There are so many different herbal remedies and dietary supplements on the market, that it can get confusing looking through them at the store. If you suffer from insomnia, muscle pain, or PMS, supplements that can help your specific problems.
Supplements for insomnia
Dealing with insomnia can be tough. This sleep disorder affects men and women who are under a lot of stress. Most people today are workaholics. They barely sleep 5 hours a night and they wake up really tired. Insomnia can kick in, and no matter how tired you are, you won’t be able to fall asleep. Here are some supplements for insomnia you might want to consider.
Melatonin – Melatonin is a neurohormone which has been linked with sleep. Research studies have shown that people with insomnia tend to have low levels of melatonin in their system, and that taking supplemental melatonin may help them sleep. This is especially true for “night owls” who are usually up until the wee hours. Melatonin is safe if you take it for a month or two, but is not recommended for prolonged usage. It may take a few days of repeated use before you see results.
Valerian – This herb has been traditionally used as a sedative for centuries. It appears to improve the action of GABA, a neurotransmitter which has a calming effect and leads to sleepiness. Research studies have shown mixed results, so it may be effective for some people and not others. Valerian can have minor side effects like headaches, dizziness, or itchiness, but in general it is safe if you don’t continue taking it for more than a month.
Supplements for muscle and joint pain
Muscle and joint pain usually occurs when your body is forced to accept bigger challenges. It’s natural to feel pain in the joints if you’re used to running 5 miles, but you did 10. In some other circumstances, these pains happen from totally different reasons such as: unsuitable running shoes, lack of preparation before a jog, wrong body posture, and so on. Supplementation for muscle and joint pain can ease your suffering. Here are some types to consider.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin – These are some of the most popular supplements for naturally treating muscle and joint pain. Both are substances that occur naturally in the body, and they have been studied extensively. Glucosamine is thought to help with building and maintaining cartilage, tendons, and connective tissues, and it also helps the body keep the joints lubricated, which can relieve pain and stiffness. Chondroitin helps maintain fluid in the joint spaces, reducing inflammation and pain. These two supplements are usually taken together.
SAMe – This substance is found in the living cells of all plants and animals. It is sold in Europe as a prescription drug for osteoarthritis and depression. Studies have shown that SAMe can have positive benefits in reducing stiffness, swelling, and joint pain. It is effective for relieving pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis, and it also helps people with fibromyalgia.
Supplements for PMS
Mood swings, cramps, bloating and abdominal pain are common PMS symptoms. 85% of women experience these aches on a monthly basis. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with these discomforts. Supplements are a viable solution, as long as you know exactly what you’re taking.
Calcium – Research has shown that taking calcium twice a day can help women reduce fatigue, appetite, and depression. Now it seems, according to a recent study, that it may also be able to help with PMS. A dose of 1,200 mg per day appears to relieve both the physical and emotional symptoms of PMS.
Magnesium – Some research studies have shown that a deficiency in magnesium can lead to greater symptoms of PMS, so that taking magnesium supplements may be able to help relieve these symptoms. People who are diabetics or heavy drinkers may have an increased risk of magnesium deficiencies, so a magnesium supplement may be appropriate.
Vitamin B6 – This water-soluble vitamin is an essential nutrient for many body processes, including metabolism, nervous system functions, and your immune response. There is some evidence now that taking B6 can also help to reduce PMS symptoms, though more testing is needed.
Taking supplements to ease certain symptoms like muscle pain, PMS discomfort and insomnia can be a good idea, as long as you stop by the medical office first. Your physician knows exactly what to recommended, particularly since not all supplements are considered safe.