Tag: melatonin

Health Benefits of Melatonin – Not Just for Sleep!

August 11th, 2015 by Margo Gladding

melatoninWhen I think of the supplement melatonin, the first thing that comes to mind is supporting sleep. It can be very helpful for initiating sleep, increasing sleep duration, as well as regulating circadian rhythm and reducing jet lag. But, new research shows many more exciting health benefits of melatonin. For example, studies indicate that it can also protect against neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury, help with migraines, provide important support for cancer patients, support heart health, and protect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Melatonin is a hormone that is produced from the pineal gland in the brain. But, it is now known that it is also produced in multiple sites in the body. In fact, up to 500 times more melatonin is synthesized in the intestinal tract than in the pineal gland. Derived from the amino acid L-tryptophan, melatonin has powerful antioxidant capabilities and anti-inflammatory properties. Promising new areas of research include: Continue reading “Health Benefits of Melatonin – Not Just for Sleep!”

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10 Tips for Great Sleep While You Travel

September 30th, 2013 by Debi Silber, The Mojo Coach

Love to travel? Here’s some good news and some… not so good news.

Anything your body views as a stressor impacts your weight, your health and your sleep. While you may love to travel, your body may be viewing it as a source of stress. Are there ways to travel without burdening your body and your health? Of course! Here’s a list of conditions your body considers stressful. Work on solutions to some of these conditions now and you’ll be sleeping like a baby on your next trip!

1. External Stressors

▪ Mental and Emotional Stress: When we feel overburdened, overwhelmed or any other negative emotion we send signals to our body that we’re in a state of crisis. Cortisol (the stress hormone) is released which tells the body to prepare for battle, a condition that discourages restful sleep.  Continue reading “10 Tips for Great Sleep While You Travel”

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5-HTP: The Natural Mood Supporter

April 25th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

5-HTP is a precursor to the hormones serotonin and melatonin. It has been compared to many antidepressant medications because of its positive effect on mood.

Serotonin regulates mood, behavior, appetite, dilation of blood vessels and many other body processes. Serotonin is released in response to fullness and regulates appetite. Deficiency of serotonin may lead to overeating and obesity. This also accounts for the fact that when we are under stress, our appetite tends to change.

Melatonin regulates the body’s sleep/wake cycles. Optimal levels of melatonin allow us to have restful and restorative sleep. Melatonin also cues the body to release growth hormone and sex hormones, which are used during sleep to repair body tissues and normalize hormone levels. Finally, melatonin is an antioxidant that protects tissue by neutralizing damaging free radicals.

Before taking 5-HTP, consult with a health care professional. 5-HTP can interact with certain medications like antidepressants.

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Travel Health During the Holidays

December 21st, 2010 by Paula Gallagher

This information was posted back in the summer, but I figure that it applies to this time of year as well. Be well and stay healthy!

It’s a busy time of year for many of us, and while traveling should be relaxing and enjoyable, unfortunately, it can also be hard on your body. Recycled air on flights exposes you to cold and flu germs and jet lag can make you lose valuable days of vacation time. Eating foods that you are not used to can also cause digestive distress. Being prepared before you travel can make the difference between a miserable trip and a memorable one.

Here are some essential products for travel health:

Melatonin

Plane travel may interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycles. This might explain why airplane travel disrupts our sleeping patterns and why it takes a while for us to adjust to a new time zone. Studies suggest that Melatonin doubles the speed at which your body adjusts to the new time zone. Continue reading “Travel Health During the Holidays”

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Travel Essentials this Summer

August 17th, 2010 by Paula Gallagher

Traveling should be relaxing and enjoyable. Unfortunately, it can also be hard on your body. Recycled air on flights exposes you to cold and flu germs and jet lag can make you lose valuable days of vacation time. And, eating foods that you are not used to can also cause digestive distress. Being prepared before you travel can make the difference between a miserable trip and a memorable one.

Here are some supplements that will make your life a little better while you travel. Continue reading “Travel Essentials this Summer”

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    Paula Gallagher
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