Unfortunately, some of the most popular over-the-counter meds today such as meds for fighting allergies and sleeping pills are doing us more harm than good. Namely, according to a study, as Harvard Health Blog explain, there have been some pretty terrifying side effects caused by their usage.
The research was performed by the Indiana University School of Medicine and the researchers used brain-imaging tech to discover how anticholinergic medications influence the brain. Continue reading the article to learn more about what they discovered…
What Did the Study Show?
Anticholinergic agents are substances which have the capacity to block the acetylcholine neurotransmitter in the peripheral and central nervous system. The results of the imaging showed that those participants who took anticholinergics had reduction in brain metabolism and an increase in brain atrophy. The acetylcholine blockage also led to poorer memory test scores.
Drugs Associated with Dementia
- Advil
- Paxil
- Dramamine
- Demerol
- Benadryl
- Unison
The Connection between Meds & Dementia Is Not New?
Cognitive decline caused by anticholinergic medications is nothing new. Namely, a study from 2015 done at the University of Washington discovered that the chronic consumption of specific anticholinergic sleep pills and hay fever meds elevated the chance for dementia.
Knowing this, it seems as a logical alternative to look for natural approaches that are efficient, yet free of damaging side effects. So, we decided to offer our help! Check out the list below with the best natural remedies to alleviate allergies instead of poisoning your body with over-the-counter meds.
Natural Remedies for Insomnia & Allergies
For allergies:
- Eucalyptus oil
This oil, according to studies, opens up the lungs and bronchial tubes and thus, enhances the oxygen flow and reduces anxiousness. It will decrease inflammation and relieve allergy symptoms. Use it by diffusing it in a diffuser or apply it mixed with a carrier oil oil onto the temples and chest.
- Peppermint oil
This expectorant will reduce allergy symptoms as well as sinusitis, colds, asthma, and bronchitis ones. It will impede the contractions causing coughing. To reap its benefits, diffuse several drops of it in a diffuser. To address inflammation, consume 1 to 2 drops of the oil mixed with your cup of tea or water or mix it in with smoothies.
- Basil oil
This amazing oil will lower the allergens’ inflammatory response, maintain the adrenal glands healthy, and cleanse the body from viruses and bacteria. Consume one drop of the oil per day. You can add it to soup, salads, etc. To improve the health of the respiratory system, dilute 2 to 3 drops of basil oil into ¼ tsp of coconut oil and apply it topically onto your underarms, temples, chest or the back of the neck.
For insomnia:
- Melatonin, 1 to 3 mg, 30 minutes before going to bed
- Magnesium calm, 30 minutes before bed
- Passionflower, 500 mg prior to sleep
- Valerian, before bed (600 mg)
- Vitamin B12, 1500 mcg per day
- Calcium and magnesium, 500 mg of calcium and 250 mg of magnesium
- Lavender oil diffusion before bed
- Melatonin-rich foods like cherries, ginger, bananas, etc.
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