The best cure for insomnia

The best cure for insomnia

By Michael Edwards
insomnia, natural remedies, camping

A chronic lack of sleep not only affects your work, your relationships, and your enjoyment of life, it also wreaks havoc with your hormonal system, your immune system, and your body's ability to heal in every way (we regenerate while we sleep).



You don't need to resort to pharmaceuticals with dangerous side effects and fatigue upon waking. Use these natural remedies to reset your sleep cycle and end insomnia.

You need to go camping

Leave your electronic devices at home. Leave your phone in the car. Take some time to meditate, write, and do some yoga. Most importantly, sleep on the ground, not in a camper, your car, or in a cabin. Get grounded. Your goal is to de-stress, to take a break from distractions and EFTs, to avoid artificial light, and to use natural light and magnetic fields to re-set your circadian rhythms. By the third day almost anyone will be going to sleep shortly after nightfall, as nature intended.

Other Steps to End Insomnia

If camping is impossible, prolonged exposure to early morning light and regular contact with the earth (try grounding for 15 minutes a day) will reset your biological clock. Spend two hours in the early morning sun for one or two days. Set your alarm if necessary, and go back to sleep outside (on the deck, or in the yard).

Eliminate stimulants from your diet. Coffee, tea, chocolate http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=33069, soft drinks, energy drinks... If you won't give these up, be sure to limit them to the early hours of the day. Thyroid and adrenal fatigue can lead to insomnia http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/ii/insomnia.php and poor quality sleep, so address those glands if needed. B vitamins are essential to the nervous system and deficiencies can result in disruption of sleep cycles. Take a high quality B complex vitamin each day. If you do not get daily exposure to sunlight or you live north of Atlanta, Georgia or Los Angeles, California, supplement with vitamin D.

Herbal Remedies and Supplements http://bit.ly/dreddyclinic-supplements for Insomnia

To fix the biological clock long term, diet is key; B vitamins, thyroid health, and exercise are paramount. But the right combination of the following herbal remedies will knock almost anyone out at least for the first few nights they're used, without the pharmaceutical side effects.

Tryptophan

Our bodies require tryptophan, an amino acid, to make serotonin and melatonin. Tryptophan can help you fall asleep and improve your quality of sleep by lengthening the time you spend in deep sleep. In addition, studies have shown an increase in alertness upon waking.

Valerian Root

Valerian root also aids in sleep onset as well as quality of sleep. The best results are found when combining valerian root with melatonin or hops. Take 400-500 mg at bedtime.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=122&t=33753. It does not help with the length of sleep or sleep quality, but it does help with sleep onset. Side effects may include nightmares and daytime drowsiness. Dosage ranges from 1-10 mg.

Hops

Hops extract is another sleep aid that improves sleep and aids in sleep onset. It works well with valerian extract and the combination may help increase alpha brain waves.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh minimizes sleep disturbances and reduces irritability and mood swings http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=110&t=33297

Passion Flower

Passion flower clears anxiety and restores the body to a more peaceful state

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=33639 is known as an adaptogen that block stress messages in the body, promoting relaxation and peacefulness.

Chamomile flower

Chamomile flower and leaf soothes anxiety and has sedative properties

Skullcap

Skullcap promotes calmness and increases the body's ability to adapt to stress. It also acts as a sedative for aches and pain

Conclusion

Once you get your biological clock reset, your new sleep habits require discipline, but you will reap the benefits of healthy, restful sleep. The trick to having a set sleep schedule (besides health) is all in the wakeup time. If 7 a.m. is when you want to wake up, then that's when you wake up, no matter what, for the next 6 weeks.

Insomnia tends to be a precursor to, or a symptom of depression (see How Candida Leads to Depression http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/how-candida-leads-to-depression-anxiety-adhd-and-other-mental-disorders) or thyroid problems http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=34596 (see Natural Remedies for Hypothyroidism http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/issue/15-understand-hypothyroidism-prevention-and-natural-remedies). It takes time and patience, both of which are hard to come by when you're chronically tired, but insomnia can be remedied. Check out Natural Remedies for Insomnia http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/issue/15-insomnia-a-comprehensive-look-with-natural-remedies for more on insomnia.

And get off the caffeine!

Sources:

http://www.livescience.com/42066-melatonin-supplement-facts.html

http://www.drwhitaker.com/best-natural-sleeping-aids

http://drowsydriving.org/about/facts-and-stats/

http://drowsydriving.org/about/facts-and-stats/

http://www.lef.org/magazine/2013/5/better-brain-chemistry-with-tryptophan/page-01

About the author:
Michael Edwards is the founder, owner, editor-in-chief, and janitor for Organic Lifestyle Magazine http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/ and Green Lifestyle Market http://www.greenlifestylemarket.com/. At age 17, Michael weighed more than 360 pounds. He suffered from ADHD, allergies, frequent bouts of illness, and chronic, debilitating insomnia.

Conventional medicine wasn't working. While he restored his health through alternative medicine he studied natural health and became immersed in it.

A Natural Approach To Detoxification: Lymph Drainage Therapy

A Natural Approach To Detoxification: Lymph Drainage Therapy

lymph nodes, exercise, disease prevention


(DrEddyClinic News) On a daily basis, we ingest potential toxins in our system, whether from the foods we eat, the air we breath or any number of other environmental factors. Rather than turning to an outside agent to detoxify the body http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=11, consider the advantages of using hands-on lymphatic drainage to work directly with the body's own cleansing mechanism - the lymphatic system-.



The lymphatic system is by design a conduit through which the body filters toxins as well as drain fluids, regenerates tissues and maintains the health of the immune system.

If lymphatic http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=32058 circulation slows down for whatever reason - swelling, lack of physical activity, stress, fatigue, emotional shock, age, food additives, or any number of other causes - the regeneration of cells becomes less effective. This condition allows toxins and proteins to accumulate around the cells, triggering a decrease in cellular oxygenation and tissue regeneration. Any blockage to the free flow of lymphatic fluid accelerates the aging http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=113 process and opens pathways for numerous physical diseases to develop.

This is where the body can benefit from Lymph Drainage Therapy. An expressively different modality and approach, LDT is a profoundly effective method of lymphatic drainage http://www.dreddyclinic.com/integrated_med/lymphdrainage.php.

For the therapist using LDT, every stroke is efficient and the amount of time required to achieve pronounced results is much less. It is an ideal modality by itself as well as a companion to any other modality, and can be applied at any point before, during or following an appointment. It is also very beneficial before and after surgeries.

Used post-surgically, LDT helps to remove toxins and fluids that may contribute to enlarged limbs following a mastectomy. In cases where a lymph node has been removed, the therapist can follow the fluid flow and redirect it to the next lymph node. As a pre-surgical application LDT is extremely valuable, because it helps to set up the skin for a clean incision. In cases of breast cancer patients the Matanzas Chiropractic, indicated that lymphatic drainage applied prior to the surgery significantly reduced the risk of secondary lymphedema http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4151 development.

It is also applied as an anti aging application achieving what is called a mini face-lifting effect. In just one session, skin is brighter, softer and clearer. Beyond all that , the removal of toxins can reduce facial swelling and the effects of uneven liposuction.

More information about Lymph Drainage Therapy 

http://www.dreddyclinic.com/integrated_med/lymphdrainage.php

Did Stephen Hawking just admit that certain vaccines are a threat to mankind?

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New Research Indicates Aluminum in Deodorant Linked To Breast Cancer

New Research Indicates Aluminum in Deodorant Linked To Breast Cancer



(DrEddyClinic News) We live in a world where the products that we use on a daily basis are actually laden with some of the most toxic chemicals on the planet.



Studies are now showing that continuous exposure to toxic chemicals in personal hygiene products, such as antiperspirants, may be related to allergic reactions, Alzheimer’s, and even breast cancer in women [1]. This may come as no surprise considering the fact that most deodorants are made up of aluminum chlorohydrate, as well as up to 20 other toxic chemicals http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=32522.

Research into the Health Concerns of Aluminum

Recent research from a growing number of international scientists has indicated that the use of common antiperspirant may be linked to benign breast lumps, a condition which may make women more likely to develop breast cancer http://bit.ly/top10causes-of-breast-cancer in the future.

A study from the Journal of Applied Toxicology conducted research on antiperspirant with high levels of aluminum [2]. The addition of aluminumhttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=33487, a chemical which enters the body through the sensitive underarm tissue, works to block our sweat ducts, thus reducing the amount of sweat that the body produces. But is this lack of perspiration and neutralization of body odor worth the constant daily intake of high levels of aluminum?



Similarly, a recent study from Reading University found that cancerous tumors are most likely to appear in the parts of the female breast which is closest to where antiperspirants are applied. Of the women studied, it was found that cysts in the armpit area of the breast had 25x more aluminum than the common amount found in blood.

Furthermore, aluminum acts with an estrogenic effect on the body, known to increase the incidence of breast cancer tumors when in excess. Sadly, this and other studies, show that aluminum exposure is not only related to increased chances of developing breast cancer, but also other diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Studies on the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease found that their brain tissue often held high amounts of the aluminum toxins [3].

“Not a single cosmetic company warns consumers of the presence of carcinogens in its products.”

-Dr. Samuel Epstein, MD
Environmental Medicine Specialist

The Toxic Chemicals Found in Antiperspirants


Chemicals in Antiperspirants

Chemical exposure in antiperspirants is not limited to aluminum. There are many other poisonous chemicals, including anti-freeze, in the conventional stick of antiperspirant. Paraben, also a common ingredient in many deodorants, has been linked to higher risks for breast cancer, due to the estrogen-mimicking effect.

Studies done by the U.S. Toxicology Program in 1997 found that hormone disruptors such as PropTEA and DEA, other normal ingredients found in deodorants, were reported to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) in animals [4].

Other chemicals such as FD&C colors, triclosan and quaternium compounds have been found to lead to cancerous diseases, dermatitis, allergies and asthma-like symptoms in both animals and humans. Over 90% of the chemicals used in fragrance additives to common personal-care products come from petroleum.

WARNING! These other products may contain Aluminum!

Antacids
Vaccines
Cookware
Dentures
Lipstick
Toothpaste
Astringents
Nasal Sprays
Baking Powder
Vaginal Douches
Processed cheese
Buffered Aspirin
Hemorrhoid medications
Anti-Diarrhea Medication

How to Eliminate Aluminum From the Body

- Stop using common antiperspirants. Switch to mineral-based antiperspirants, or even better, a natural deodorant, which does not block the sweat glands. I use the crystal salt deodorant and add about an ounce of colloidal silver.
- Reduce your exposure to environmental toxins in general. Especially do not drink from Aluminum cans.
- Further educate yourself on the toxins present in many of your personal care products. Remember, once ingested, aluminum can negatively affect the kidneys, brain, lungs, liver and thyroid. It also competes with calcium for absorption, leading to reduced skeletal mineralization.
- My book Health Begins in The Colon http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/?a_aid=141637 describes all harmful toxins in detail and how to eliminate them from your body and home
If you have been using an aluminum-laden antiperspirant for some time, or drinking from aluminum cans, it is a good idea to do a heavy metal cleansehttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=32522. The goal is to flush them out before they have time to do serious damage to your body.

by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

1. Exley C, Charles LM, Barr L, Martin C, Polwart A, Darbre PD. Aluminium in human breast tissue http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=historysearch&querykey=25. J Inorg Biochem. 2007 Sep;101(9):1344-6. Epub 2007 Jun 12.

2. Darbre PD. Aluminium, antiperspirants and breast cancer http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=historysearch&querykey=27. J Inorg Biochem. 2005 Sep;99(9):1912-9.

3. Ferreira PC, Piai Kde A, Takayanagui AM, Segura-Muñoz SI. Aluminum as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2008 Jan-Feb;16(1):151-7. Review.

4. National Toxicology Program. Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Diethanolamine (CAS No. 111-42-2) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Dermal Studies) http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/index.cfm?objectid=070AAE68-0C37-7929-9780A12F127B27B7. Department of Health and Human Services. 1999 July.

New research backs holistic health for chronic back pain: mindful meditation is indeed effective

New research backs holistic health for chronic back pain: mindful meditation is indeed effective

by: J. D. Heyes
mindful meditation, chronic back pain, opioid painkiller addiction

(DrEddyClinic News) Tens of millions of people have long relied on meditation as a way to calm the mind and perhaps even achieve enlightenment, though traditional medical practitioners and others who simply did not buy into the concept have often condemned the practice.



Now, however, new research conducted by the Group Health Research Institute shows that quieting and focusing the mind is one way to help decrease chronic low back pain, and without dangerous, habit-forming opioid-based painkillers http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=22083.

As reported by Medical Xpress and the National Institutes of Health, scientists and researchers explored alternatives to pain medication in treating low back pain, which is a chronic and costly condition that affects some eight in 10 Americans at some point during their lives.

Researchers with the institute compared a particular form of meditation http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=32343 called mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) with cognitive behavioral therapy, the latter of which is like talk therapy, to see if either of the interventions would alleviate pain.

Dr. Daniel Cherkin, PhD, a senior investigator at Group Health, said the study's results were encouraging.

"We're constantly looking for new and innovative ways to help our patients," Dr. Cherkin said. "The research suggests that training the brain to respond differently to pain signals may be more effective—and last longer—than traditional physical therapy and medication."

"Effective nonpharmacologic treatment options"

Training in MBSR produced meaningful improvements in functioning and chronic low back pain at intervals of six months and one year in a randomized, controlled trial involving some 350 patients at Group Health. The study was published in The Journal of the American Medical Association as "Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction vs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Usual Care on Back Pain and Functional Limitations in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial."

The practice is increasing in popularity in the U.S., and it is also becoming more widespread and available. The practice involves the observation, acknowledgement and acceptance of feelings and thoughts, including feelings of pain. In addition, the training also provides some simple yoga poses to help practitioners be more aware of their bodies.

"We are excited about these results, because chronic low back pain is such a common problem and can be disabling and difficult to treat," said Dr. Cherkin, as reported by Medical Xpress.

In recent years, patients in the U.S., as well as the government, have been spending more and more money on treatments for back pain, much of which has included dangerous opioid drugs that have contributed to an addiction epidemic http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-spoils-of-war-afghanistan-s-multibillion-dollar-heroin-trade/91. Many of those treatments did not produce nearly as good results as mindful meditation.

"It is vital that we identify effective nonpharmacologic treatment options for 25 million people who suffer from daily pain, in the United States," said Josephine Briggs, MD, director of the NIH's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. "The results from this research affirm that non-drug/non-opioid therapies, such as meditation, can help manage chronic low-back pain. Physicians and their patients can use this information to inform treatment decisions."

Longer-lasting benefits with far less risk

As further reported by Medical Express:

The trial enrolled 342 Group Health patients aged 20 to 70. Their low back pain had lasted at least three months and could not be attributed to a specific cause. The trial participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups. The first two groups received training in eight weekly two-hour group sessions in addition to whatever care they chose to seek independent of the study. One of these groups received training in MBSR and the other in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The third group received only their usual care.

Compared to the group receiving usual care, participants in both the MBSR and CBT groups were significantly more likely to experience clinically meaningful (at least 30 percent) improvements from baseline in functional limitations and in self-reports of how much back pain bothered them.

"We are not saying 'It's all in your mind,'" Cherkin noted. "Rather, as recent brain research has shown, the mind and the body are intimately intertwined, including in how they sense and respond to pain. Both mindfulness and CBT involve the brain as well as the body. We found that these approaches were as helpful for people with chronic back pain as are other effective treatments for back pain."

They also had longer-lasting benefits and posed far less danger than conventional therapies.

Sources:

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-03-mindfulness-meditation-eases-chronic-pain.html

https://nccih.nih.gov/news/press/03222016?nav=fb

http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=22083

http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=32343

http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2504811