Saliva Hormone Test for
Melatonin
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Regulates sleep / wake cycle
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Reported to have powerful antioxidant properties
Melatonin is a natural
hormone made by the pineal gland from tryptophan and is critically involved
in daily circadian body rhythms. Seasonal cycles in many species are
controlled by the annually recurring changes in day length which in turn are
perceived via melatonin secretion. The activity of the enzyme
serotonin-n-acetyl-transferase is increased 30-60 fold during the dark with
normal production of melatonin being almost exclusively at night.
It has also been
suggested that melatonin is a potent antioxidant, immune stimulant and
inhibitor of cancer. Animal studies have shown an increased incidence of
carcinogen-induced tumors in mice who had their pineal glands removed which
was reversed by the addition of melatonin. In humans, melatonin functions in
regulating normal sleep/wake cycles and has been used as a natural sleep aid
and in treating symptoms related to jet lag.
Melatonin decreases with
age and its role in the aging process is being investigated. Supplementation
with melatonin as a sleep aid is becoming more common. Melatonin is highly lipophilic and salivary levels are a direct reflection of serum
concentrations.
To increase your melatonin
levels in your body we suggest:
Melatonin |
