Melatonin is essential for our overall health

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in our brain which is so important for our sleeping cycles, right? 

That is usually the general knowledge people have.

However did you know that our digestive system produces a few hundreds times more melatonin than our brain? How amazing is that. 

Why is this powerful hormone so essential for our health? I will share with you just a few benefits and some interesting facts which are definitely worth mentioning.

When our body produces a healthy amount of this antioxidant and anti-inflammatory hormone we can benefit from the following:

- protection against cancer
- cardiovascular system, nervous and digestive system protection
- reduction of blood pressure
- good sleep quality
- good immunity
- it aids eye functioning
- reduction of inflammation
- slows ageing

What is affecting the production and levels of melatonin in our body?
Not enough sleep
Night Shifts
Drugs
Caffeine
Jet lag
Poor vision
Blue light from screens such as tablets, laptops, phones

Interesting Facts:

Did you know that.....

People who suffer from sleeping disorders and therefore don’t have enough melatonin might have night acid reflux.

Melatonin regulates movement (peristalsis) of the digestive system.

Melatonin deficiency is linked with gastritis, gingivitis and mouth ulcers.

Melatonin helps with recovery after stroke.

Melatonin might help with tinnitus.

Melatonin is an effective complementary help for cancer patients.

Melatonin reduces the formation of gall bladder stones.


How to supplement melatonin deficiency?

You can apparently get it in tablets but we highly recommend you consume it in a natural way, eating plant based foods. 

For example: walnuts, bananas, olives, cherries, pineapples, oranges, grapes, plums, barley, oat...

The general recommended dosage by physicians is max 5mg daily but of course it depends on your health situation. Please be aware that artificial melatonin (as a nutritional supplement) may interact with your medication and certain health issues and needs to be avoided. Please consult your doctor.

I hope this article will inspire you to look after your melatonin levels.

Always wishing you great health!

Love,
Simona