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Are Made OfFoods That (Sweet) Dreams WELL -BEING

As part of a
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FOOD CAN’T SOLVE sleep problems, but helps regulate your sleep. Melatonin is a Food-related behavior matters, too.
certain foods may promote more restful Eating meals at consistent times daily can
nights. However, you shouldn’t focus on hormone that helps control the sleep-wake aid sleep, but consuming too many calories
filling up on them. at night can hinder it.
cycle. Both tryptophan and melatonin are
“When looking at the relationship between “So many of my clients skip breakfast to
food and sleep, it’s hard to focus on just a naturally found in some foods. cut down on calories but find themselves
few individual food items to promote better snacking in the evening or overeating at
sleep patterns,” says Madison Couch, MS, Foods containing tryptophan or dinner,” Couch says. “This not only leads to
RD, LD, bariatric dietitian at Atrium Health a higher intake of calories but also changes
Navicent Weight Management. “Individuals melatonin include: hormone and chemical production, making
should focus on eating a healthy diet first the body restless at night.”
and then incorporate foods higher in the » Bananas » Kiwi
chemicals tryptophan and melatonin to FOR INFORMATION ABOUT
further increase sleep quality.” » Cherries » Milk NUTRITION SERVICES AT
ATRIUM HEALTH NAVICENT,
Tryptophan is an amino acid that can help » Chicken » Nuts CALL 478-633-1458.
you create the hormone serotonin, which
» Fatty fish, » Turkey

such as salmon

Some foods and beverages can be

adversaries rather than allies in the quest

for a good night’s sleep. Couch says these

include choices that are high in simple

carbohydrates, saturated fats and caffeine.

STRIKE A YOGA POSE

FOR BACK PAIN RELIEF

For some people, the strengthening stretches of yoga are just what their back
needs to feel better.

NEARLY EVERYONE WILL experience back GOOD MOVES
pain at some point in life. Fortunately, many
treatment options are available, including the One of the best things about yoga is its accessibility. You
ancient practice of yoga. Focusing on breathing can modify your practice based on your abilities. For
and slow movement, yoga can boost key muscles example, cat, cow and downward-facing dog poses—all
that support and help control the movement of of which Seneker recommends for back strengthening
the back. and stretching—can be performed on a yoga mat or
using a chair.
“Yoga moves the body through all planes
of motion and has elements of stability and If you’re interested in trying yoga, check with your
mobility,” says Lisa Seneker, Manager of Health primary care provider first to be sure it’s right for you.
Promotion Services at Atrium Health Navicent
Wellness Center and Employee Fitness. “A ATRIUM HEALTH NAVICENT WELLNESS CENTER
yoga practice increases strength, flexibility, OFFERS MORE THAN 50 GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES
coordination and balance. As the word ‘practice’ PER WEEK, INCLUDING YOGA CLASSES. VISIT
implies, consistency is crucial.” WWW.NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG/WELLNESSCENTER/
GROUP-FITNESS TO CHECK OUT OUR SCHEDULE.

FALL 2021 | navicenthealth.org 3