Melatonin is a natural anti-inflammatory that strengthens the immune system, including the liver’s personalized immune system. If the liver is sluggish and stagnant and loses its ability to create melatonin, taking supplemental melatonin can reignite the liver’s capacity to start up again. That’s right: while medical research and science associate melatonin production with the brain, it’s also one of the liver’s hormone functions to create and secrete it.
Melatonin can also act as a powerful antioxidant when taken at the same time as you eat foods that are high in antioxidants such as wild blueberries, raspberries, leafy greens, apples, sweet potato or cherries just to name a few. This combination of Melatonin and antioxidant rich foods can help stop oxidation of toxic heavy metals in the brain and helps protect the brain from Alzheimer’s, dementia, and brain tumors. The nutrients in these foods also bind onto the melatonin and make it more easily accepted by the brain and body and enhancing its medicinal sleep effects and ability to help with stress relief.
With the levels of stress so many are under and chronic illness growing exponentially with neurological problems being at the forefront, we are truly lucky there are safeguards such as melatonin at our fingertips.
You can refer to Cleanse To Heal for specific supplement and dosage recommendations, including melatonin, for over 200 symptoms and conditions.
When to Take MelatoninMelatonin plays a critical role in regulating our biological clock, or circadian rhythm and the timing of doses is important. It is normally produced in a part of the brain called the pineal gland and is released during the period of darkness from sundown to sunrise. When consumed as an oral supplement, it reaches a maximum concentration in your blood after 30 minutes. Many people must take melatonin in the evening before going to bed, but curiously there are others who should actually take it in the morning.
- For trouble falling asleep: Take melatonin 30 minutes before bedtime.
- For night owls: People with delayed sleep phase syndrome may want to take melatonin several hours before the desired bedtime. For example, if you naturally fall asleep at 2 a.m., but you desire to go to bed at 11 p.m., you may consider taking it as early as 9 p.m.
- For early birds: If you have symptoms of advanced sleep phase syndrome, where you wake up several hours too early, try taking it in the morning upon awakening. This condition is relatively rare, however, perhaps affecting less than 1 percent of people. If considering use in this way, consult with a sleep physician for guidance.
Proven benefits of Melatonin
- Can Support Better Sleep
Melatonin is commonly known as sleep hormone and for good reason. It’s one of the most popular sleep aids and a common natural remedy to treat issues like insomnia. Research has shown that melatonin can support better sleep.
- Can Promote Eye Health
Melatonin is high in antioxidants that can help prevent cell damage and keep your eyes healthy. Research suggests that melatonin could be beneficial in treating conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Melatonin may reduce the risk of eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). According to the study, in addition to being a powerful antioxidant, melatonin may help control eye pigmentation and regulate the amount of light reaching the photoreceptors, protecting eyes from damage.