Pumpkins: More Than Just Fall Decorations
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5 Keys to Long-Term Weightloss: Gimmicks vs. Wellness
Dr. Nathan Goodyear, fellowship-trained Metabolic Specialist
Obesity is described as the #1 health problem today. But what exactly is a health problem? I’d like to define it this way: a health problem is an obstacle to good health.
As I have said many times, obesity is the doorway to disease. Sixty-seven percent of Americans are either overweight or obese today. And for the first time, obesity exceeds those that are overweight. Approximately 34% of Americans are obese. Just think about that for a minute. What a hopeless statistic.
And the numbers, unfortunately, are not improving. Look at our children. More children battle obesity than ever before. The statistics in children is alarming, with up to 17% of children and adolescents being obese. Worse yet, this is a three-fold increase in just one generation.
Metabolic syndrome is in many ways the result of obesity. Metabolic syndrome, once only an adult disease, is now frequently diagnosed in children. As obesity goes, so goes metabolic syndrome. As metabolic syndrome goes, so goes disease. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is 39.7% in moderately obese children and 49.7% in severely obese children.
All this to say, we, as a nation, need to lose weight. But we need to lose weight the right way. The reality is this: helping people lose weight is not difficult, but helping people to lose weight and maintain the weightloss proves to be very difficult. If it was so easy, everybody would do it.
Just look around us. There are weight loss “gimmicks” all over the place. According to the free dictionary, a gimmick is defined as “a device employed to cheat, deceive, or trick.” Gimmicks come in all forms: prepackaged meals, shakes, prescription drugs (Adipex, Xenical), HCG and even weight loss surgeries. All these gimmicks have in one thing in common – failure. Yes, they will help you lose some weight, but they fail miserably in the maintenance department. The short-term success of weightloss through gimmicks results in long-term failure due to a train-wrecked metabolism, making your long-term weight loss that much more difficult.
Let’s look at a few examples. Adipex is commonly prescribed drug that helps people lose weight. It is an amphetamine-like compound that speeds up the metabolism and suppresses the appetite. It works short-term, but without lifestyle change, rebound will occur. The rebound is worse as Adipex alters the body’s ability to lose weight through muscle loss and thyroid dysfunction. Oh, and did I forget to mention the addiction?
Let’s look at HCG. So if you take HCG, does that mean the cause of your obesity is a deficiency in HCG? Throw in the fact that the HCG diet consists of 500 calories daily. A diet of 500 calories daily will cause starvation and actually changes your thyroid metabolism, triggering a slowing of metabolism. So when you come off the HCG and the 500 calorie diet, rebound weight gain occurs. Who can maintain a 500 calorie diet anyway?
And the worst gimmick? Weight-loss surgeries. Let’s objectively think about this. What do the numbers say about weight loss surgery? A recent 10 year study of Lap Band, considered the safer weightloss surgery, revealed only a 42% weightloss maintained over 12 years with a quality-of-life scale unchanged. Let’s contrast that with the risks. Up to 50% of the patients required removal of their lap band with a repeat surgery risk at 60%, up to a third of the bands eroded, and over 40% encountered serious complications. Couple this with the bone loss seen in adults and children with weight loss surgery, and the question asked should be this: What are we doing to ourselves and our children?
Now that we’ve discussed the gimmicks, let me offer a solution: the Wellness Weight Loss program powered by Seasons.
Why “Wellness Weight Loss?” Our primary objective at Seasons is to provide solutions for you to be healthy and well! We don’t just want to help people lose weight. We want to help people lose weight and keep it off. That is the only path to long-term health and wellness.
The definition of a successful weightloss program is not whether weightloss occurs: it is whether the weight-loss is maintained. One of the greatest obstacles to wellness is inflammation. Fat itself produces systemic inflammation. Fat cells trigger inflammatory signals, called cytokines. Fat cells have been shown to release the cytokines: TNF-alpha, IL-1, and IL-6. To reduce inflammation, one must lose weight. Only through weight loss and long-term maintenance, can wellness be achieved.
Why powered by Seasons? At Seasons, we want to glorify our creator in all that we do. To do that, we must look to His creation to find the answers. His creation is our bodies. His signature is our biochemistry. That should be where we are looking, because that is where the causes are. And yes, there are always multiple causes. And no, a one size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. God created us to be unique and different. Our causes of weight gain will also be unique and different. And our solutions for weightloss need to be unique and different – customized for your particular metabolism and circumstances.
Wellness Weight Loss powered by Seasons follows the 5 Points of Wellness that we’ve established as our guidelines to achieving optimal health.
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Hormone balance
- Inflammation
- Detoxification
These 5 Points of Wellness are the keys to proper metabolic functioning. They are God-created and they are the only means to long-term weightloss. Through the 5 Points of Wellness, a customized program is created to meet your exact metabolic dysfunctions.
Contrary to what you see today, healing can and does occur. But, healing only comes through our creator. To do that, we must look to His creation first, our bodies, for the means to achieve healing.
Why not glorify God in all that we do, including weightloss. Lose weight. Live well!
The Chicken and the Egg or What is Functional Medicine?
Dr. Nathan Goodyear
I am always amazed at what people will say when they can remain anonymous. Recently we published a guest post on our website by Dr. Ron Grisanti entitled “What is Functional Medicine?” A well-written article, it resulted in three hateful comments (not published on our website) calling us names and comparing functional medicine to homeopathy.
I do practice Functional Medicine. And we do, on occasion, use homeopathy. But the two are very different. Functional medicine is not a symptom-based treatment paradigm. It is a solution-based treatment paradigm.
Sometimes, the best way to understand is via illustration. So, let’s discuss what functional medicine is by comparing the treatment strategies for a common complaint among patients, fatigue.
The protocol in traditional medicine routinely addresses fatigue as depression. But in looking at fatigue in that light, the chicken or the egg scenario quickly comes into play. Is fatigue depression or are depressive symptoms the result of stress and fatigue?
The answer, which seems painfully obvious to me, is the latter. In my earlier post “It’s Not Depression…It’s Stress,” the symptoms of depressions are the results of stress. It seems like semantics, but determining cause and effect is a critical part of practicing medicine. Treating symptoms with anti-depressants does not actually treat the cause. In contrast, they create dependence. Anti-depressants become a very costly band-aid which causes physiologic disruption as well.
The traditional medical approach is linear, reactionary, and a “one-size fits all” approach. Let’s contrast this with a functional medicine approach.
Functional medicine is about biochemistry. Functional medicine is about physiology. Functional medicine is not an opinion, nor is it a standard of care. Functional medicine is the standard of biochemistry and physiology. Like death and taxes, biochemistry and physiology are constant.
Fatigue is the lack of energy. Lack of energy is the lack of ATP generation. What is ATP? ATP is energy.
Molecular Structure of ATP
Above, is the molecular structure of ATP. ATP production is glycolysis, Kreb’s cycle, and the electron transport.
Biochemistry of Energy Production
What you see above is the biochemistry of energy production. It is the physiologic process that occurs within every cell of our body every second of every day.
Not only that, but this entire process of energy production can be evaluated through testing which we perform here at Seasons Wellness Clinic. Even better, individual treatments can be designed based on an individual’s specific biochemical dysfunction, true individualized therapy directed at the source of the problem.
So, when someone has symptoms of fatigue or poor energy production, doesn’t it make sense to look to the cell’s energy production mechanism? It seems like an obvious step. Yet, is rarely done. My fellowship training allows me to evaluate test results and see the energy-generation, or lack thereof, in your body’s biochemistry and to tailor a solution that will resolve your energy-production issues.
What concerns me is not that others have differing opinions. It is not the debate of ideas and research. I welcome that. My concern is when there is opposition to OPEN exchange and debate of ideas and research. There is a hostility that seems to be present everywhere in medicine. It is my opinion that when in debate, if you resort to name-calling, you have lost the intellectual high ground.
Conventional medicine is not the problem. Remember, I am a conventionally trained physician. But, as stated by Dana Ullman, MPH, the problem is the “conventional thought” in medicine today. Medicine should be about what is right, not about what everyone else is doing. Medicine, it seems to me, has become much more about preserving a way of life, rather than actually preserving life.
Functional medicine is not about a standard of care. It is not about an opinion. Functional medicine is about treating the individual, determining the biochemical dysfunction at its source.
For me, functional medicine is about giving credit and glory to our Creator. I look to evaluate and prescribe therapy based on the premise of returning proper function to His creation.
Want to read more about functional medicine? I’m currently enrolled at The University of South Florida’s Medical School, the third largest in the United States, in the Master’s Program for Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine. You can read more about that program here. I’ve also listed a few additional articles that might be of interest. Happy reading!
Related articles
- Innovative Master’s Degree Program Launched by The A4M Fellowship in Anti-Aging Medicine and University of South Florida (prweb.com)
- What Is Functional Medicine? (a4m.com)
Healthy Living Tips: A Recipe for All-Natural Bug Spray
Dr. Nathan Goodyear
Toxins are everywhere. I am always looking for ways to reduce my families exposure to toxic chemicals. There is nothing more dangerous than home fumigation for bugs, filling every corner of your home with toxins. These toxins are very dangerous, as they linger in the house and we are continually exposed to them.
I have found a recipe for an all-natural alternative to your everyday bug spray, a home bug spray using essential oils. Not just any essential oil will do here; they must be pure and unadulterated. For this reason, I use YoungLiving Essential Oils.
Here’s the recipe for an all-natural bug-spray solution.
- 20 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Cypress Essential Oil
- 1 cup water
Mix well. Be sure to shake the mixture well before spraying.
You’ll enjoy a bug-free AND toxin-free environment. This solution is great for ants and cockroaches. I have found that it works with spiders as well. With this approach, you are one step closer to detoxing your home and your life! At Seasons, we carry many Young Living Essential Oils, including peppermint and cypress essential oils. For more information, contact Seasons at 318-255-3223.
Live Healthy. Live Well.
Handle with Care: 7 Steps to Cure Medical Debt
Image by sarawestermark via Flickr
Medical Bills. A horrible enemy that attacks the family budget. They just don’t stop coming. One surgery, one accident, one runny nose; the bills just keep flooding in the mailbox. You’re not prepared, and bills have got to be paid. What is your defense mechanism?
Rather than letting the bills pile up, there is a temporary solution to consolidate all of your medical bills with no interest financing. “CareCredit is a personal line of credit for healthcare treatments and procedures for your entire family, including your pets. Simply pay your minimum monthly payment and pay off the entire balance by the end of your promotional period* and you pay No Interest.”
So, how do you get started? Here’s 7 steps to help cure your medical debt with CareCredit:
1. Find a provider that accepts CareCredit. CareCredit is accepted by over 140,000 providers nationwide for services including Cosmetic Services and Procedures, Surgery, LASIK, Dentistry, Hearing Care, Veterinary Care, and more! Visit www.carecredit.com to find a provider near you!
2. Pick a Payment Plan. Not all practices offer every payment plan. Contact your healthcare provider to find out which plans are offered. Be sure to speak with the office manager or billing advisor.
3. Estimate Monthly Payments. The CareCredit website offers a Monthly Payment Calculator. This convenient service offers clients the ability to see what the projected payments will be based on the payment plan you decide on.
4. Apply for your Card. The application process is simple. It can be done through the providers office by filling out an application, online, or by simply by calling 1-800-677-0718. Upon applying, you will instantly learn if you are approved.
5. Visit your Healthcare Provider. Once you receive your CareCredit card, you will be able to use it at your chosen healthcare provider and other providers that accept CareCredit. This process works with ease, just as if you were to use a credit or debit card, no questions asked!
6. Anticipate Interest-Free Payments. Your interest-free payments will appear on a billing statement within 30 days of your charge being processed. For your convenience, payments can be made online simply by accessing your online CareCredit account.
7. Use it again and again. Once you have a CareCredit card, you will be able to use it again for additional medical expenses that come up for your family, including your pets. Like any other credit card, as long as you are in good standing and you have available credit, you can use CareCredit anywhere the card is accepted.
So, there you have it! Forget other credit card companies that want to scalp you with outrageous interest fees. Do yourself a favor and take a ‘careful’ approach to your family medical expenses. For questions about how to apply at Seasons, please contact our Clinical Manager at 255-3223 or our Spa Coordinator at 255-1155.
*No interest promotional periods must be paid in full within 6, 12, 18 or 24 months on purchases with your CareCredit card. Minimum monthly payments are required.
www.carecredit.com
What is the Cost of No Health?
“Health is like money, we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it.” – Josh Billings
Dr. Nathan Goodyear
The rising cost of healthcare is a big topic today, and rightly so.
In 2009, the cost of healthcare was $2.5 trillion. That is 17% of the United States’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is the highest annual jump as percentage of GDP in history.
And what about health insurance premiums? They are on the rise, too, due to the increase in mandates through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, better known as ObamaCare.
Government healthcare mandates account for up to 50% of the costs of health insurance. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the new federal mandates in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will cause a significant increase in individual health insurance premiums.
What are we getting for these rising costs? Are we healthier? Are we seeing less disease? Are we seeing less cancer? Are we seeing less depression and anxiety? Are we seeing fewer prescriptions? No. The exact opposite is true. Unfortunately, the poor health of Americans is on the rise. In fact, the US consistently ranks low in quality and efficiency of healthcare and ranks #1 for the highest percentage of obesity with 30.6% of all Americans considered obese.
When we talk about health, we are not talking about the cure of disease or about early detection. Instead, the conversation needs to begin with prevention. And prevention can only occur through healthy lifestyle choices.
A snapshot of poor health is to simply look at obesity. We are losing that battle. Obesity is the doorway to disease. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 67% of Americans are overweight and over half of those are obese. In 2010, 38 states had obesity rates above 25%. Contrast that to 1991 when no state had an obesity rate that exceeded 20%.
What about the kids? Ten percent of kids 2-5 are obese, 20% of kids age 6-11 are obese, and 18% of adolescents are obese.
So, what is the cost of poor health? According to a study by the CDC and RTI, the direct and indirect healthcare costs are as high as $147 billion annually. Overweight individuals pay about 42% more in healthcare costs than comparable healthy individuals. This equates to an extra $1,429 out of your pocket annually. And that figure reflects 2009. This amount will only increase annually.
What about individual costs? Remember, obesity is the doorway to disease. So, let’s follow the path of disease development. According to a report released by the George Washington University School of Public Health, the direct individual costs of obesity are $4,879 for women and $2,646 for men annually.
Let’s add the cost of disease to the cost for obesity.
- Diabetes. The diagnosis of diabetes increases by 1 million annually. According to the American Diabetes Association, the annual, individual costs of diabetes is $11,744.
- Cardiovascular disease. For our discussion purposes, this will include high blood pressure, cardiac events, strokes, and associated treatments for an initial event. Kaiser Permanente did a 7-year study of the direct, annual costs of cardiovascular disease. In this study, they found that the direct, individual costs of an initial cardiovascular event was $18,953. A second event would increase the costs by 4.5 times.
- Cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the direct total costs were $93.2 billion in 2009. For our discussion purposes, let’s use prostate cancer (the highest incidence in men) and breast cancer (the highest incidence in women).
For prostate cancer, the average costs were divided into 2 categories: watchful waiting and treatment. The costs were followed over 2 years for more than 9,000 men. The direct individual costs of watchful waiting was $24,809. Compare this to the 2-year individual costs of $59,286 for the treatment group.
For post-menopausal women, the annual direct costs of breast cancer was found to be $13,925. The costs of cancer are known to be a “U” curve. The highest costs concentrate in the initial phases and the last phases of disease treatment.
So, let’s add this all together assuming a 5-year window of treatment and assuming aggressive treatment, not watchful waiting.
Again, assuming a 5-year window of treatment, the total costs for men would be $314,930 and $247,505 for women.
Remember, these costs include direct costs only. They do not include indirect costs. Additionally, these numbers are all pre-2011 dollars and are only calculated over 5 years, so the costs are even higher today.
This disease/cost hypothesis assumes the coexistence of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer simultaneously. Though the coexistence of all 4 diseases simultaneously is not common, it is very common for obese individuals to have diabetes and cardiovascular disease simultaneously. Then, give time, the risk for the examples of prostate and breast cancer increase significantly. These costs may be spread out over a lifetime, but still would exist.
Obviously, America is not getting healthier and the costs of healthcare continues to increase due to the prevalence of disease. The disease-focused model of healthcare is not working to improve the health of Americans.
We need a disease model to treat disease when it exists. However, the disease model is not effective in producing GOOD health and PREVENTING disease. We need a new health and wellness model. This can only be accomplished through an individual, metabolic analysis and treatment plan. This is the type of treatment we offer at Seasons Wellness Clinic in Ruston, Louisiana and Seasons of Farragut in Tennessee.
“The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” – Thomas Edison
According to Wikipedia, the definition of health is this: the level of functional and (or) metabolic efficiency of a living being. Health implies being free from illness, injury or pain.
The cost of healthcare is directly proportional to the lack of health of our citizens. It is by practicing true preventive medicine, increasing the metabolic efficiency of the body, that we will actually reduce the cost of healthcare and provide good health for our nation.
Top 10 Summer Fruits and Veggies
Valerie Costanza, RD
Summer is in full swing and with the hot weather comes delicious fruits and vegetables! We have an abundance of fresh, local harvest here in North Louisiana. You can get these foods directly from local farms or from the farmer’s market (see the map below for directions or visit the Ruston Farmer’s Market website). When preparing your fruits and vegetables, you can be creative while keeping it simple. Here are my top 10 ideas on how to enjoy the wonderful flavors of summer:
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Blueberries: best when eaten fresh or on top of salads and oatmeal
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Zucchini: cut in strips, season, cover lightly with oil and bake for fries
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Tomato: what can you not do with tomato?
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Eggplant: slice lengthwise in ½ inch strips, season and grill. Top with sautéed tomato
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Green beans: sauté in oil, water, onion and seasonings
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Cucumber: slice and place in a pitcher of water…very refreshing!
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Bell peppers: stuff with beef, rice and tomato
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Peaches: peach salsa with tomato, onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, cilantro and lemon juice
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Squash: slice, steam, season and mash
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Okra: sauté with tomato
Visit the Ruston Farmer’s Market for fresh, local produce!
Managing Stress With Facial Reflexology
One word can sum up the root of most illnesses in America today. And the word is…stress!
Stress can cause a variety of problems from wrinkles, to ulcers, to more severe illnesses such as cancer. At Seasons, we offer services to help manage stress including Facial Reflexology. Not only is Facial Reflexology relaxing, but it is a natural way to improve the body’s function and appearance from the inside out. A soothing Facial Reflexology treatment is performed by the practitioner applying pressure on different points of the face and scalp, as well as massaging specific areas searching for deposits or “knots” under the skin. These deposits will reveal problematic areas that can act as the base of future treatments. Symptoms can be treated over time through working with these deposit areas. Each client is unique and some treatments are recommended through a series of 4 or more treatments.
Bethany Cox, LMT & Certified Facial Reflexologist
“Following a Facial Reflexology session, most clients feel deeply relaxed with a healthier complexion. Individuals should get plenty of rest and consume plenty of water to support the body in its transition.” – Bethany Cox, LMT & LFR
What is Facial Reflexology?
Facial Reflexology combines the modern science of neurology with ancient therapies of Traditional Chinese Medicine, South American Zone Therapy, Vietnamese face maps, and Acupuncture points. This technique of Facial Reflexology was developed by Lone Sorenson. Sorenson’s technique is based around the idea that by using finger tip pressure, you can stimulate a release of endorphins and serotonin, leaving the face feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. This stimulation sends impulses through the central nervous system and the meridians to the physical body and the major organs. Sorenson’s technique of Facial Reflexology stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic drainage in addition to balancing hormones and leveling emotions. The technique calms the body and allows it to heal naturally.
Want more information about the benefits of Facial Reflexology? Check out our other blog posts:
- 10 Natural Ways to Cure Your Bedtime Blues
- Top 10 Pregnancy Tips
- The Proof Is In The Practice – A Journey to Reflexology
- Treat The Inner and Outer You with Facial Reflexology
To schedule your Facial Reflexology session or a consultation with our Facial Reflexologist, call Seasons – The Spa at 318.255.1155.
Top 5 Travel Essentials: Get “The Glow” on The Go!
Vacation is a time for rest and relaxation but it shouldn’t mean abandoning all of your healthy lifestyle choices. Here are 5 travel essentials that will help you feel and look your best.
Clarisonic Mia. It is very important to clean your face daily. The skin can absorb toxins in new environments, and you want to make sure your face stays clean. If you are traveling somewhere warm with a high level of humidity, reduce trapped dead skin cells by using your Clarisonic Mia. Bonus: This skin care must-have includes an international charger and comes in a variety of colors!
Sunscreen. No matter where you are traveling, sunscreen is a must! Seasons has ‘the super-duper sunblock’, Sun Shield SPF 50. Obagi Nu-Derm Sun Shield SPF 50 combines UVB absorption and UVA blockage for a high level of sunscreen protection. (If you don’t have an SPF with both UVA and UVB protection, you aren’t really doing your skin any favors.) Sun Shield SPF 50 is sheer, PABA free, and fragrance free for all skin types. Bonus: Not only is Sun ShieldSPF 50 great for all skin types, it is really light and doesn’t leave your skin with the “white SPF face”. It’s a beach bag must have!
Water. Staying hydrated will do wonders for your skin! Keep a bottle of water with you at all times and drink as much as possible. Whether you’re boarding a plane or taking a long road trip, you need to keep your body and skin hydrated. All the cream in the world will never keep your skin moisturized if your body isn’t hydrated. Skin that is dehydrated will look dull and dry.
Multivitamins with Omega 3. Omega 3 fats play a significant role in reducing inflammation in our bodies which is extremely beneficial to the skin. Fish oil has polyunsaturated fats which help replenish fats lost in the skin (a loss in these fats can cause excessive dryness and flakiness). It is important to buy the best quality supplements, like Xymogen Daily Essentials available at Seasons Wellness Clinic, $57. Bonus: Daily Essentials come in packets that make them easy to pack! Along with keeping your skin beautiful, your multivitamins may assist your digestive function, boost brain function, give you added energy, help with weight management, and increase your immune resistance.
Lip Balm. Traveling into different climates will take a toll on your lips. Bring lip balm and apply it regularly to keep your lips healthy and avoid dryness. Bonus: Stop by Seasons – The Spa before your trip and we will give you FREE Seasons lip balm with SPF 15! Lip balm with SPF is the ultimate way to protect your lips against sunburn, dryness and windburn.
We would love to hear your tips on staying healthy and beautiful when you are on the go. What do you do to keep your skin hydrated, healthy and on its best behavior when you’re traveling?
Top 10 Natural Ways To Cure Your Bedtime Blues
La belle au bois dormant. In French, this means the beauty asleep in the woods. I would love to feel like that. Wouldn’t you? I have vivid childhood memories of Sleeping Beauty in a peaceful sleep on a beautifully adorned bed awaiting a kiss from the daring and young Prince Philip. Could this really be a curse? Hardly.
60 million Americans suffer from sleep-related disorders each year and would love a night of rest! 18 million prescriptions are written each year for sleeping medications. By taking sleeping pills for your sleep disorder you can experience drug dependence, drug tolerance, drowsiness throughout the day, or you may be masking the underlying problem keeping you from sleep. Seasons has compiled a list of the top 10 natural ways to cure your bedtime blues.
1.Valerian. The use of Valerian dates back to second century A.D.! Scientists believe Valerian increases the amount of GABA in the brain. GABA regulates nerve cells and has a calming effect on anxiety. Although it may take a few weeks for it to be effective, Valerian can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve the quality of sleep itself. Valerian can be bought in capsule form at drugstores or online.
2.Lavender Oil and Body Lotion. Research shows that simply inhaling the soothing scent creates calming and sedative effects. I would suggest putting lavender body lotion all over your body before bedtime or rubbing one to two drops of Lavender in essential oil form over your pillow. Young Living’s Lavender Essential Oil is available at Seasons.
3.SleepEase. SleepEase by Sprayology contains herbs such as Valerian and Chamomile for a restful nights sleep. It treats symptoms of wakefulness, restlessness, emotional stress, anxiety, and caffeine sensitivity. SleepEase does not leave you with the groggy feeling of prescription sleep aids. To use: Spray 2 times under the tongue before bedtime and if sleep is interrupted. At a lower dosage, SleepEase is great for children!
4.SnoreSoother. At one time or another we have all fallen prey to an infamous snorer. Whether it be your husband, wife, child, or perhaps your own noisy habit keeping you from sleep, snoring can ruin a perfectly good nights rest. SnoreSoother by Sprayology consists of ingredients that reach the root of the problem. It has lung extract for bronchial congestion and the promotion of healthy lung tissue, as well as, white aspidosperma bark which eases difficult breathing and asthma symptoms. For best results spray twice under the tongue 3 times per day and if sleep is interrupted.
5.Facial Reflexology. If sleep is a problem for you, it is most likely caused by something else. Using special techniques, reflexology works on the root of your problem by finding the biggest deposit under your skin. After a series of treatments clients begin to notice a difference. As your body begins to heal in the area of the deposit you will find that sleeping becomes easier as well. You can schedule a Facial Reflexology appointment at Seasons. We recommend a series of 8 – 10 for best results.
6.Massage Therapy. This is a relaxing option to improve your sleep patterns. Massages decrease stress hormones, relieve chronic pain and balance your nervous system allowing you to sleep better, especially if your insomnia is stress induced. Seasons offers several massages. We recommend a Hot Stone or Swedish Relaxation massage for consistent sleep habits.
7.Yoga. Yoga gives your body and mind time to meditate. In addition, deep breathing and stretching are important aspects of yoga. Studies show that daily yoga for eight weeks improves total sleep time and the time it takes to fall asleep. Seasons offers yoga classes to those of all levels of experience.
8.Avoid Sweets and Caffeine. Your diet is an important part of your sleep regimen. Sugar could be one of the culprits keeping you from sleep, causing you to wake up during the night as your blood sugar levels fall. Cutting or significantly decreasing your sugar intake is important if you have trouble sleeping. If you frequently drink caffeine in the late afternoon or in the evening you may want to try eliminating caffeine from your diet as well. Not only does caffeine increase difficulty in falling asleep, it also reduces the amount of deep sleep you get.
9.Magnesium and Calcium. These sleep aids are most effective when taken together. A Magnesium deficiency can make you feel nervous and keep you from sleeping while a Calcium deficiency causes you to feel restless. You should take 500 mg of Calcium and 250 mg of Magnesium 45 minutes prior to bedtime. Be sure to choose a pharmaceutical grade supplement for best results.
10.Bed-time Routine. Remember when you were young and 7:30 bedtime was strictly enforced even if it was still light outside? Maybe it’s time to get back into that routine. No, you don’t have to go to sleep at 7:30. But it is important to get a full eight hours of sleep every night. A routine works best when fighting insomnia. Make sure that you are going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
These natural remedies will have you snoozing in no time. Having trouble finding a product? Call Seasons at (318)255-1155. Don’t miss out on another night of beauty sleep!
