What is melatonin ?

Melatonin is a hormone synthetized in the pineal gland which is in the center of the brain. Its function in addition to regulating sleep cycle, is a potent antioxidant with the ability to penetrate mitochondria preventing deterioration, lack of energy and apoptosis of them. Also recharges the levels of glutathione, benefits brain, cardiovascular system, intestinal health and increases immune function.

It is important to sleep properly to optimize health and circadian rhythm or biological clock. The pineal gland begins to secrete melatonin around 9 p.m. after sun exposure during the day. As the amount of this hormone increases in the brain, the body begins to prepare for sleep.

In presence of light the body suppresses the secretion of the hormone which increases the energy levels and on the other hand when the levels of secretion increase it leads to a decrease of the energy levels, preparing the body to sleep. That is, melatonin is only released in response to obscurity and is inhibited in the presence of light.

Check out what the research revels:

Obesity – An Italian study found that This hormone reduces food intake by improving body weight and fat metabolism. Why weight loss occurs? According to an experiment by the Università Politecnica delle Marche, among other effects, the hormone reduces food intake because it stimulates the activity of molecules involved in suppressing appetite. In addition, another study, showed that melatonin helps to control binge eating at night. Obese people have less melatonin than people with normal weight.

Cancer – Several studies confirm that it helps to inhibit the growth of tumors. One of its action is to prevent new blood vessels from appearing to feed tumor cells. It also reduces the discomfort caused by chemotherapy. In Spain, for example, scientists have patented a melatonin-based gel that protects against inflammation in the digestive tract mucosa caused by chemotherapy.

Stroke – Works point to the protective effect of the hormone Melatonin, which can reduces inflammation and cerebral edema, improves motor coordination and attenuates anxiety, and prevents cell death and reduces the oxidative stress of cells (a process that accelerates their degeneration) and also to stimulate the differentiation of stem cells into new neurons.“Melatonin protects against brain damage and behavioral deficits resulting from stroke”, conclude the University of South Florida.

Other researchers:

Insomnia – The British Psychopharmacology Association has chosen the hormone Melatonin as the first treatment option for individuals over 55 who suffer from insomnia.

Migraine – Several studies confirm that this hormone can reduces the incidence of crises being better tolerated.

Alzheimer – Studies showed that Melatonin delayed the progress of the disease. One of them, made in Spain, concluded that this hormone protects against neuron degeneration.

Glaucoma and Cataracts – Studies have shown benefits against oxidative stress in eye cells and neuroprotective effects.

Hypertension – Melatonin mainly affects the high blood pressure that occurs at night. A review of studies on the topic confirmed its effectiveness.

Depression – People with depression have a changed circadian rhythm and Melatonin helps to correct the biological clock and improves the general condition.

Diabetes – The lower the Melatonin concentration, the greater the risk of developing Diabetes type 2, because of genetic changes that interfere with the production of this hormone. When insulin production is low, blood glucose accumulates, characterizing the disease. Melatonin potentiates insulin action.

Androgenetic Alopecie – (hair loss due to genetics). Several studies have pointed out that using Melatonin topically could decrease hair loss after 3 months of use.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – With the use of Melatonin there was less degeneration of motor neurons.

 The greatest production of Melatonin occurs in adolescence and in the young adult, therefore beginning to decay after the age of 30 and at the age of 70 the secretion of the hormone is severely reduced, almost null. 

As with Serotonin, Melatonin is also produced from an amino acid called Tryptophan, normally ingested in a balanced diet.

Other functions of Melatonin are :

Decreases the production of Cortisol and Adrenaline, responsible for the production of free radicals.

Antioxidant properties because slowing down the Anti-Aging process and the onset of diseases.

Stimulate the production of de Growth Hormone.

Regulates Sexual behavior.

Balances Thyroid function.

Strengthens the Immune System by increasing the mobility and activity of defense cells, consequently strengthening the formation of antibodies, facilitating defenses against viruses, moderating the overproduction of corticosteroids generated by prolonged stress.

“People who took melatonin supplement had a 28% lower risk of receiving a positive Covid-19 result”. Data from Cleveland Clinic according to doctor’s Mercola article, All of the people who received melatonin improved within 4 to 5 days, and all survived.

For a better understanding of possible doses and indication consult your doctor always!

by Helena

Naturalize Yourself!