Melatonin Shines – Especially in the Winter

Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland of the brain, helping to synchronize the timing of body functions and is especially important for restful sleep.  Melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant.  It is one of the best remedies for poor mood that is associated with shorter and colder days.  Melatonin levels begin to decline at age 30 and the decline in melatonin is linked by many studies to the increase in age-related deterioration. 

A wide array of new information points to the power of melatonin to support health in a variety of ways.  It has been found that melatonin:
  A)  Improves the immune response to parasites, especially when combined with zinc.
  B)  Reduces kidney damage in diabetic rats.
  C)  Reduces tinnitus in humans by 40%.
  D)  Protects against cadmium Highly toxic heavy metal. Found in the mining, steel, iron, and electrical industry. Also found in common every day materials - paints, televisions, electrical equipment and more. Tobacco smoke is the single most important source of cadmium. Exposure to cadmium has been linked with several health concerns including lung and prostate cancer, kidney disorders, and other. toxicity.
  E)  Improves cognitive impairment and depression in humans.
  F)  Protects cells from free radicals that otherwise disrupt energy production and cause cell death.
  G)  Helps reduce the pain of fibromyalgia Chronic pain disorder characterized by wide spread pain. Research suggests that central nervous system pain processing signals are in a state of dysfunction causing abnormal signaling. .
  H)  Helps hot flashes in postmenopausal women.

The dose of melatonin can range from 0.5 mg per day up to 3 mg or more per day, generally taken in one dose prior to bed.  0.5 mg to 1 mg is typically adequate to compensate for the natural decline associated with aging.  Higher amounts may assist sleep, fibromyalgia Chronic pain disorder characterized by wide spread pain. Research suggests that central nervous system pain processing signals are in a state of dysfunction causing abnormal signaling. , or hot flashes.