One of the first things my anti-aging doctor did was have me take 2.5mg of melatonin (sublingual) every night when heading off to sleep. He said this was one of the biggest anti-cancer things I could do for myself and recommends anyone over the age of 30 take melatonin at night. As we get older, our body produces less melatonin.
Melatonin is a sleep hormone and is secreted by the pineal gland in a circadian rhythm. It is released when we are in a dark room so when you’re working at your computer late at night, this will interfere with your melatonin production and you may have a hard time sleeping. Just the small amount of light from your clock can interfere with the production of melatonin. I personally have light blocker blinds in my bedroom, do not have a bright clock and sleep in total darkness. If you can’t make your room dark, it is a good idea to wear eye covers.
Melatonin delays aging, puts us into regenerative sleep, and is a powerful antioxidant in the brain. It has been shown to increase life span of animals, reduce cancer, and helps boost the immune system. There are also studies that show melatonin and other antioxidants help protect us from the damage of cell phone exposure (Archives of Medical Research in 2005 and Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry in 2006). Dr. Tsuyoshi Hondou showed that even if you do not use a cell phone, you cannot get away from microwave radiation (like secondhand smoke), so non-cell phone users may also want to look for this protection.
Dr. Howard Liebowitz says that melatonin is an aromatase inhibiter and is vital for hormonal balance for both men and women.
Dr. Prudence Hall also speaks about melatonin in Breakthrough and says it is actually considered to be neuron protective, and there are studies showing how it can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Some benefits which are outlined in one of my favorite health books, “Breakthrough“:
- Powerful antioxidant and captures damaging free radicals.
- Protects heart & arteries and reduces risk of heart disease.
- Reduces risk of cancer due to antioxidant properties.
- In labs, has been shown to inhibit growth of cancer cells.
- Critical for bone building.
- Protects the pancreas and the organs and the immune system.
- Relaxes muscles, relieves tension, reduces stress and anxiety, and lowers blood pressure.
Remember, if you start taking melatonin to over come sleep issues and you haven’t been able to sleep properly in years, you may have to wait a while before your circadian rhythm adjusts.
Another interesting fact that I found is that MSG inhibits melatonin production which is just one more reason to stay away from this harmful food additive!
Almost everyone can afford this supplement as it is inexpensive. You can buy melatonin online here. This is the brand which my anti-aging doctor recommends which is sublingual (dissolves under your tongue).
To your health,
You-Be-Healthy.com
Facebook.com/youbehealthy
References:
“Breakthrough: 8 Steps to Wellness” – Suzanne Somers
“The Bone Building Solution” – Sam Graci, Dr. C. Demarco, Dr. Leticia Rao