The Dracula of Hormones

I attended an Aikido seminar a few years back given by the highest ranked instructor in the world.

At the end of the seminar, we got a rare opportunity to sit in a circle and ask him questions about anything. Usually after a seminar like this, the instructor bows, changes and disappears.

A 4th degree black belt student asked, "Sensei, what is your favorite technique?"

Now keep in mind there are over 3,000 very complicated techniques in Aikido. I sat there anticipating which convoluted technique he would pick. After the interpreter told Sensei the question, he grinned. Then, in this soft Japanese voice he answered...

"Ikkajo."

This is one of the most primary techniques in Aikido. It is taught to the beginner student on their very first day.

"He can't be serious," I thought at first as did many others.

Then, he went on to tell us the secret of Aikido: "Master the basics."

If you are trying to follow a healthy lifestyle, you have to master the basics:

Sleep, water, sleep, fruits, sleep, veggies, sleep, exercise... Did I mention sleep?

It doesn't get more basic than sleep. On average, adults require between 8 and 9 hours of sleep for maximum health benefits. Most of us get 7 hours or less.

Getting a good night's sleep has been shown to give you more energy, better concentration, decreased blood pressure, decreased sugar cravings and will put you in a better mood. It will even help prevent cancer... As long as you make enough melatonin.

The pea-sized pineal gland in your brain makes melatonin when the sun goes down and darkness occurs. Since melatonin only comes out in the dark, it is often referred to as the "Dracula of Hormones."

If you're like 70% of my patients I saw last week, you're probably having difficulties either falling asleep or staying asleep. This can be quite frustrating.

You may not realize that there are certain foods that will help you produce more melatonin and assist you in falling asleep and others that will make it EVEN MORE difficult to fall asleep (as well as possibly wake you up during the night).

Making a few simple changes to your sleeping arrangements can drastically increase your melatonin levels.

Plus, if you get up in the middle of the night to go to the washroom, there is one common mistake you can easily avoid that will stop your melatonin levels from plummeting.

So, if you're not happy with the quality or quantity of sleep you're getting, we should talk. I'll give you simple strategies that will help you fall asleep quickly, rest deeply and wake up the next morning refreshed.

Call (519) 739 - 2402 to book a "Refreshing Sleep" appointment with me so that you can have more energy through the day, focus better at work and build a stronger immune system.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Karlo Mauro, N.D.
www.thenaturopath.ca/feelbetter
(519) 739-2402