Choosing healthier alternatives, like metabolism-boosting water with lemon or an antioxidant-packed smoothie, can help prevent health issues in the future.

Lemon Water

Water is the purest form of hydration, and starting the day with a glass of lemon water can provide multiple benefits. Adding a squirt of lemon juice is a flavor-packed way to boost the body’s metabolic processes, facilitate cell growth and stimulate energy production.

Even the smell of lemon provides an energy boost, according to research published in the Journal of UOEH.Lemon-infused water is also packed with electrolytes to help to treat a headache, fatigue and other symptoms of low energy. Research shows water with lemon can provide nutrients to improve blood pressure, reduce the risk of kidney stones, provide vitamin C and more.

Green Tea

Green tea contains less caffeine than energy drinks, and it comes with added nutrients. The powerful health elixir contains the amino acid L-theanine, which combines with caffeine in a way that limits the unpleasant, jittery reaction from coffee, according to research in the Journal of Nutrition Reviews.

As an alternative to coffee, the energy from green tea may also improve mental clarity. Green tea also reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer. Additional benefits of green tea consumption include weight loss and stress relief.

Smoothies

Smoothies—especially green smoothies—can be a source of essential energy-producing vitamins. B complex vitamins, such asB1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12, are key to metabolic functioning, which allows the body to make and use energy properly. Without B vitamins, the body can’t get up and get moving. 

Adding vitamin B powders or spirulina to smoothies, in addition to green, leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli. The whole foods in these frozen concoctions can be transferred into energy, along with vitamins. Check out vitamin-packed smoothie recipes for fresh, nutritious ideas. 

Protein Shakes

Maintaining an adequate protein intake is essential to feeling energized, especially for vegans and vegetarians.  If the body doesn’t receive enough protein, fatigue starts to become a way of life. 

Good sources of natural protein aren’t just protein powders, but powders that can be mixed with almonds, peanut butter, chia or flax. Protein provides the body with essential amino acids that are necessary for the cells to function. The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers a free tool to calculate the proper amount of protein for your body weight. 

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27 Fatalities And Other Complications

Part one of the investigative series revealed that 27 individuals died from IVC filter problems in the last decade. In addition, there were 300 reports of other complications. The device in question, C.R. Bard’s Recovery filter, is implanted in the inferior vena cava vein to stop blood clots.

One of the thousands of people implanted with IVC filters, a 45-year-old woman named Dodi Froehlich, nearly died when a part of the IVC filter broke off and moved to her heart. She had the device implanted after a car accident that made her more susceptible to clotting, NBC reports. If this will lead to an unfortunate outcome, you can talk to Houston wrongful death lawyer if you have lost your loved one due to someone’s else negligence.

Another woman, 55-year-old Gloria Adams, died after a powerful blood clot propelled the entire spider-like IVC device to her heart. The filter was meant to protect her after a brain aneurysm.

One of the main components of the investigation is an attempt to find out if C.R. Bard knew about the device failures and health risks.

Hiding Study Results To Sell Products

Patients began to speak out about complications. Instead of issuing a recall, C.R. Bard hired a public relations firm for damage control. Simultaneously, the device manufacturer privately researched IVC filter complications.

The study showed that the IVC filter Recovery model was associated with a greater risk of fracture, migration and early death. C.R. Bard kept the results hidden and continued to sell thousands of rebranded filters, NBC reports.

Despite initial difficulties with FDA clearance and insufficient clinical trials, the company claims that the product meet federal safety standards. Representatives from C.R. Bard issued a statement that IVC filters offer “significant benefits to patients.”

Kay Fuller, a regulatory affairs specialist hired by Bard to help get FDA approval the second time around, noticed safety issues and reported them to the FDA. NBC investigators discovered that Fuller’s signature on the FDA application appears to be forged, which she confirmed in an interview with the news organization.

NBC reports that more than 20,000 people are implanted with IVC filters. Individuals who experienced complications may be entitled to a lawsuit.

Request a free case evaluation to learn more about compensation opportunities.

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As a simple carbohydrate, sugar is converted into energy by the metabolism. Even though there may be the same amount of sugar in each product, natural and processed sugar sources come with unique health effects. 

Processed Food, Added Sugar: Avoid Your Candy

Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, you might be getting your sugar from the wrong sources. Processed foods contain added sugars, which can be found in cookies, candies, juice, soda and even tomato sauce. It’s important to minimize your consumption of processed foods and added sugars, because they can come with negative health effects.

• Added sugars are found in processed foods. Added sugars are used in approximately 75 percent of packaged U.S. food products. These processed products add unnecessary calories and offer little benefit to the consumer. 
• Addiction to unhealthy, sugar-laden products has been illustrated in numerous studies. Researchers have compared sugar to drug addiction, illustrating that sugar cravings can be more powerful than cocaine. 
• Nutrient density is often lacking in processed foods. That’s because synthetic sugars are industrialized and stripped of minerals to produce the potent sweetness.
• Chronic disease has been linked to sugar consumption. Over time, research shows the consumption of sugar can contribute to the development of issues like cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and even kidney disease (a team like the Nephrology & Hypertension Medical Associates can provide more detailed information). 

Organic Food, Natural Sugar: Eat Your Fruit

Natural sugars are found in organic foods, like bananas, apples, kiwis and more. These and other fruits should have a regular place on your plate, as the recommended amount of daily fruit intake is at least 1½ cups for adults. However, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report showed 76 percent of Americans aren’t consuming the recommended amount of fruit. 

• Natural sugars, found in fruits, are low in calories. In addition to being a guilt-free snack, natural, sweet fruits offer a tasty boost along with numerous health benefits.
• Nutrient contents are high in organic foods because fruit that contain natural sugars also contain other vitamins and minerals. For example, blueberries alone can provide phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and vitamin K.
• Disease reduction has been linked to daily consumption of fruit. The World Health Organization asserts that fruit can help to reduce the risk of chronic disease, like cancers, heart disease and stroke, whereas foods with added sugars may cause adverse health conditions.
• Weight control is another benefit of fruit, according to studies. Research shows that fruit’s antioxidants can help to maintain metabolic functioning. One study illustrated that daily consumption of fruit can lead to losing a half-pound over four years.

Next time you reach for a piece of candy, a sugary dessert or another processed item, you may want to pick up a piece of fruit instead. According to researchers, your body will thank you later.

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Though the taste can be a bit off-putting, incorporating apple cider vinegar into your daily routine promotes healthy, drug-free weight loss. Depending on the body’s chemistry, a tablespoon a day could be a subtle boost or a big difference.

About Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar’s active ingredient is pectin, a natural fiber found in many fruits. Though it is not a probiotic, apple cider vinegar has similar properties. That’s because it’s a prebiotic, which feeds good bacteria already in our system.

Apple cider vinegar is made from crushed, fermented apples. During the fermentation process, bacteria turn the fermented alcohol base into acetic acid. Acetic acid helps to break down food and improve digestion.

Pectin in apples promotes healthy digestion by encouraging the growth of good bacteria, whereas probiotics are the good bacteria. When ingested, apple cider vinegar helps to relieve gastrointestinal blockages.

Weight Loss Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Though some see apple cider vinegar as a baseless trend, its weight loss benefits have been supported by numerous scientific studies.

In 2009, the peer-reviewed Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry journal published a study illustrating two tablespoons of vinegar led to a thinner waist and lower blood triglycerides. Those who used 1 tablespoon or apple cider vinegar lost 2.6 pounds, while those who took 2 tablespoons lost 3.7 pounds.

Research has also provided insight into how the properties in apple cider vinegar support weight loss, too. Data takeaways show apple cider vinegar maintains stable blood sugar levels, satiates the appetite, accelerates fat burn and detoxifies the body.

Blood sugar maintenance

An article published in the journal Diabetes Care shows apple cider vinegar improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood glucose responses when you consume high carb meals. For example, when eating 50 grams of white bread, your blood sugar is lowered by 34 percent.

Additionally, consuming 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed can cut fasting blood sugars by 4 percent, according to another study published in Diabetes Care. Blood sugar regulation helps to reduce the risk for pre-diabetics, and lessen symptoms for those with diabetes. Blood sugar maintenance results in a more balanced system of glucose processing, resulting in a weight change.

Appetite suppression

Because apple cider vinegar makes you feel fuller, it can suppress appetite and therefore have a positive impact on weight loss. The key ingredient, acetic acid, is responsible for the satisfaction.

In 2005, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition illustrated that apple cider vinegar could produce a satiating effect. When a group of individuals ate bread combined with apple cider vinegar, they felt fuller than those who just ate bread. This leads to eating fewer calories, which inadvertently leads to weight loss.

Fat accumulation

The enzymes in apple cider vinegar activate the metabolic processes. When apple cider vinegar is introduced to the body, it speeds the rate of body fat burning.
In 2009, a Japanese study of rats saw that apple cider vinegar’s acetic acid stops the accumulation of fat. However, the results have not been recreated in humans.

Detoxification

Apple cider vinegar’s properties are able to flush out toxic elements by binding to waste. Through bowel movements, the vinegar helps to remove cholesterol and other toxins from the body. Like any detox, a cleanse can improve functioning in all areas.

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw | Unfiltered | Unprocessed | Organic

Weight issues cause serious chronic health problems, and when more than two-thirds of Americans are obese or overweight, a natural remedy is needed. Apple cider vinegar may be a good product to experiment with.

Despite its benefits, apple cider vinegar is a potent substance–and bitter one.

Starting small and increasing your consumption of apple cider vinegar is smart, as it may weigh heavy on a sensitive stomach. One teaspoon a day is solid, perhaps with a squeeze of lemon or a spoonful of honey to soften the taste.

Apple cider vinegar is not only used to cure existing ailments, but it’s also employed as a preventative elixir. It’s beneficial for people with pre-diabetes, or those who’d like to drop a few pounds. However, if you’re looking to improve overall wellness, apple cider vinegar should be combined with diet and exercise. Learn more about 2016’s top-rated diets.

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Blood clot filters are implanted in the inferior vena cava (IVC) and used for the prevention of pulmonary embolism. A recent analysis of national data, published in the National Library of Medicine, shows that blood clot filters may come with serious side effects.

Are Blood Clot Filters On The Rise?

IVC filters were introduced in the 1960s and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through the agency’s 501(k) expedited process.  As the population ages, blood clot filters placement has increased as an alternative to anticoagulant medications. Trends illustrate more patients receive temporary, rather than permanent, IVC filters.

National data from Medicare and a National Discharge Survey indicates blood clot filter placement has markedly increased in the last two decades.

Data shows the placement of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters have been expanding, despite a lack of clear directing evidence. When IVC filters were approved, there was minimal data about blood clot filters, along with inconsistent recommendations across societies about how blood clot filters should be used.

Study Data On Blood Clot Filters 

Researchers examined how well blood clot filters work, measuring complication rates and national trends. The study data comes from a 9-year period at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA. The researchers also assessed national trends using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. 

The patients had an IVC filter implanted between 2003 and 2013. They were likely to elderly and high-risk for bleeding complications when using blood thinners.

Though temporary filters are becoming increasingly popular, the researchers found that only 7 percent of filters designed for retrieval were successfully removed. Researchers discovered many patients qualified for filter removal after receiving an IVC filter, but hospitals discharged patients with the device still in place. They suspect the reasoning could be “an increased reimbursement rates when filters are retrieved in an outpatient setting and an under-appreciation of the potential harms of leaving filters in place for extended periods.”

Although temporary IVCFs are becoming increasingly popular, their timely removal remains a significant challenge.

In 2010, the FDA issued a safety warning to inform physicians to remove IVC filters as soon as the risk of pulmonary embolism had subsided. The filters, though minimally invasive, have been associated with”clear evidence for filter-related complications even several years after placement.”

Some patients may experience complications early on, while others develop no symptoms. Potential complications, though varied, include: 

• Access site hematoma
• IVC thrombosis
• IVC perforation
• Air embolism
• Pneumothorax
• Filter migration
• Filter fracture

More temporary IVC filters are placed for prior falls and bleeding complications. In order to avoid exposing patients to unnecessary risks with little benefits, researchers acknowledge that filters should be removed as soon as possible. 

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Migraines, ranging in severity and seriousness, can be caused by a variety of factors. As centuries have passed, healers have uncovered numerous home remedies to manage the pain and symptoms of recurring migraines.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are extracted from plants through a process of distillation. The extractions give off distinct fragrances that can be therapeutic.

The natural plant medicine can be inhaled as a vapor or applied to the skin. Essential oils are safe and medicinal, though it’s important not to use too much because the strength of the scent can be overwhelming.

Lavender, peppermint and basil oils have been proven to benefit headaches. By providing a fresh and rejuvenating scent, essential oils help to release tension in the head, increase blood flow and open the sinuses.

Massage & Acupuncture

Massaging the scalp can help to alleviate migraine pain, though results may vary. When massaging the head, be sure to target the occipital nerve, which can be found at the base of the skull. It may be useful to purchase a pressure pointer, such as a Body Back Buddy.

Reflexology, a Chinese pressure-point massage, may also be helpful. Though it’s not proven, reflexology focuses on zones in the hands and feet to relieve tension and pain throughout the body.  

Acupuncture, which uses thin needles to relieve pain, is another option for individuals seeking out alternative medicine. For those wishing to save money on specialist visits, acupressure is a do-it-yourself option as well.

Foods

Feverfew, a medicinal herb, is an age-old cure for migraine. Since the 1980s, feverfew has been linked to reduced symptoms of migraine pain. The plant contains a chemical known as parthenolide, which is proven to reduce headaches and keep blood vessels from becoming overly dilated. Feverfew can be chewed, consumed raw or as a tea.

Certain foods reduce inflammation, which is a potential contributor to migraines. Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseeds, are known to work on inflammation. Flax seeds come in various forms, including as an oil or powder in addition to a whole seed.

The Japanese, grain-like seed known as buckwheat may also help to manage the pain of migraine headaches. Buckwheat contains rutin, a flavonoid nutrient that functions as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help to flesh out toxins and repair cells, reducing inflammation and curing the symptoms.

Ginger is another option for reducing inflammation. Known to cure a stomach ache, ginger is great for assisting with the passing of nausea. A cup of fresh ginger tea may do the trick.

Supplements

Research from the New York Headache Center illustrates that migraines may be linked to nutrient deficiencies, magnesium in particular. A study published in the National Library of Medicine showed that adding magnesium into your daily routine could decrease the amount of migraines by 42 percent.

Riboflavin, a B vitamin present in animal products, nuts and green vegetables, acts as an enzyme and increases the production of energy in the cells. Riboflavin should be taken in the morning. If you’re not able to eat omega 3s in food, you could consider incorporating supplements into your diet as well.

✧

Though not life-threatening, migraines can be a serious and debilitating condition. Natural remedies can help to relieve pain and manage migraines, without the potential for nasty side effects. Give some of nature’s remedies a shot and see what works best for your particular condition.

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Though it requires an intentional effort, properly managing diabetes is key to staying healthy and avoiding complications that can be caused by the disease, such as nerve damage, Alzheimer’s or poor blood flow. 

Regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), glucose meters allow diabetes patients to measure the amount of glucose in their blood. The medical devices alert patients to dangerously high glucose and provide information on how certain foods and physical activities affect sugar levels.

Glucose meters and test strips can be life-saving, so making sure diabetes management equipment functions properly is essential.  Here are some FDA tips for managing diabetes with glucose meters and test strips.  

Checklist For Blood Sugar Testing

Did you buy a new glucose meter and unused test strips?

When purchasing glucose meters and test strips, it’s important to buy new, unused equipment. While some manufacturers attempt to markdown pre-owned glucose meters as an added incentive, the FDA urges patients to avoid secondhand strips altogether.

Though it isn’t illegal to sell pre-owned test strips, the devices may have been improperly stored, tampered with or expired. Used test strips may also cause infection if blood particles are present. Additionally, some test strips may be imported from other countries, meaning they haven’t been examined for U.S. quality standards.

“Pre-owned test strips can give incorrect results and may not be safe to use with your device,” according to the agency. “So the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that you do not buy or sell previously owned glucose test strips.”

Did you read the instructions and quality check your device?

Each glucose meter comes with instructions, so it’s important to review the package insert to understand how the device functions. The instructions also include information on how to use a control solution to be sure your meter is providing accurate results.

Patients are encouraged to test their equipment regularly. Specifics on how often to conduct the tests are included in the instruction manual.

Do you understand how to test yourself and read the results?

Some test sites may give more accurate results than others. While patients can get a glucose reading from the forearm or palm, pricking the fingertip will provide the most accurate results. The fingertip gives the most immediate results, especially if glucose levels changed rapidly after eating or exercising.

Glucose meters may have different methods of displaying values. Some meters uses a “LO” and “HI” symbol to indicate the blood sugar level has exceeded beyond a number measurable by the device. Patients should familiarize themselves with the display of their individual meter to understand it’s unique messaging. 

Do you clean and disinfect your glucose meter?

For some, blood sugar testing is required throughout the day. It’s important to make sure glucose meters are clean and safe to use. Each meter will come with instructions on how to properly disinfect the equipment, and how often it should be cleaned. 

After reading the instructions, the FDA encourages patients to test themselves in front of their doctors to confirm the device has been used correctly. To make sure the device is working at its highest caliber, patients should go over the entire process of conducting a glucose level test, analyzing the results and then clean equipment with a physician.

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There’s no doubt that energy drinks have permeated our culture, becoming a common choice to get a quick boost.  Despite the popularity, are energy drinks actually safe?

The energy drink market, booming at $4.6 billion a year, sells products in a variety of forms. Though researchers have yet to definitively confirm a danger, some studies have linked energy drinks to a number of health risks.

What risks are linked to energy drinks? 

Cardiovascular Issues

Energy drinks often contain excessive amounts of caffeine, in addition to other heart rate boosters like sugar, taurine and guanine. 

Caffeine found in energy drinks is often more than double the amount in a cup of coffee. One cup of coffee contains 108 milligrams of caffeine, whereas Monster Energy and Rockstar have 240 milligrams. In fact, the amount of caffeine in Monster Energy is seven times the amount in a can of Coca-Cola.

The increased caffeine and combined ingredients put the heart at risk, especially when consumed back-to-back in a short period. Caffeine increases heart rate and blood pressure, forces cells to release calcium and throws off the natural balance of salt in the body, potentially leading to arrhythmia, heart attacks, cardiac arrest and other cardiovascular complications. 

Miscarriage

In a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2008, researchers examined 1,000 pregnant women while they consumed caffeine. The woman ingested more than 200 mg of caffeine in the form of coffee, tea, soda or hot chocolate. The results illustrated they were twice as likely to have a miscarriage.

Caffeine “increases maternal catecholamine levels, concerns have been raised about a potential relationship between caffeine exposure and the incidence of spontaneous miscarriage,” according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG) website. 

The ACOG limits the max amount of caffeine for pregnant woman as 200 mg per day. Though moderate caffeine consumption is acceptable, excess consumption may lead to miscarriage.

Abuse and Dependence

Studies suggest that combining alcohol and energy drinks can be dangerous as well. Mixing caffeine and alcohol could ignite receptors in the brain linked to addiction.

One study, originally published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, included 1,060 second-year students and measured how energy drink consumption could influence drug abuse later on. In the third year of college, students who used energy drinks showed an increased risk of prescription drug abuse. 

Researchers wrote that “energy drinks, like prescription drugs … might be regarded by some students as safer, more normative, or more socially acceptable than using illicit ‘street’ drugs,” according to researchers. 

Cognitive Impairment

Energy drinks have become a popular fix for procrastinating students, who use the products to stay up all night and cram for exams. However, drinking energy drinks may actually result in cognitive impairment, according to one study. 

The study, published in 2010, showed that the amount of caffeine consumed may influence the positive-negative intellectual effect. Amounts as minimal as 40 mg were showed to improve test performance, whereas increased amounts, like the 250 mg found in Red Bull, resulted in a decreased performance.

Is the government regulating energy drinks? 

Reports of death and miscarriage linked to energy drinks have prompted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate. The FDA receives adverse event reports in the Center for Food Safety Adverse Event Reporting System (CAERS).

From 2005 to 2012, CAERS collected 92 reports of adverse reactions linked to 5-Hour Energy. The reports included 13 fatalities and one miscarriage.  

Despite the reports, which are voluntary, FDA researchers have yet to confirm a link between energy drinks and serious side effects. Further research must be carried out, leaving energy drinks generally unregulated.

“There is no certainty that a reported adverse event can be attributed to a particular product or ingredient,” according to the FDA.

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A New Jersey judge awarded $90.5 million to the families of eleven deceased victims in an asbestos lawsuit. The defendants, Anova Holding AG and Becon AG of Switzerland, are successors of a Swiss mining company that had supplied asbestos to the Johns Manville plant in New Jersey between the 1950s and 1980s.

Asbestos Information

For many years asbestos was prized for its heat resistance and insulating qualities. It eventually became apparent that inhaling dust from asbestos was a severe health hazard. Asbestos has been directly linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and the inflammation of the lungs called asbestosis. The most vulnerable were the people who were exposed to it in manufacturing, construction or demolition.

Buildings that contain asbestos are still occupied around the world, including here in the United States. As long as it is sealed within a structure it does not pose a hazard. The danger comes mainly in the removal process or any other time the dust is released. There are Federal standards that have to be observed during demolition and disposal making the process more difficult and expensive.

The greatest part of the tragedy is the human suffering, deaths and bereavement that resulted from unnecessary exposure to this toxic material. It had been known that it was a hazardous material for many years while still being used, but in spite of the risks it took years to change practices that caused the danger. Now it takes years to get justice on behalf of the victims of asbestos, as the long delayed outcome of this court case shows.

Do you suspect asbestos in your home? Due to the potential health risk and dangers of asbestos in your house, asbestos surveying and testing should only be carried out by an asbestos consultant.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Asbestos disease, click here!

Click here to learn more about the side effects of asbestos exposure, as well as the lawsuit settlements victims receive for their injuries.

Americans are still endangered by asbestos. <– Read another article.

To learn about other drug side effects, their subsequent lawsuits and settlements, as well as other personal injury cases, CLICK HERE.

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Sleep disorders can have serious health consequences, such as an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack, and stroke. NIH researchers assert sleep disorders “have profound and widespread effects on human health.”

In Feb. 2017, the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine published recommendations for treating insomnia. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) released comparative guidelines for 14 natural and prescription sleep medications used to treat chronic adult insomnia.

About Chronic Insomnia

Chronic insomnia is defined by difficulties initiating or maintaining sleep. People with the disorder  may sleep for only a short time and suffer excessive tiredness, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating and irritability during the day. Research illustrates the condition affects 10 percent of American adults.

“It is a highly prevalent disorder that often goes unrecognized and untreated despite its adverse impact on health and quality of life,” according to the NIH.

As the first line of treatment, researchers recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a form of talk therapy considered a successful option to cure insomnia, believed to have lasting effects after treatment is discontinued. If CBT is ineffective, researchers suggest turning to prescription options. Products containing CBD at Terpene Belt Farms are available and can be explored as an alternative to help manage insomnia.

How To Use Sleep Aids

Each sleep disorder is different, and often the intended use of a medication may be confused. Sleep onset insomnia is defined as a difficulty falling asleep, whereas sleep maintenance insomnia is trouble staying asleep. If you’re looking for a natural solution to improve your sleep, you might want to read this article.

While some individuals may be under the impression that sleeping pills are all the same, one formulation may work better than another. The guidelines compare sleep medications that are FDA-approved, in addition to commonly used drugs prescribed off-label.

The recommendations focus on specific treatments based on the type of insomnia. When choosing a medication, prescribing physicians should factor in cost, side effects and patient medical history.

Prescription Sleep Aids

The recommendations also list certain medications to avoid. Diphenhydramine is found in over-the-counter products like Benadryl, Nytol, and Unisom. Though the medications are known to produce drowsiness, they are not recommended to treat chronic insomnia.

The antidepressant Trazodone and the anticonvulsant Tiagabine may be prescribed to treat insomnia off-label, but researchers advise against it. The prescriptions may come with side effects, like the development of a tolerance.

Researchers also do not recommend using natural sleep aids like melatonin, tryptophan and valerian. Because supplements aren’t regulated or supported by little data, the AASM can’t assure safe use.

However, if you do use natural supplements, the Pharmacopeial Convention “USP Verified” sticker works to signify the safety of the product’s active ingredients. Read the full recommendations here.

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