill Seed (Anethum graveolens)

Caraway Seed (Carum carvi)

Coriander Seed (Coriandrum sativum)

The aromatic seeds are members of the “carrot family” of plants and are used around the world to ease indigestion, freshen breath, and increase milk supply. As the medicinal value is found in a volatile oil, the seeds are quickly and easily brewed: add a heaping tablespoonful to a mug and fill it with water just off the boil, letting it steep for 2-5 minutes. A spoonful of honey is a delightful addition.

For a somewhat more complicated brew, midwife Elizabeth Davis (in her book Heart and Hands) relates this old wives’ remedy to increase milk supply: Boil ½ cup pearled barley in three cups water for 25 minutes. Strain and refrigerate. Heat (but do not boil) one cup of barley water and pour it over one teaspoon fennel seeds. Steep no longer than thirty minutes.

And how delightful that the ease imparted by the brew influences the infant through the breastmilk, relieving colic, turning fretfulness into slumber, and countering teething pain. For best results drink your brew, hot or cold, while nursing your baby. Herbalist Juliette de Bairacli Levy advises mothers of infants and young children to always carry some aromatic seeds in their pocket for the children to chew should they be car-sick or become argumentative.

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)

When it comes to quelling nausea or morning sickness (motion sickness, too) there is no better herb than ginger root. Whether you use it fresh or dried, a little ginger goes a long way toward warming the belly and relieving queasy feelings. Some books mistakenly list ginger as an herb that can cause a miscarriage. This misinformation no doubt got started by a hopeful woman who had noticed that drinking ginger tea made her menses flow more easily. But midwives agree that ginger is safe, even in early pregnancy.

In addition to quelling morning sickness, ginger helps prevent constipation of pregnancy, keeps the pelvic muscles warmed and toned, relieves intestinal cramping and gas (in infants, too), increases digestive force by encouraging the secretion of digestive enzymes, lowers blood pressure, and restores vitality.

Calcium

Of course calcium is a mineral, not an herb, but it is so important during pregnancy that it deserves our attention. Lack of adequate calcium during pregnancy can cause muscle cramps, backache, high blood pressure, intense labor pains, severe afterbirth pains, loss of teeth, and pre-eclampsia. Lack of calcium also contributes to feeble fetal heart action, a difficult birth, and “cranky” babies with easily irritated nervous and digestive systems. For optimum health of mother and child, eat plenty of foods rich in calcium and other minerals.

The calcium found in foods and herbs is metabolized by the body far more effectively than the calcium in pills. Calcium in plants is found in the form of minerals salts, which are naturally chelated. In addition, the varied forms of these salts aids in assimilation. And, of course, no plant contains only one mineral. The multitude of mineral salts found in herbs and foods act synergistically with the calcium salts, improving utilization by all the body’s tissues.

In general, to improve calcium assimilation, women are advised to consume it with acidic foods (antacids interfere with calcium absorption), plenty of vitamin D (which can be produced by sitting in the sun for 15-20 minutes), magnesium, and daily exercise. Stress, use of antacids, consumption of coffee, use of steroids, drinking fluoridated water, and too much phosphorous in the diet also interfere with calcium assimilation.

Getting 1500 to 2000 milligrams of nourishing calcium salts every day is not hard with the help of Wise Woman ways.

* Many wild greens are exceptionally rich in calcium and other mineral salts. The leaves of lamb’s quarters, mallow, galinsoga, shepherd’s purse, knotweed, bidens, amaranth, or dandelion, when cooked until tender, supply more calcium per half-cup serving than a half-cup of milk.

* Herbal teas and tinctures contain little or no calcium salts. For mineral richness, make herbal infusions by steeping one ounce of dried herb (such as raspberry, nettle, or red clover) overnight in a quart of boiling water. Or make mineral-rich vinegars by steeping fresh herbs in apple cider vinegar for six weeks. The long steeping of the water infusion releases minerals, the acid of the vinegar does it too. A cup of herbal infusion can have 150-300 milligrams of calcium salts. A tablespoon of medicinal herbal vinegar can contain 75-150 milligrams of calcium salts.

* Cultivated greens are good sources of calcium, better if they are cooked thoroughly, and best if they are organic. Kale, collards, mustard greens, oriental greens, broccoli de rape, turnip greens, even cabbage supply 100-250 milligrams of calcium salts per half-cup serving.

* Fresh dairy products are the best place to get mineral salts, especially calcium, but there is controversy about the assimilability of calcium from pasteurized milk. Fortunately, raw milk cheeses are now easily available; look for them as a reliable source of nutrients.

* When milk is made into yogurt, it becomes superbly digestible and the calcium content increases by fifty percent (up to 450 milligrams of calcium in just one cup). A daily cup of plain yogurt not only prevents pregnancy problems, it also counteracts vaginal and bladder infections. Women who eat yogurt regularly are far less likely to be diagnosed with cancer as well. When buying yogurt, I look for plain yogurt that contains only milk and culture. I absolutely avoid dried milk powder, skim milk powder, pectin, and other thickeners.

* Other great-tasting sources of calcium include goat milk and goat cheese, canned fish eaten with the bones such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel, and tahini (ground sesame seeds).

* There are roughly 200 milligrams of calcium in two ounces of nuts (excluding peanuts), one ounce of dried seaweed, two ounces of carob powder, one ounce of cheese, half a cup of cooked greens, half a cup of milk, three eggs, four ounces of fish, or one tablespoon of molasses.

* Many fruits are rich in calcium (though not as rich as the above foods). Dried dates, figs raisins, prunes, papaya and elderberries are the best.

* Avoid foods high in oxalic acid such as spinach, swiss chard, beet greens, rhubarb, and brewer’s yeast. They interfere with your ability to absorb calcium.

* Do not use bone meal or oyster shell tablets as sources of supplemental calcium. They have been found to be high in lead, mercury, cadmium and other toxic metals, which can cause birth defects in your child.

HERBS WOMEN MAY WISH TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY AND WHILE LACTATING

Agave and Yucca (Agave species): contain large quantities of irritating saponins

Aloes (Aloe species): purging cathartic

Birthroot (Trillium species): contains oxytocin

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa): may irritate the uterus

Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides): contains oxytocin

Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica, Rhamnus frangula): purging cathartic

Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana): purging cathartic

Castor oil (Ricinus communis): purging cathartic

Comfrey (Symphytum uplandica): alkaloids in roots are dangerous to the liver; leaves are safe to use

Cotton root bark (Gossypium harbaceum): contains oxytocin

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis): contains coumarins which may irritate uterus and liver

Ephedra (all species): increases blood pressure; may cause heart palpitations, insomnia, headaches

Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis): used by midwives to initiate labor

Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium): may cause headaches, irritability, insomnia

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): contains irritating alkaloids which stress liver and kidneys

Juniper berries (Juniperus communis): very harsh on the kidneys

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): increases blood pressure; large doses can cause heart failure, headache, lethargy, water retention, and excessive excretion of potassium

Ma-huang (another name for ephedra)

Mistletoe (Viscum album): large doses can have detrimental effects on the heart

Mistletoe, American (Phoradendron flavescens): raises blood pressure, causes uterine contractions

Rue (Ruta graveolens): contains essential oils that can damage the kidneys and liver

Senna (Cassia senna): potent purging cathartic

Thuja (Thuja occidentalis): contains essential oils that can damage the kidneys and liver

Turkey rhubarb (Rheum palmatum): purgative; may cause uterine contractions

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): essential oils can adversely affect brain

WOMEN WHO MISCARRY EASILY MAY ALSO WANT TO AVOID THESE HERBS

Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale): also known as saffron; large doses can cause miscarriage

Basil (Basilicum species): see mints

Bearberry (Berberis vulgaris): bark contains similar alkaloids to goldenseal; berries and leaves OK

Catnip (Nepeta cataria): see mints

Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum): large doses may stimulate uterine contractions

Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium): contains essential oils that can damage liver and kidneys

Ground ivy (Hedeoma hederacea): see mints

Mints – such as basil, catnip, rosemary, thyme, savory, peppermint, oregano, ground ivy, sage, and spearmint – contain essential oils that, used internally (or extracted into a tincture) may harm the kidneys and liver; the infusion, taken in large enough quantity, may stimulate uterine contractions

Mugwort/Cronewort (Artemisia vulgaris): used to help bring on labor

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans): a large dose of this spice contains the essential oils that could adversely affect the brain, liver, and kidneys

Oregano (Oreganum species ): see mints

Osha (Ligusticum porterii): may irritate the uterus

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): a well-known, and quite effective, abortifacient

Poke root (Phytolacca americana): large dose (more than 4 drops) may stress kidneys

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium or Hedeoma pulegiodes): essential oil may harm kidneys and liver; also see mints

Peppermint (Mentha piperita): see mints

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): see mints

Sage (Salvia officinalis): see mints

Savory (Satureja hortensis): see mints

Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum): essential oils, similar to those in wormwood, are easily extracted into tinctures and can adversely affect the brain

Spearmint (Mentha spicata): see mints

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare): essential oils in tincture may damage kidneys and liver

Thyme (Thymus species): see mints

For more information about herbs and pregnancy, including herbs to use during birth, to improve lactation, and to help the newborn infant, see: Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, by Ash Tree Publishing.

About The Author

Susun Weed, Copyright @ 2009-2010

wisewoman@herbshealing.com

LEARN HOW TO PREVENT ILLNESS AND HEAL YOURSELF safely and easily the Wise Woman Way. Women’s health forum, FREE women’s forum, weblog, and email group. Topics include menopause, breast health, childbearing, fertility, disease prevention, nutritional advice, and cancer prevention. Visit the the Wise Woman Web: http://www.wisewomanweb.com/

Susun is one of America’s best-known authorities on herbal medicine and natural approaches to women’s health. Her four best-selling books are recommended by expert herbalists and well-known physicians and are used and cherished by millions of women around the world.

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Five Key Elements for a Healthy Body by Marie Watson

admin — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 23:25:34 +0000

With so many different obstacles in our way today it’s essential to do the things that are necessary to keep our bodies in top condition. Between diseases and pollution in our air and water, we must stay tuned into the needs of our bodies in order to assure a long and healthy life. Making the right choices in these areas will allow us to remain happy and productive many years past retirement.

1. Get plenty of sleep

Being well-rested is one of the most important elements in maintaining a healthy body. Sleep deprivation whether purposely or the result of insomnia can cause your body to become tired, fatigued, and run down. This lends its way to an invasion of many infections because of a compromised immune system. Sleep is the body’s best defence, so you need to make sure you obtain what your body needs. Each person requires on average between six and eight hours of sleep nightly, although some may function on as little as five hours while others need up to ten hours.

2. Exercise regularly

Besides having the ability to boost the metabolism, exercise also helps the body sleep most restfully. Whether you do a complete workout or just take a walk several times during the day, you will feel much better by participating in some kind of exercise. That doesn’t mean you have to do something boring—you can swim, bicycle, play tennis, ski, water ski, or do any other type of activity that you enjoy. The important thing is to make sure you do it regularly.

3. Eat healthy foods

In order to maintain a body that is healthy and active all of your life, you need to learn how to eat foods that are good for you. Certainly that high fat, high calorie burger from the local fast food place tastes good, but it is not good for you. You need to develop the habit of eating lean protein, steamed or raw vegetables, fresh fruits, and carbohydrates containing a low glycemic index such as whole grain cereals, brown rice, and wheat bread and pasta. That doesn’t mean you have to give up sweet desserts and snacks for good, but you need to learn to eat them in moderation.

4. Maintain a normal weight

Having excess weight puts a strain on both the heart and the back. In order to assure that you can stay active and do the things you enjoy, you need to make sure your weight is within normal range. If you are overweight but think you are still healthy, you need to review the things you are able to do compared to some of the things you used to be able to do. Certainly you are older which causes some difference, but your weight definitely has a detrimental effect on the level of activities in which you are able to participate.

5. Make sure you have an adequate supply of essential nutrients

No matter how many healthy foods we eat, it is likely we are not getting all of the nutrients we need. This is especially true of the Omega-3 Fatty Acids that help us maintain the health of our hearts. Although this nutrient is found in fish, few of us can eat enough fish to compensate, so we need to supplement this deficiency with fish oil supplements. The same holds true of many other nutrients such as Calcium, Iron, Folic Acid, and the B vitamins just to name a few.

A healthy lifestyle will help us keep our bodies healthy into our golden years, and following these tips will certainly help you in that process. You don’t need to give up your favourite foods to be healthy, but you do need to make sure you eat unhealthy foods in moderation. You also want to make sure to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and supplement your diet with important vitamins and minerals.

About The Author

Marie Watson writes weight loss, diet plan, health, beauty and general well-being articles for the Slim Eazy website at http://www.slimeazy.com

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Latest insomnia help news – The Web Worker’s Health Care Plan

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:09:31 +0000

Hey Readers! I’ve been comin across some crazy stuff the past few days from a few different blogs around the web which I just had to share with you. Check em out below…

The Web Worker's Health Care Plan

The US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that insomnia affects about 40 percent of women and 30 percent of men, … Read More…

The Hit List: Let the ass kissing begin

En route, start spilling about how difficult this semester has been due to family problems, depression, loud and partying roommates, insomnia, … Read More…

The association between sleep disturbances and reduced quality of life varies …

Results indicate that physical health-related quality of life in African-Americans who snored frequently, had insomnia symptoms or reported excessive … Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

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Latest insomnia help news – Lady Gaga Suffering From Insomnia

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:40:46 +0000

Ok so 3 more posts today that I’ve dug up – I’m an information JUNKIE on this stuff lately. Give em a browse and let me know what ya reckon. They’re just from a few different sites I’ve been surfing lately that are generally good for information like this…

Lady Gaga Suffering From Insomnia

Sources close to her have revealed that despite suffering insomnia, she refuses to take any medication to help her relax. "I lie in bed and try to pray and … Read More…

New Genetic Framework Could Help Explain Drug Side Effects

… disease neighborhoods, including those for other arrhythmia-related diseases, congestive heart failure, insomnia, autism, schizophrenia and epilepsy. … Read More…

A new 420 meaning: time for pro-marijuana forces to get serious

These 420 events, if held properly, can help further the cause by legitimizing the movement, he says. To that end, a 30-member “Green Team” will wear green … Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

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Herbs For Insomnia Offer Cost Effective Treatment Options

admin — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:19:50 +0000

Many people suffer from insomnia. Either they can’t fall asleep or can get to sleep, but wake in the middle of the night and can’t return to sleep. There are a number of reasons this can happen including stress, worries, and illness just to name a few. With the growing concern of the effects of drugs, plus their side effects, more and more people are turning to alternative cures. As a result, herbs for insomnia have become quite popular.

Many benefits of using herbal remedies and other homeopathic techniques are that since they are completely natural, there are no harmful side effects, problems with addiction, or long term health problems. One of the best things is that many of these herbs are widely available and far cheaper than any other pharmaceutical remedy.

If you’re looking for a calming effect that will help you relax and get to sleep, there a many herbal teas that can help. Jasmine and chamomile herbs have been used for thousands of years to help people fall asleep. Drinking one of these herbal insomnia treatments in a tea form not only brings the effects on quicker, but it also makes you stop and relax for a moment as well, breathing in the vapors while drinking the mixture. Chamomile does have one side effect though, it also tends to calm upset stomachs, another cause of lack of sleep.

Another remedial herb that is used to relax a person is wild lettuce. Anyone who uses alternative medicine for anxiety or muscle and joint pain will probably be familiar with the benefits and healing properties of wild lettuce. It has even been used to help restless leg syndrome. You can take it in supplement form, and 30-120 milligrams before bed is suggested.

Many people find that a combination of things work best when it comes to sleep problems. They often choose to change their habits, and replace caffeinated drinks at night with an herbal tea. Some others find that taking a couple of herbal supplements an hour or so before bed time helps them relax enough to fall asleep.

There’s a significant amount of information on the internet about herbs that will help you fall asleep. You can also find other homeopathic techniques too, and vitamin or minerals that can help you fall asleep as well. In addition, a number of websites offer all kinds of herbs and supplements at good prices and you can also check with your local health foods store.

Before you start taking herbs for insomnia, it’s a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider first. They can help with the proper dosage, describe other benefits you might be able to expect, and offer other alternative choices. You should also educate yourself about herbal insomnia treatments, including other additional uses they might provide so you can make the choice that’s right for you.

With more and more people turning to herbs for insomnia treatments, it’s an option worth exploring for anyone who suffers from sleeplessness of any sort. In fact, when you learn about the various natural sleep remedy options available to you, it’s highly unlikely you’ll turn to medications or other potentially harmful solutions. After all, who would choose to expose themselves to negative side effects when there is a better option?

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Is Your Insomnia Caused by Anxiety?

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 06:12:25 +0000

Do you feel that you suffer from both excessive anxiety and insomnia on a regular basis? Do you believe that the two are related? If so, you’re probably right. Those who are anxious are often up at night and those who have insomnia are typically very anxious throughout the day. Either one of these conditions can cause the other condition, which means a person can be stuck in a never ending circle of anxiety and insomnia and then more anxiety and more sleeplessness. However, if you understand just how the two are related, you may be able to address the issues that give you both anxiety and insomnia and be able to finally break this miserable circle.

For those who have anxiety and insomnia and insomnia related to it, probably the reason you’re being kept up at night is because your mind is no longer distracted with your everyday cares and responsibilities, so now it has time to think about those disquieting thoughts. When you’re awake during the day you have things to think about when it comes to your career, children, family, and other responsibilities but at night, your mind is free to wander. This can cause both anxiety and insomnia as your mind races when you want it to quiet down and sleep. This might also be a way for your mind to avoid those things that cause it anxiety. If you fall asleep and then the next thing you do is wake up and go to work and face unpleasant circumstances, your anxiety and insomnia may be related because your body tries to avoid that unpleasant situations for as long as possible by keeping you awake. This means that as long as you’re anxious about work or whatever is facing you tomorrow, you’ll experience sleeplessness.

For some, anxiety and insomnia are related because they experience sleeplessness and then become anxious and irritable because of it. The body needs rest in order for the brain to shut out distractions and not be on high alert all day and all night. When you don’t sleep, the brain is working overtime and so can become as fatigued as the rest of your body. This means your anxiety and insomnia are causing each other; the more you stay up, the more anxious you become as irritability and moodiness set in.

You might not be able to figure out which comes first if you have both anxiety and insomnia, but if you can understand how they are related then you can understand why you need to consider both problems. You might not be able to eliminate anxiety from your life completely but you can typically find better ways of coping with both anxiety and insomnia so that you can sleep better. You might also need to consider such practices as regular exercise, yoga, meditation, and simple stretching before bedtime. These things can help to calm you and can also help to get you better read for a good night’s sleep.

To find out more about how to get better sleep, check out the “How to Sleep Better Tonight” website at http://www.howtosleepbettertonight.com

Claim access to the free report on the 5 surprising ways you’re keeping yourself up at night.

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Calcium for Health, Weight Loss and Osteoporosis by Louise Elcoat

admin — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:33:01 +0000

Click Here To Find Out How you can finally wave insomnia goodnight without resorting to sleeping pills!

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Calcium is a mineral essential to all stages of life, age groups, and gender.

99% of the body’s calcium is stored in the bones and teeth. The remainder circulates in the blood for use by the muscles and nervous system. It is important to note that the body does not make its own calcium; it is obtained and absorbed from the foods in your diet. This will include supplements if you are taking them.

Calcium concentration must be kept constant, and if not enough is taken in to the body, calcium will be withdrawn from the store sites in your bones. The bones will gradually become less dense, losing some of their strength, which can then lead to osteoporosis (brittle, porous bones). Withdrawing calcium from the bones is the body’s way of keeping blood levels constant.

Men and women will naturally lose calcium from their bones as they age, but the rate of loss is much higher in women. Women who are experiencing menopause, will have a faster loss of calcium from their bones. A good store of calcium in the bones at the menopause stage of life, will assist a woman in keeping osteoporosis at bay.

A calcium rich diet for the first 30 to 40 years of your life is essential for building-up your calcium stores. This will put you in a good position for fighting off bone disease in later life.

Calcium is essential to the body for many functions including; maintaining healthy bones and teeth; muscle contraction, including heart beat regulation; maintaining a healthy nervous system; regulating blood pressure (aiding blood clotting); the fight against osteoporosis. Studies have shown that diets rich in calcium can help the body to manage fat cells by aiding the mechanisms that store fat in the body. The result can help with weight loss. Including foods rich in calcium can help create a feeling of fullness, which can help to prevent snacking in-between meals.

Factors that influence calcium absorption

Vitamin D: Obtained from the sun on our skin, and is prevalent in food items such as canned salmon, eggs, butter and margarine. Calcium can not function in the body without Vitamin D. This vitamin helps to regulate the absorption of calcium from the food we ingest.

Exercise: Weight bearing exercise is needed for optimal absorption of calcium into the bones. This can include, walking, aerobics, running, dancing, cycling, gardening, weights or even pushing a pram.

Protein: A high protein intake reduces calcium absorption. Recent studies indicate that while dairy products are a good source of calcium, their high protein content can interfere with the body’s ability to use the calcium ingested. It is best to obtain calcium from a varied diet, which includes non-dairy sources such as soybeans, almonds and salmon.

Hormones: Menopause sees a decline in oestrogen levels, resulting in a decline in the body’s ability to absorb calcium from your diet. The adolescence (teens) stage of life sees less calcium being absorbed due to the changes in hormone levels for both males and females.

Weight: Extreme thinness, (low body fat levels) or following very restricted diets will affect calcium absorption, and see withdrawal from the bones as the body struggles to maintain a constant level of calcium in the blood. This can lead to osteoporosis in later life, as the skeleton has not been given a chance to become strong.

And: High levels of Caffeine, Salt, Alcohol or Smoking will all reduce the amount of calcium the body can absorb from the diet.

Signs of Deficiency

A mild calcium deficiency can lead to insomnia, brittle nails, muscle twitching, irritability, and palpitations. Severe deficiency affects the muscular system – cramps, pains, numbness, stiffness, and depression. A deficiency of this degree can cause rickets in children. The most at risk are the elderly, those who avoid dairy products or other sources of calcium rich foods, those on high protein/high fibre diets, or when consuming large amounts of alcohol.

How much do you need per day?

Men 800mg

Women 800mg

Pregnancy 1100-1300mg

Children 1000mg

Sources of Calcium

Milk (250ml) 290mg

Fortified Low Fat Milk (250ml) 450mg

Yoghurt, 200g 380mg

Cheese, 25g 240mg

Almonds, 50g 125mg

Tahini Sesame Paste, 20g 190mg

Sesame Bar, 40g 115mg

Salmon, 100g 185mg

Sardines, 50g 455mg

Soybeans, 1 cup 130mg

Fortified Soy Milk, (250ml) 290mg

Tofu, 100mg 130mg

Oysters, 6 145mg

Broccoli, 100g 125mg

Baked Beans, ¼ cup 50mg

Figs, 5 135mg

Brazil Nuts, ½ cup 123mg

Peanuts, ½ cup 134mg

Chinese Kale, 100g 179mg

Special K, 30g 200mg

Mixed grain bread, 1 slice 112mg

Brown bread, 1 slice 15mg

About The Author

Louise Elcoat, Bachelor Science, Health Promotion, Nutrition, Psychology

Director of http://www.yourbodyhealth.com.au

Yourbodyhealth provides individually designed programs for the health issues that are concerning you. Diet, exercise, wellbeing, or specific conditions such as diabetes or cholesterol can be addressed with a Yourbodyhealth program.

For more information on Health and Nutrition contact admin@yourbodyhealth.com.au.

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