Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 Holick: Principally, Seasonal Affective Disorder is due to the fact that people who live in northern climates can't easily regulate the production of melatonin by the pineal gland. And melatonin is a hormone that causes you to fall asleep basically, or to hibernate. And so for many people that live in northern latitudes, the sun's rays are not intense enough and long enough in exposure time to regulate melatonin levels. |
Andreas Moritz
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 The secretion of melatonin starts between 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. (depending on age), inducing sleepiness. It reaches peak levels between 1 and 2 a.m. and drops to its lowest levels at midday. The pineal gland controls reproduction, sleep and motor activity, blood pressure, the immune system, the pituitary and thyroid glands, cellular growth, body temperature, and many other vital functions. All of these depend on a balanced melatonin cycle. By going to sleep late or working night shifts, you throw this cycle out of balance, and throw off many other hormonal cycles as well. |
| Apart from making melatonin, the brain also synthesizes serotonin, which is a very important neurotransmitter/hormone related to our state of physical and emotional well-being. It affects day and night rhythms, sexual behavior, memory, appetite, impulsiveness, fear, and even suicidal tendencies. Unlike melatonin, serotonin increases with the light of day; physical exercise and sugar also stimulate it. If you get up late in the morning, the resultant lack of exposure to sufficient amounts of daylight reduces your serotonin levels during the day. |
Dr. Timothy Scott
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 Or should we assume that our greater melatonin production from April to September28 means we need extra in October through March?
Many times during the 20th century someone decided that we lacked enough catecholamines, melatonin, testosterone or some other chemical, and yet supplements of these body chemicals have often proved surprisingly dangerous. For example, men given extra testosterone (to maintain the levels of a 20-year-old) are more likely to develop prostate cancer.29 No, the evidence actually indicates we are made just right for every stage of life. God knew what He was doing. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 Pederson: When this light strikes your eye, it actually excites that little photoreceptor that tells the brain, "Okay, it's bright, you need to be alert," and it shuts down your melatonin. melatonin is the hormone in your body that tells you to go to sleep at night and keeps you asleep throughout the night, and it gets shut off every morning when you open your blinds and the sunlight streams in.
Mike: So, this receptor is really directly wired to the endocrine system that controls all these cycles.
Pederson: Exactly. |
Herbert Ross, DC with Keri Brenner, L.Ac.
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 In addition, EMFs can disrupt the body's production of the sleep hormone melatonin.
High Oscillation Rate and Strength Disrupts Sleep
The frequency at which an EMF pulses determines whether or not it is harmful. For example, the voltage of the electric current used in homes in the United States is 60 hertz (Hz). In contrast, the ideal frequency of the human brain during waking hours ranges from 8 Hz to 2 0 Hz, while in sleep the frequency may drop to as low as 2 Hz. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
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 Most sleep aids are benzodiazepines, some are antihistamines, and a new one (Rozerem) works on melatonin receptors. Consult a physician well acquainted with the use of these medications.
For anxiety and depression, there are the common SSRIs (Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, Zoloft), newer SNRIs (Effexor, Cymbalta) and tricyclic antidepressants, and sedatives.
For vasomotor symptoms, a blood pressure med, a seizure drug, SSRIs, SNRIs, and ergots can be prescribed. |
Herbert Ross, DC with Keri Brenner, L.Ac.
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| The researchers were testing whether the lack of light in the morning allowed melatonin to be produced later in the day, causing the women's SAD symptoms.
The first week of the study, Sherrie and her mother were kept mostly in near-darkness except for one dim lightbulb. The only break was at 2 p.m., when they were told to stay in front of 4 by 6-foot, 2,500-lux light boxes for about 2 hours. In the second week, they used the light boxes at progressively earlier times. The third week, they woke at 6 a.m. and used the light boxes immediately upon awakening. |
Jack Challem
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 Ginger also appears to contain trace amounts of melatonin, a hormone otherwise made by the pineal gland; melatonin has antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. (Pure melatonin has sleep-inducing properties, so it is not recommended as an anti-inflammatory supplement.)
Both ginger and ginger-containing supplements have been found helpful in osteoarthritis, rheumatism, and muscular pain. Ginger has the added benefit of reducing nausea. Although ginger is common in grocery stores, the best form (and most difficult to find) is fresh baby gingerroot, which is especially tender. |
Mary-Ann Shearer
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 This gland is known to regulate both melatonin and serotonin and is considered to be a gland of the endocrine system. It is believed to be important in the role of sexual development in children and other hormonal functions in adults. melatonin regulation is essential to a good night's sleep. Serotonin is also involved in the sleep process but is known particularly to help us avoid depression. Making sure that you have a minimum of twenty to thirty minutes a day of natural light helps you feel good and sleep well. I have felt the side effects of staying indoors when it is wet and cold. |
Herbert Ross, DC with Keri Brenner, L.Ac.
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| Your doctor may also want you to undergo tests that analyze biochemical characteristics, such as a blood test called a radioimmunoassay (RIA), which can be used to measure levels of melatonin. If your physician suspects you have obstructive sleep apnea, you may undergo a breathing test while sleeping, during which technicians measure your breathing patterns, blood oxygen levels, and respiration rates.
Why Sleeping Pills Don't Work
How Big Is Your Sleep Debt? |
| Studies have shown that EMFs of less than 300 hertz and more than 2 milligauss can disrupt melatonin production.
The pineal gland is sensitive not only to light, but also to magnetic fields. This makes sense when you consider that visible light is actually a very high frequency electromagnetic field, oscillating at 1,015 hertz (Hz), or 1 trillion times per second. In comparison, human brain waves in deep sleep oscillate at about 2 to 4 Hz. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
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| Consider adding 5-HTP, higher doses of melatonin, or other herbal combinations of hops, valerian, and passionflower. maintain sleep through the night by regulating nighttime blood glucose levels.
Relaxation techniques such as biofeedback, progressive muscular relaxation, meditation, and warm baths can help sedate some people. Soothing music may also reduce anxiety and stress. One study showed that after listening to music while trying to go to sleep, the level of sleepiness was significantly increased and the time to sleep onset was much lower. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
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 Nyctohemeral rhythm in the levels of S-adenosylmethionine in the rat pineal gland and its relationship to melatonin biosynthesis. J Neurochem; 65(4): 1887-1894. 1995
Surac AJ, Gur A. Complementary and alternative medical therapies in fibromyalgia. Curr Pharma Design; 12:47-57. 2006
Tavoni A, Vitali C, Bombardieri S et al. Evaluation of S-adenosylmethionine in primary fibromyalgia: a double-blind crossover study. Am J Med; 83(5A):107-110. 1987
Vendemiale G, Altomare E, Trizio T et al. Effects of oral S-adenosyl-L-methionine on hepatic glutathione in patients with liver disease. |
Herbert Ross, DC with Keri Brenner, L.Ac.
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| Apparently, the pineal gland responds to a sudden rise in body temperature by producing melatonin, which lowers and normalizes body temperature. A pleasant side effect is that you are lulled to sleep.
To enhance these relaxing effects, consider adding V* to V2 cup Epsom salts or baking soda to the bath. For aromatherapy benefits, add a few drops of relaxing essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile, pine, eucalyptus, orange blossom, or ylang-ylang. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
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| Sleep hygiene and melatonin treatment for children and adolescents with ADHD and initial insomnia. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry; 45(5):512-519. 2006
Probiotics (Lactobacilli) description
Lactobacillus products are often called probiotics, translated as "for life," a popular term used to refer to bacteria in the intestine considered beneficial to health. At least 400 different species of microflora colonize the human gastrointestinal tract. The most important commercially available lactobacil-lus species are L acidophilus and L casei GG. |
| Because disordered circadian rhythm is common in depression, the antidepressant action of SAMe may result from its ability to alter these rhythms through regulating melatonin synthesis in the pineal gland (Sitaram et al, 1995).
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The action of SAMe in relieving symptoms of primary fibromyalgia may result from its effectiveness in lessening the depressive state that can accompany fibromyalgia (Tavoni et al, 1987). SAMe also has antidepressive and mood-elevating effects in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (Koenig, 1987). |
| Sleep-Regulating Effects: Prolonged administration of oral melatonin has reportedly induced phase-setting effects on circadian rhythms, such as the sleep-wake cycle and rest-activity. The hormone has been reported to produce re-entrainment of circadian rhythms after time-zone shifts, and entrainment of previously free-running rhythms in the blind (Dollins et al, 1993; Cavallo, 1993; Dahlitz et al, 1991; Arendt et al, 1988; Arendt et al, 1986). |
| Effect of orally administered L-tryptophan on serotonin, melatonin, and the innate immune response in the rat. Mol Cell Biochem 2004 Dec;267(l-2):39-46.
Freeman MP. Helgason C, Hill RA. Selected integrative medicine treatments for depression: considerations for women. J Am Med Womens Assoc 2004 Summer;59(3):216-24.
Giorgis de G, Miletto R. Iannuccelli M, et al. Headache in association with sleep disorders in children: a psychodiagnostic evaluation and controlled clinical study L-5-HTP versus placebo. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1987;13:425-433
Guilleminault C, Cathala JP, Castaigne P. |
Gabriel Cousens, M.D.
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 Sunlight energy is necessary for the production of vitamin D, and it regulates the production of melatonin, a neural hormone produced in the pineal. Research suggests that melatonin induces sleep, inhibits ovulation, and modifies the secretion of other hormones.11 Frank Barr, M.D., has hypothesized that melanin is centrally involved in the control of almost all physiological and psychological activity.12 Needless to say, the nutrient of sunlight directly affects us in many important energizing ways. |
Jack Challem
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 These supplements might help you sleep better.
• melatonin, 250 meg to 9 mg daily. This hormone, which you can buy without a prescription at most health food stores and pharmacies, regulates your sleep cycle. The time that you take it, however, and the dosage are critical. If you take too much or take it at the wrong time of day, it will leave you feeling groggy. Start with about 250 meg, about two hours before bedtime. If it doesn't make you drowsy, increase the dose to 500 meg the next evening. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 For example, if you make a 3-milligram melatonin, and it is in the smallest number-four cap you can get, you still must have a hundred milligrams of something else filling it up.
The drug industry uses dicalcium phosphate. I do not go near dicalcium phosphate. I have never used it for anything. We use a wood byproduct called methylcellulose. It is highly pure. It is like giving people fiber. I have a very short list of excipients that I will allow people to put into our products. |
Paula Begoun
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 The results showed melatonin led to a significantly increased growth rate in comparison to the placebo group. However, this is the only study that indicates melatonin has this effect.
The FDA cited Texas hair-care marketer Pride & Power for anti-baldness claims made for their Don't-B-Bald Hair Care Treatment and Don't-B-Bald Scalp Stimulate. The claims made include lines such as "has many natural ingredients we believe help the process of keeping your hair healthy and aiding in growth" and "has been formulated to stimulate the scalp hair follicle, allowing blood cells to circulate. |
Andreas Moritz
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 Note: young children, teenagers and even adolescents whose natural melatonin cycle begins earlier in the night than that of adults, require at least one or two hours of extra sleep in the evening.
The use of an alarm clock to wake up in the morning abruptly stops the gradual phasing out of the various, sequentially-occurring sleep patterns and may cause irritability, headaches and nervousness throughout the day. You may feel as if you haven't really woken up yet. The easiest way to control your waking time is to adjust your bedtime in the evening. |
Bill Sardi
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 Journal Pineal Research 35: 177-82, 2003] Reduction of melatonin is most pronounced in patients with advanced prostate cancer. [Advances Experimental Biology Medicine 467: 247-64, 1999]
Once there is an indication that prostate cancer is spreading, it becomes paramount that metastasis (spread) of cancer cells be stopped. Thick blood, which facilitates metastasis, should be thinned naturally with vitamin E, omega-3 oils, resveratrol, magnesium, and garlic. |
| Does melatonin enhancement really protect against cancer?
Researchers at the Bassett Research Institute, The Mary Imo-gene Bassett Hospital, in Cooperstown, New York, set out to test this hypothesis. They obtained blood samples from healthy premenopausal females, collected at three different time periods: during the daytime, at nighttime following exposure to light and at nighttime after complete darkness. Then they infused the blood samples into breast tumors that had been implanted into small animals. |
| Clinical Cornerstones 6: S6-14, 2004] Slow-release melatonin pills may help induce prolonged, deep sleep. [Lancet 346:541-4, 1995]
Magnesium citrate is an excellent nutritional aid to inducing deep sleep. [Sleep Medicine 4: 263-64, 2003] Magnesium oxide, the most common form sold in retail stores, is poorly absorbed and is of little value. A dose of 200-400 mg of magnesium [preferably citrate) should be sufficient. Excessive magnesium may induce loose stool.
Prolonged sleep deprivation can produce nerve damage. Niacin is an antidote. |
| Neuro Endocrinology Letters 25: 94-101, 2004]
Since melatonin hormone/light control was able to completely manipulate tumor growth, this could be a powerful preventive and therapeutic tool in the war against cancer. It certainly appears to be more powerful than current efforts to kill cancer cells with toxic drugs or radiation.
Zeolites
Zeolites are porous minerals that form naturally where volcanic rocks and ash layers react with alkaline ground water. Zeolites have the unique ability to adsorb (adhere to) molecules by particle size. |
| Molecular Cell Biochemistry 278: 15-20, 2005] A review of all human studies involving supplemental melatonin and cancer reveals a consistent improvement in survival. The dosage used in most studies was greater than used for jet lag, about 20 mg per day (range 10-40 mg), taken prior to bedtime. |
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