Nutrition

The mysterious power of placebo of the SAMINA Night Drink

9. October 2019 von Sylke Andermann Leave a Comment

The SAMINA Night Drink is full of healthy and sleep-promoting ingredients and thus forms the basis for a good night’s rest. The SAMINA Relaxing Drink contains not only trace elements and vitamins, but also the power of music medicine and the mysterious placebo effect.

Der Natural Healing Effect

Even during the development of the SAMINA Night Drink, it was the goal to strengthen and activate the Natural Healing Effect as well as the associated valuable self-healing powers of the body. Regarding the placebo effect, scientific research shows the placebos have a proven effect on the body. The placebo effect is increasingly becoming a resource for general well-being and healing – the latter especially in combination with the self-healing powers. This is exactly where SAMINA Night Drink sets in and integrates the principle of self-healing powers into its efficiency.

What does placebo mean?

By definition, a placebo is a drug without any drug substances. From a scientific point of view, however, it has already been proven that the dummy medication can work. It is a complex neurobiological and above all positive reaction in the psyche and in the body.
Prof. Winfried Rief, head of the Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at the University of Marburg and one of the world’s leading placebo researchers, knows a placebo effect and the resulting main effect is based mainly on positive expectations.

Placebo in sleep medicine

In his sleep studies, Rief successively replaces the drugs with placebos; for sleep can be measured both subjectively and objectively. On the one hand, the quality of sleep can be clarified by questioning the subjective well-being, but on the other hand it can also be objectively recorded by polysomnography. In the process, objective parameters are measured and the placebo effect can be shown based on these parameters.

Research with more than 4,000 study participants also shows that although Z-drugs shorten the phase of falling asleep, placebos can achieve the same effect: for the participants of the placebo group also fell asleep more quickly. Prof. Dr. Niroshan Siriwardena, a researcher at the School of Health and Social Care at the University of Lincoln in the US, knows the effectiveness of placebos. Although the study analysis shows that the z-drugs measurably shorten the time of falling asleep, half of the effect is based on a placebo effect.

Scientists are increasingly recommending that great care should be taken when using sleeping pills. Z-medications can lead to addiction, daytime tiredness, and even loss of memory.

The placebo effect with the SAMINA Night Drink

Complementary medicine research has consistently highlighted the positive effects of placebo and confirms that placebos work. Researchers are convinced that healthcare providers can further enhance the effect of placebo by clearly communicating their expectations of success. This also applies to the SAMINA Night Drink. The effect of the Night Drink can be increased by satisfied customers clearly communicating their success.

Even if you are not a placebo believer, the SAMINA Night Drink has been proven to have a soporific and relaxing effect due to its botanical ingredients. The unique mix of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, plant extracts and the cherry-aronia juice promotes the process of falling asleep and has a positive effect on the quality of sleep itself.

Source of picture: Fotolia

Cell protection by healthy sleep and healthy nutrition

1. October 2018 von Redaktion Leave a Comment

A healthy human organism consists of about 70 trillion cells. Each single cell is a biochemical “miracle of nature”. Each second, a variety of metabolic processes take place. The body cells are the key to health and well-being. They determine immune response, performance, metabolic processes and psyche.

Our body cells need best possible protection lifelong. A healthy life style with regular exercise, varied nutrition as well as sufficient healthy sleep provide the best basis.

Free radicals – attacker of cells

Free radicals are both: they support health and are a health hazard at the same time. They result from metabolic processes and exist in the entire organism in molecular form. Free radicals lack an electron what makes them highly instable. They permanently strive to balance this instability by replacing the missing electron by snatching it from an intact molecule.

The immune system uses the free radicals in its fight against pathogens. But, once they get out of hand they are a hazard for the health of our cells. A body cell is attacked by free radicals approximately 10,000 times per day. Assumingly, this process is responsible for natural ageing.

Oxidative stress

The negative effects of free radicals can be contained by reactive molecules like antioxidants. They pass an electron to the free radical and therewith prevent from a damage of body own cells. Once the balance between free radicals and radical catchers is disturbed it is called oxidative stress. When too much free radicals circulate in the body the risk for cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes or cardiovascular diseases increases.

In this day and age there are many oxidative stress enhancing factors:

too few sleep
unhealthy sleep hygiene
stress
permanent food intake
unhealthy eating habits
too much alcohol, medication intake
pollution
lack of light or too much sunlight

Cell protection by restful sleep and healthy nutrition

Antioxidants mainly are absorbed by nutrition. Among the best-known antioxidants are copper, iron, selenium, manganese, zinc, vitamins B2, C and E as well as secondary phytochemicals. A healthy and natural eating behavior supplies the body with sufficient antioxidants.

The sleeping hormone melatonin, too, has antioxidative effects. Sufficient healthy sleep in a dark and electromagnetic-free surrounding therefore supports reduction of oxidative stress. Furthermore, during sleep our metabolism is resting, too. Hence, production of free radicals is reduced.

To sum up: A healthy lifestyle is a decisive factor to limit free radicals, to slow down ageing and to protect our organism from diseases.

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Correct drinking behavior during summer influences body and mind

20. August 2018 von Redaktion Leave a Comment

Correct drinking is important the whole year round. But, especially in summertime it is advisable to care for a harmonious fluid balance. Because, due to more sweating during hot summer days the body loses more fluids. But, not only is a sufficient amount important, regularity as well as type of beverage are too.

The human body consists to about 70 % of water, each body cell and all body fluids (for example blood, lymph) contain water. Water fulfills multiple tasks: regulation of heat balance (sweating), transport of nutrients, oxygen or metabolic waste products. Also, all chemical processes of the body need water. But, since the human body is unable to store water, it constantly has to be supplied with it. Only this ensures that all vital functions can be maintained.

First signs of a lack of fluids might be head ache, tiredness, circulatory problems, concentration disturbances as well as a diminished responsiveness. Furthermore, the risk for a kidney stone disease, urinary tract infections as well as obstipation increase. Also, skin and mucous membranes dehydrate.

Proper amount is important

As a directive, the daily requirement of an average adult is about 1.5 to 2.5 liters. The correct amount depends an energy turnover, the temperature of the surrounding as well as the type of food, amongst others. Our nutrition only covers a small part, the major part should be consumed with drinking. Heat, sports, physical exertion or intake of salted food are some samples for demand increasing factors.

Regularity is decisive

As mentioned above, not only the amount but also regularity of fluid intake is important. Evenly split up drinking over the day, for example a glass of water per hour. Like this, you continually supply your body with fluid and prevent a lack of fluids. Don’t drink too late in the evening, this only might lead to several, sleep-disturbing nightly visits to the bathroom.

Suitable beverages

Not all beverages are suitable. Avoid soft drinks, they contain a lot of sugar and calories. Also, they only increase sensation of thirst. Unsweetened herbal teas, water and mineral water as well as diluted fruit- and vegetable juices are effective thirst quenchers.

Water with a twist

Water is an ideal fluid. Unfortunately, it has no original taste and therefore not everyone enjoys drinking water. But, this can be changed easily. Add a twist of lemon or orange. Some fresh berries not only look nice but also add a fruity flavor. Fresh herbs like peppermint or lemon balm care for additional taste and freshness. By the way: peppermint has a pleasant cooling effect, lemon balm is calming and relaxing.

Ice cold or lukewarm?

When the temperatures reach 30 degrees, we all long for an ice cold refreshment. But, avoid too many ice cubes in your beverage. Because, the bigger the difference between the temperature of your drink and your body the more your circulatory will be strained.

A glass of water right after getting up

During sleep, our body loses about half a liter of sweat. To regulate our fluid balance best drink a glass of water in the morning. Natural materials like sheep wool diminish sweating during night.

Foods containing lot of water

Many people struggle with sticking to the drinking amount needed. Especially at times with an increased need of fluids this might light to physical complaints. But, there are some foods containing a lot of water that help: water melons, strawberries, pineapples, peaches, oranges, tomatoes and cucumbers are some examples that support keeping your fluid balance harmonious.

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Day of Healthy Food

5. March 2018 von Redaktion Leave a Comment

Hints for healthy and pleasurable eating

The action “Day of Healthy Food” takes place on March 7^th, 2018, for the 21^st time. Goal of this action is to draw attention to the importance of a balanced and healthy food intake. This year’s motto is “Eat and drink pleasurably”. New eating habits support weight stabilization, relieve the strain on the cardiovascular system, improve sleep and prevent secondary diseases due to an unhealthy nutrition.

Already slight changes in your eating habits will positively influence your health and well-being. Try it out and start into a healthier life!

#1 Enjoy your meal

Use fresh ingredients to prepare a healthy meal. Calmly sit down at the table and enjoy your meal. A regular food intake makes sense; be it three bigger meals or five smaller ones. Take your time and chew well! This makes digestion a lot easier. In case you are eating sweets – do so without remorse. Feeling guilty only releases stress hormones – and these inhibit fat burning.

#2 Indulge in food diversity

For providing your body with all vital macro- and micronutrients, a varied diet is important. Main components should be low-energy and nutritious foods like whole-grain products and vegetables. They are free from cholesterol, have a high content of fibers as well as many minerals, vitamins and secondary phytochemicals.

#3 Prefer unprocessed foods

Most of the time, industrially produced foods contain too much salt and unhealthy fats. They are full of sugar, artificial colorings, preservatives and flavorings. These substances are harmful for our body. Therefore, choose fresh, untreated and seasonal food.

# 4 Fruits and vegetables five times a day

Eat fresh fruits and vegetables a couple of times per day. The physical and mental well-being especially benefits from the vitamins and fibers. Furthermore, fibers support digestion, provide a longer feeling of saturation, prevent from diseases like diabetes, nourish intestinal bacteria. Therefore, they also support the immune-system.

# 5 Moderately consume food of animal origin

Food of animal origin may complement your meal but should not be main component of it. Meat and diaries supply minerals like calcium and iron as well as proteins. But, there are alternatives like nuts, quinoa, buckwheat and hemp that provide these essentials as well.

When consuming food of animal origin the quality is decisive, too. Avoid any products from factory farming. Here, too, prefer unprocessed goods. Industrially produced sausages contain a lot of salt and unhealthy fats.

Fish, especially salmon, herring and mackerel contain vital omega-3 fatty acids. Per week, eat once or twice fish (from sustainable sources). Or take high-quality fish oil capsules.

# 6 Avoid sugar

Consume sugary food and beverages only in small amounts or – better – completely avoid them. They provide “empty calories”, meaning they contain no nutrients. Furthermore, sugar intake leads to a short term high increase of blood sugar and so increases insulin release. Soon, the blood sugar decreases below the initial level. The consequence: ravenous appetite.

# 7 Eat potatoes, grain products and nuts

Whole-grain products and potatoes contain complex carbohydrates, fibers, important vitamins and minerals. Nuts provide healthy fats, proteins and fibers. Furthermore, they contain numerous important minerals as well as B- and E-vitamins.

# 8 Drink sufficiently

All body cells need fluids. Without a sufficient water intake, the metabolic processes don’t work optimally, the performance decreases, toxins accumulate, ageing processes are promoted and so on. Several factors like sweating or physical activity influence the amount of water needed. As a rule of thumb, adults need 1.5 l of unsweetened fluids. Suitable beverages are water, unsweetened herbal teas and juices.

Imagesource: @deathtostockphoto

Fit during Christmas season and in 2018

25. December 2017 von Redaktion Leave a Comment

Every year at Christmas time, there are tasty mulled wine and hot punch at Christmas markets, feasts with friends and family, Christmas parties … they all invite you to feast. Accompanied by the fear of gathering unnecessary pounds that will stick on stomach, hip and buttock. But, this fear is unfounded. Most of the time, not the four or five weeks of feasting during Christmas time are the problem but the diet from January to November. Often, this period of time is characterized by irregular eating behavior, unhealthy junk food and various diets.

Each body is a system striving for optimal work. Here, a healthy, balanced diet, sufficient fluids, the right amount of exercise and of course rest and sleep are necessary. An excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine and nicotine has to be avoided. Once these criteria are fulfilled, Christmas delicacies are no problem. But, when you’ve overstrained your body the previous eleven months Christmas often is “punished” with weight gain and signs of exhaustion.

Healthy start into the New Year

So, it’s a desirable goal to start healthy into the New Year. Renunciation induces stress in the body, so do regrets after eating. Here are some hints that support experiencing a healthy and wonderful Christmas time. The goal is to always listen to the own body and not only in December.

No restrictions
Christmas time is the time of rest and contemplation. Counting calories, restrictions or diets care for tension and stress. It’s wiser to create a connection to the own body, to feel yourself and to direct the thoughts to the own health. If doing so you will experience a positive Christmas time. A mulled wine at the Christmas market, a piece of a chocolate Santa Claus or a dinner with friends can and should be enjoyed.
Tiny snack before heavy meal
Arriving starved at the host means to eat too much and too unhealthy food. It might be helpful to eat a small and healthy snack before leaving and to taste of the often fatty and sweet dishes with clear conscience. Dishes that don’t skyrocket the blood glucose level are a perfect snack, i.e., vegetables, green smoothies or the excellent Konjac noodles. Konjac noodles practically are free from calories, fat-free and gluten-free. They are basic, contain no utilizable carbohydrates but a lot of fibers and sate very well. These noodles are a real “nutrition-wonder” and advisable for the whole year.
Sufficient exercise and do something for yourself
Sitting in “dark” rooms for a long time often cares for tiredness and discomfort. Whereas exercise in fresh air is good for body and mind. Calories are burned, digestion stimulated and happy hormones released. Therefore, take time for a jogging tour or a walk. Exercise and paying attention to the own needs are inseparable. In general, avoiding stress is important; at any time and especially during Christmas time. A visit to a sauna or a thermal bath have a relaxing effect and support regeneration.
Diet with bitter substances
Unfortunately, most diets do without bitter substances. Today’s variations of food and taste often are limited to sweet or salty. In many ways, bitter substances have a healthy effect. They stimulate circulation of digestive organs and so support a healthy digestion. They first take effect on contact with the tongue. The bitter taste stimulates liver, gall, pancreas and stomach; they immediately start secretion of important digestive juices and digestive enzymes. Insulin, bile and gastric juices are produced. In addition, the detoxification function of the liver is supported. And they are an excellent remedy for any kind of nausea. Spinach, salad, grapefruit, olives and eggplants are some examples of food rich in natural bitter substances. Many spices and herbs contain numerous bitter substances, i.e., dandelion, peppermint, chamomile, aloe vera, gentian, cinnamon, and ginger.
Sufficient sleep
The individual sleep need differs. Here, too, it is important that everyone considers the personal needs and cares for sufficient phases of sleep and rest. Stimulants like alcohol, nicotine and caffeine have a negative influence on sleep. So best avoid excessive consumption. In addition, alcohol has a further negative side effect: a high calorie content and obstruction of fat-metabolism. Often, weight gain is the consequence.

If you want to spend the rest of 2017 and/or start 2018 healthy and fit you should listen to the own body sensation when it comes to nutrition, sleep/rest and exercise. A healthy diet, sufficient sleep and the right amount of exercise have a healing effect on body and mind. Isn’t Christmas time the perfect time for focusing on the personal needs?

Imagesource: @fotolia

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Year after year – Christmas stress and Christmas cookies

4. December 2017 von Redaktion Leave a Comment

Christmas is in the air – it smells of cookies, gingerbread and fir branches. A time of contemplation and tranquility, if there wasn’t the self-imposed actionism. The to-do-list until Christmas seems infinitely long. Presents have to be bought, cards have to be written. And – what to eat during the holidays? The consequences: many of us are stressed, have a poor sleep and are driven by nervousness and hecticness.

Hints for a relaxed and stress-free Christmas

It’s a shame and almost alarming that contemplation during pre-Christmas period is nearly impossible for most of us. When watching children, you can detect the joy in their eyes, the special Christmas-glow. Gestures and fascial expressions of adults on the other hand, simply reveal stress and hurry. But, even though Christmas is an annual event – try to consciously enjoy this special time. Here are some simple yet helpful hints to do so:

The right time: what is important, what not so much? What can wait resp. be postponed? Here, a list and a timetable with what you have to do and buy might come in handy. Plan some breaks; this enables to enjoy the Advent time in spite of falling into the Christmas-hustle-bustle.
Music for the right mood: music is not only good for falling asleep and sleeping through, music also creates a good atmosphere. Suitable songs bring the Christmas spirit into your living room, too. You can’t here Christmas carols anymore? Enjoy some relaxed moments with your SAMINA Soundlife pillow at your power napping time and start refreshed into the next “Christmas tasks”.
Strong nerves & lots of energy: preparations can be very energy-sapping. The more important it is to start into your day strengthened. The best way to do so is a balanced breakfast after a night of sufficient and restful sleep. Fill up your protein reservoirs – these are the basic for building important anti-stress-hormones. Those who do without a breakfast should have an anti-stress-snack at 11 a.m. latest. A simple recipe: mix 3 tsp high-quality protein powder with a natural yoghurt, put some walnuts in – they strengthen your nerves and fill up your vitamin-B-reservoir. Enjoy!
Best anti-stress-factor: sleep! Sleep is vital. Body and mind need the nightly rest for regeneration. But, due to stress we often struggle to find sleep. Thoughts revolve, things you shouldn’t forget or you have forgotten spin around. Put a paper and pen beside your bed and write them down! So, you can easily remember them the following day and find rest. Because, too few sleep not only leads to more stress and irritability but also decreases performance and increases concentration difficulties.

SAMINA gift idea

Are you still looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Present your loved ones with something that is useful and beneficial – a piece of health with SAMINA. In our wide range of pillows and duvets you will find something for everyone.

Imagesource: @Fotolia

Source: Editorial – Simply Healthy Sleep