
Do Antidepressant Drugs Really Work?
Freedom of Information Act documents show drug companies hid critical findings from doctors and the public.
Topic summary contributed by volunteer(s): Jessica
Approximately one in three adults suffers from insomnia. Studies have indicated that seven to eight hours of sleep per night is associated with a longer lifespan, better short-term memory, and better immune function for adults.
Insomnia has also been associated with PMS, fibromyalgia, and as a side effect of aspartame ingestion.
Melatonin is secreted at night by the pineal gland, and helps regulate circadian rhythm. The production of melatonin decreases as people age, which may be one reason for a higher rate of insomnia among the elderly.
Physical exercise has been found to help decrease insomnia. In cases where insomnia is thought to be due to other conditions, treating the underlying condition can then lead to improvements in sleep.
In one study where subjects had eaten two kiwis an hour before bed, every night, for four weeks, subjects demonstrated significantly better onset, duration, and efficiency of their sleep. Tart cherries have been associated with improved sleep, as well as almonds, raspberries, goji berries, tomatoes and fenugreek seeds, which have all been found to contain natural levels of melatonin.
Chamomile tea is commonly used as a sleep aid, but pregnant women should avoid using it during pregnancy, due to the tea’s anti-inflammatory properties, which can lead to fetal complications.
Freedom of Information Act documents show drug companies hid critical findings from doctors and the public.
The reason artificially sweetened beverages have been associated with depression may be because of psychological disturbances recently tied to aspartame (“Equal” or “NutraSweet”).
Sweet red Bing cherries may act as a selective COX-2 inhibitor, reducing inflammation without the damage to our stomach and gut lining caused by NSAID drugs like ibuprofen.
The melatonin content in certain plant foods such as almonds, raspberries, and goji berries may explain the improvement in sleep quality associated with tart cherry consumption.
Two kiwi fruit an hour before bedtime may improve sleep quality and duration, without the side effects associated with sleeping pills.
How plant-based does one’s diet need to be in order to effectively treat fibromyalgia?
Plant-based diets may be effective for the treatment of fibromyalgia, a painful condition suffered by millions.
The spice saffron appears to improve both the emotional and physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
For the same reason aspirin should be avoided in pregnancy, chamomile has such powerful anti-inflammatory properties that regular consumption may result in a serious fetal heart problem—premature constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus, which allows the fetus to “breathe” in the womb.