Melatonin

Look no further than Melatonin.  Melatonin is a naturally produced hormone in the human body, but it declines in production as we age.  Researchers have known since the 1950s of the remarkable power of Melatonin to help prevent age-related illnesses and help promote sleep.  Recently, researchers have noted that Melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant, cancer inhibitor, immune system booster, and mood enhancer.

Melatonin is derived from a chain of chemical events beginning with the amino acid tryptophan which is then converted into serotonin.  Serotonin is a neurotransmitter common in the brain.   Serotonin is then converted by two enzymatic reactions into Melatonin.

Because of melatonin’s small size and solubility, it can permeate almost every cell of the body exerting a positive effect.  Melatonin’s positive effects can impart a youthful vibrancy.  Evidence published in some of the most prestigious medical journals demonstrates improved quality of living and healthier aging through supplementation.  Since 1958, Melatonin has proven its safety and efficacy.  The benefits of melatonin far outweigh any side effects such as sleepiness which can usually be easily controlled with dose adjustments.

Sleep has its own regenerative powers and in many instances Sleep is the best medicine.  Sleep can do wonders reconstructing the damage done during the waking hours.  The only rest for the senses is deep sleep (stage IV sleep), and the only way to fall into Stage IV sleep is through the ebb and flow of melatonin.  As we age, we experience lackluster sleep and it effects our health in noticeable ways – weight gain, poor concentration and irritable moods.

As melatonin production decreases with age, so do our regular sleep patterns.  Any disruption in our quality of sleep and deep stages of sleep will adversely affect our vitality and energy levels.  Sleep disruption will adversely affect our immune system and overall health.  Melatonin supplementation has been used for years to help to avoid many age-related ailments including poor sleep.

Our bodies are composed of tens of trillions of cells.  inside each of these trillions of cells are cellular processes to maintain the cells and free radicals are given off as a by-product.  Free radicals are toxic to our bodies as they damage cellular membranes and DNA.  To counteract these harmful free radicals, our bodies rely on free radical scavengers like Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and glutathione and melatonin.

Although glutathione is a considered to be the most potent of the free radical scavengers, research has demonstrated that melatonin is also a powerful free radical scavenger.  The Journal of Pineal Research [1999 Aug: 23(i): 15-19] noted that Melatonin possesses strong antioxidant properties with increases in brain glutathione.  Melatonin possesses potent anti-cancer effects, increases and improves immune defenses, and inhibits tumor growth factor production.

Clearly, melatonin supplementation may be a vital component to maintaining both the endocrine and immune systems as we age.  Melatonin is the key to maintenance of circadian rhythms and a powerful free radical scavenger.  Melatonin is one of the hormones that has been shown to prevent age-associated deterioration and may protect against age-related diseases.