Health & Fitness | Nutrition-supplements

Numerous studies have confirmed that irregular bowel syndrome, heartburn and indigestion can rob you off your sleep. Experts also opine that it isn’t a rare problem with people. Infact, sleeplessness and indigestion go hand in hand. Though there aren’t strong arguments to support why indigestion leads to insomnia, experts believe that stomach pain is most likely to rob you off your sleep.

Experts opine that both indigestion and sleeplessness could be an outcome of a serious underlying Problem like depression, anxiety and/or other forms of emotional stress.

The survey which confirmed that indigestion could lead to disturbed sleep patterns in people brought to light a number of stomach problems like bloated stomach, gas, diarrhea and constipation which could all contribute well enough to snatch your sleep away.

Results of the Survey
Some disturbing results of the survey showed that among the 2269 people who responded to the survey, about 39% suffered from disturbed sleep patterns at least once in a month and about 6% the conditions of insomnia were terrible for them.

Additional results of the survey revealed that:

• 15% were said to wake up from their sleep only because of severe stomach pain
• About 15% claimed that their sleep was disturbed by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• About 10% were frequently suffering from indigestion
• About 13% were frequently suffering from heartburns

The strongest connection was observed to be between IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and lack of sleep.

Experts also revealed that people who have suffered more stress in their lives were more likely to experience uncomfortable conditions like – lack of sleep, heart burn and irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers stand by the assertion that further studies need to be done in order to establish a strong connection between intestinal problems and stress.

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Numerous studies suggest that “serotonin”, the “happy hormone” is responsible for boosting one’s mood and well-being. The World Health Organization for instance claims that there are as many as 121 million people worldwide who are facing depression at the hands of serotonin deficiency.

Anti-depressants like Prozac are designed to bring a balance in brain chemicals and for the brain to increase the level of serotonin. However, no such medication should be taken without a thorough medical examination and without consulting a doctor.

What is Serotonin?
Serotonin is a chemical produced in the brain which is meant to regulate the moods of a person. For example, anger, body temperature, sleep and appetite are all controlled by the levels of serotonin in one’s brain.

Experts opine that sufficient serotonin in the brain keeps us relaxed and feeling good. On the other hand, when the serotonin levels fall, people suffer from sudden bouts of irritation, anxiousness and depression.

What Causes the Deficiency of Serotonin?
Serotonin is acquired from an essential amino acid called “tryptophan”, which is not produced by the body. Dietary efforts can alone ensure sufficient levels of tryptophan in the body.

Other factors that can lead to the deficiency of serotonin are:

• Genetic factors
• Overworked immune system
• Brain damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption
• Long-term depression, stress or anxiety

Effects of Serotonin Deficiency
Serotonin deficiency can lead to the following:

• Migraine
• Eating disorders
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Stress and anxiety
• Sleeplessness or insomnia
• Attention and memory problems
• Obesity
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Panic attacks

Treatment for Serotonin Deficiency
There are some drugs and therapies which can help manage or boost the levels of the happy hormone or serotonin in the brain like Prozac, cognitive or holistic behavioral therapy and more.

Some effective ways to boost the happy hormone are listed below:

• Tryptophan rich diet
• Avoid sugary foods and carbohydrates that can boost the blood sugar levels
• Vitamin B and C, magnesium and zinc intake can convert the tryptophan amino acid into serotonin
• Herbs such as burdock, ginseng, dandelion, etc can help boost the levels of serotonin in the brain
• Tablets such as 5-HTP or ‘hydroxy L-tryptophan’ can be taken to boost the levels of the happy hormone but with the consent of a doctor
• Acupuncture can be another way of relieving stress and boosting the levels of serotonin production in the brain with the help of tryptophan amino acid
• Yoga, tai chi, walking and other stretching exercises are ways to boost the serotonin levels in the brain
• Sunshine can also ensure sufficient serotonin levels in the brain that can keep you feeling rejuvenated, fresh and happy
• Snack on healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, juices, rice cakes, etc
• Have plenty of water (about 8 glasses in a day)
• Drink herbal and dandelion tea at least once daily

As you can see, the most effective way to keep the serotonin or the happy hormone alive and bubbling in your brains would be to stick to suggested meal programs. Also try eating as much natural tryptophan that will enable the optimum production of serotonin to keep you happy and healthy through the days to come.

Though there are numerous studies which still suggest that alcohol is dangerous for the bones, there are some like these which claim that moderate alcohol consumption is essential for promoting bone health. Researchers go a step ahead in stating that a drink or two is not harmful but helpful in reducing the risks of osteoporosis in women and also in protecting the bones against fractures.

33 separate studies combined together have arrived at the conclusion that “moderate” drinking can help restore bone health by lowering the risks of hip fracture and lower bone mass.

Studies revealed that as against people who completely restricted themselves to alcohol consumption, those who did drink about half to one cup of alcohol in one day were reported to be 20% less prone to the risks of hip fractures. In addition, people who drank more than 2 drinks in one day were 39% more likely to suffer from hip fractures.

For women, moderate drinking implies one drink and less in one day while for men it implies two drinks and less in one day.

“Bones” are living and growing tissues. Bone mass is maintained through a process called “remodeling” which regulates the removal and replacement of bones. Experts opine that a number of things contribute to healthy building bones right from one’s childhood to adulthood.

Some healthy actions for healthy bone building include:

• Eating a balanced diet that includes calcium, vitamins and minerals
• Regular exercise and activity
• Protecting bones against injury or fall
• Limited alcohol consumption
• Avoiding excessive dieting
• Medical or professional help for building healthy bones

Healthy living is the “key” to better building bones.

A study conducted on women at London’s St. Thomas Hospital also reveals that women who took an average of 8 drinks in a week had denser bones than who consumed little. Though it was not ascertained that moderate alcohol consumption led to bone growth, it did reveal that moderate drinking contributed to greater mineral bone density.

Again, though some studies are very clear about excessive smoking and drinking affecting the bones, UK researchers claim that moderate drinking of beer can help prevent the onset of osteoporosis because of the high silicon contents which is required for bone formation.

Though experts are not certain about how alcohol consumption can affect bone density, some opine that hormones can explain. It is speculated that alcohol increases he circulation of estrogen which contribute in strong and healthy bones.

Researchers from Copenhagen (Denmark) are here to state that using mobile phones during pregnancy can lead to behavioral problems in children. Mothers-to-be who used cell phones at least 2-3 times per day were reported to give birth to children, who suffered from psychological problems, erratic and anti-social behavior and were hyperactive.

For the same study, about 13159 Danish children were examined who were born in the 1990s. One half of the mothers did not use mobile phones at all during pregnancy while the rest did to some extent.

The study revealed that using cell phones at least 2-3 times in a day could increase the risk of having children subject to behavioral problems by 54%. The risk seemed to increase to 80% when the children began using cell phones during their growing years. Exposure to mobile phone radiation has not yet been determined as the exact cause for such erratic and anti-social conduct in children.

Among the children who were reported to suffer from behavioral problems the following figures were arrived at:

• About 25% of them suffered from emotional problems
• 34% of them had problems relating to their peers
• About 35% were reported to be hyperactive
• About 49% had problems with their code of conduct

The Danish researchers admit that they haven’t made any conclusions on the basis of the radiation levels. However, it is but natural to assume that the regular use of mobile phones during and after pregnancy could be an indication of how a mother’s attention is divided between the new born baby (or the baby to be born) and the conversation over the phone thereby leading to the baby suffering from feelings of insecurity and rejection.

Numerous studies have revealed that unhappiness has a negative effect on health. While a recent study shows a delayed connection between stress and cardiovascular disease, the other shows a deep link between depression and atherosclerosis. Reports also suggest that the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases increased by 53% post 9/11.

Research also shows increasing wealth and opportunities in the West (including Europe and America) have led to decreased happiness levels. The power of super foods and exercises is only limited to making you physically fit but the key to a healthy mind is happiness, positivism and satisfaction.

Happiness Facts
Much to your belief there is something called the “science of happiness” which clearly enables you to look within yourself and address the issues which are destroying your happiness.

Some scientific facts about “happiness” are listed here below:

• Women remain unhappy till they reach the age of 50 years where men too catch up
• Disappointment leads to unhappiness
• Happiness is measurable
• Not even one thing can make us completely happy
• Strong social connections contribute towards happiness and well-being
• Excess wants leads to unhappiness
• Happiness is a magical experience
• Wealth doesn’t completely make one happy
• Tireless journeys from home to office and back make people stressed and anxious
• Happily married couples remain happy most of the time
• Yoga and meditation techniques can calm the mind
• Friendship and bonding calls for happiness
• The religious, pious and philosophers are much happier in life than others
• Caring for others and doing good for others leads to true happiness

Authors like Cohen Sheldon from the Carnegie Mellon University are of the opinion that emotions can directly influence health by means of affecting our lifestyle choices, functioning of the immune system and the nervous system. However, he asserts that further discovery and research is required for determining whether “emotions” can influence health or trigger an illness or disease instantly.

As documented, personal wealth, successful relationships, successful careers and spirituality are the keys to happiness. Experts opine that people should start from nutritional alteration to improve their physical, mental and spiritual states.

It is believed that healthy eating habits can have an emotionally healing effect on the body. This makes us believe that happiness is a natural way of detoxifying the body from all the impurities or worries that may have accumulated over time.

Happiness has the power to make things easy for people which contributes to a stress-free life and hence a much healthier and longer life. Good health rests on our ability to do things which make us happy, satisfied and peaceful; so start now!

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