Located near the center of the brain, the pineal gland is a very small organ shaped like a pine cone, which was once known as the “third eye.” The pineal gland produces melatonin, which helps maintain circadian rhythm and regulate reproductive hormones. The pineal gland often appears calcified in x-rays, which is usually due to fluoride, calcium, and phosphorus deposits that build up as we age.
Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland of the brain that is responsible for regulating sleep cycles. It is a derivative from the amino acid tryptophan. It is distributed in food sources, such as milk, almonds, bananas, beets, mustard, tomatoes and cucumbers.
It’s one of the most powerful known brain antioxidants. Not only does melatonin coax the body into its sleep state; it also actively detoxes and rejuvenates the brain and body while you sleep. It has been shown to have 200% more antioxidants power than vitamin E and just as vitamin C. It reduces oxidative damage, fighting free radical related diseases.
Our internal circadian biological clocks regulate the timing of periods of sleepiness and wakefulness over a 24-hour period. The circadian rhythm dips and rises at different times of the day. Adult’s strongest sleep drive generally occurs between 2:00-4:00 am and in the afternoon between 1:00-3:00 pm. (a.k.a. the post-lunch, afternoon crash) but this can vary from person to person. Levels of Melatonin decline as we age, around 10-15% per decade. If the pineal gland has become calcified, it isn’t functioning well enough to provide us with the needed levels of this hormone.
Benefits from Melatonin
Melatonin is anti-inflammatory and has anti-aging potential. As an antioxidant, it may also be beneficial in improving blood pressure, hypertension, hypotension, asthma and Alzheimer’s symptoms. It is also reported to have anti-tumor abilities. Melatonin may be of benefit in hair growth. Melatonin improves bowel symptoms in IBS. It has a beneficial bone repair and bone mineral density support. It also supports many metabolic functions. Insufficient melatonin is associated with increase of abdominal fat, which is age related weight gain. This vital hormone has immune stimulating or enhancing capabilities. Melatonin plays a role in regulating the female menstruation cycle. Melatonin enhances REM sleep, meaning more vivid dreams and better quality sleep. It stimulates glutathione, protects mitochondria and ischemia-reperfusion injury and also protects against iodine radiation.
Melatonin has anti-carciogenic properties by activating T helper cells, which send out signals to immune cells to help kill off foreign pathogens. It has been successfully used in patients with advanced stages of cancer. Cancer patient respond well to a dosage of 10-50mg. Research shows that by taking 20mg daily, tumor regression rate improves and significantly increases one year survival rate by 45%. It has been shown to decrease the motility and invasive capabilities of breast cancer cells. It may also help counteract the toxicity of chemotherapy treatments.
The dose you should take depends on the disorder being treated. Dosages usually vary from 0.3 to 10 mg. It is best to use the lowest effective dose (lower doses are usually 1 to 3 mg. For jet lag sleep disorder or work shift sleep disorder, it is recommended to take 5 to 10 mg. There are no withdrawal or addiction issues in taking melatonin. Timed-release is ideal for people who tend to wake up in the middle of the night. Sublingual lozenges or drops are for those who have trouble to fall asleep and are looking for that fastest absorption. Melatonin 3mg is available at Renewed Vitality for your convenience.
It can be difficult to determine the exact right dosage that is most effective for each individual. The best way to find out the ideal melatonin dose and time of use is through trial and error. It is safe and effective in restoring and balancing the body’s circadian rhythm . Melatonin can help promote healthy sleep patterns, regardless of the cause of insomnia.
Veronika – Medical Product Specialist
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