Monday, October 4, 2010

Can't Sleep?...

For better sleep, the body needs healthy foods and nutrients. Many nutrients are known to have a calming effect on the nervous system and help promote good sleep. Whole foods contain many of these natural insomnia cures, but supplements are also available to ensure that you obtain the proper dietary amounts. Calcium and magnesium taken 45 minutes before bedtime have a tranquilizing effect. Use a 2:1 ratio, such as 500 mg of calcium and 250 mg of magnesium in tablet or capsule form.

Calcium is nature's tranquilizer. Some feel that calcium is best absorbed in the evening, suggesting that the folk medicine suggestion of a glass of milk before bedtime might be a good idea. Natural forms of calcium are dairy foods as well as green vegetables and sesame. A spoon of sesame seeds has ten times the calcium as a similar amount of milk. Spinach is also high in calcium. Take 1000 milligrams of calcium daily.
Magnesium is needed to absorb calcium. Many calcium supplements also contain magnesium. Epsom salts are made of magnesium and an Epsom salt bath is one way to absorb magnesium. Magnesium is a muscle relaxant as well as important for balancing blood sugar and blood pressure. Natural sources of magnesium are halibut, peanuts, whole grains, spinach, bananas, avocados, and nuts and seeds. Diabetes and those on diuretics need to insure proper intake of magnesium, as much magnesium is lost through urine. Symptoms of deficiency are muscle spasms, nausea and loss of appetite.

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