10 Health Benefits of Melatonin

Did you know melatonin can suppress stomach acid? It can also protect your esophagus from the effects of gastric acid. If you experience moderate to severe heartburn, you might benefit from melatonin. Although more research is needed, studies suggest that melatonin along with B vitamins and amino acids can improve the symptoms of heartburn better than the acid blocker Prilosec. Likewise, melatonin is a natural yet effective method for GERD. Talk to your doctor about taking a multi-nutrient supplement with B vitamins, amino acids, and about six milligrams of melatonin about 30 to 60 minutes before bed to prevent and treat GERD.

If you experience headaches, you might benefit from taking melatonin. Neurology published a study that revealed three milligrams of melatonin taken 30 minutes before bed can help reduce the duration of a migraine as well as the frequency. Although more research is required, melatonin might be the key to getting rid of bothersome headaches.

Taking melatonin may help your heart. Research shows that it can help lower your cholesterol levels as well as your blood pressure. With anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant effects, this particular hormone might reduce the chance of cardiovascular diseases, especially if you already had a heart attack or cardiac arrest. Talk to your physician about taking three milligrams of melatonin about 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.

Although most causes of Type 2 diabetes include things like poor diet and exercise, family history, and excessive weight, low levels of melatonin might also be an underlying issue. Nurses’ Health Study conducted a student with 740 women; half developed diabetes between 2000 and 2012 and the other half did not. Those that did not have diabetes also had noticeably higher amounts of melatonin in their blood levels. Secreting low amounts of melatonin at night might double your chance of getting diabetes.

With powerful antioxidant properties, melatonin might help prevent macular degeneration. It can protect retinal cells from damage caused by free radicals. By taking three milligrams of melatonin at bedtime for half a year can help. A study revealed the supplement allowed visual sharpness to remain stable. Therefore, melatonin might prevent retinal deterioration.

Do you experience a buzzing or ringing in your ears? This condition is known as tinnitus. Although this health ailment usually goes away as your nerves adjust, some people deal with the symptoms for an extended period. This can eventually lead to depression or anxiety. The Ohio State University Eye and Ear Institute conducted a clinical trial that tested the benefit of melatonin with tinnitus. The research suggested that taking three milligrams of melatonin at night for about one month greatly decreased the symptoms of tinnitus. The University of Washington School of Medicine discovered the same results.

Women with breast cancer taking tamoxifen, a chemotherapy drug, to no avail might also benefit from melatonin. Adding melatonin to the treatment regimen might help shrink breast tumors. Other studies reveal that low melatonin levels are correlated to a higher risk of breast cancer. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking melatonin with your medical provider.

There are several studies related to melatonin and prostate cancer prevention. Oncology Reports published a study that suggested melatonin can significantly slow down the creation of prostate cancer cells. Although more research is required, men with lower levels of melatonin may have a greater chance of developing prostate cancer in their lifetime.

When you stress, your cortisol hormone increases. Melatonin can help control the amount of stimulation the body experiences. If you feel anxious, melatonin might ease the related symptoms such as daytime fatigue or nighttime insomnia along with feelings of drowsiness or restlessness. Melatonin can promote a calm disposition and relaxed mood.

As mentioned before, melatonin is an antioxidant. If your body suspects an immunosuppressive condition, melatonin can stimulate the immune system to respond. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. If you deal with acute inflammation, melatonin will intensify the immune system’s response. Talk to a doctor or nutritionist to ensure you have enough melatonin in your body.