Each year we spend millions of dollars on lotions, cremes and potions to make us look younger (unless you're 18 and you want to look 21 to the
bartender). I for one do not plan to grow old gracefully. I will be kicking and screaming all the way to my grave. It has been said that the fountain of youth can be found under the letter "M" --
for Melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone which is manufactured in the pineal gland (you probably didn't know you had one of those, did you?) and is responsible for establishing and maintaining our daily body rhythms
from birth on. Our body produces this hormone in high levels during childhood, but decreases as we get older. By the time we reach 60 years old, our bodies produce only about half of the Melatonin it
produced at 20. The reduced levels of this hormone cause our "aging clock" to tick onward. How can you fight back?We know that a healthy diet and exercise can help slow the effects of aging. In addition, Melatonin can be used to slow the aging process. Melatonin
can also be effective in reducing jet lag. People who travel through different time zones, have found it helps ease the body's adjustment to time changes and also helps them sleep better. In our later years,
supplementing with Melatonin may help stabilize the body's biological clock and help slow the aging process. However, any use of Melatonin should be used in moderation and as instructed. Although high doses
may not cause any immediate harm, it may have some unknown long-term effects. If you are taking any anesthetics, sedatives, alcohol or antihistamines avoid taking Melatonin. The hormone should not be consumed by
pregnant and lactating women or anyone with diabetes, depression, hypotension and autoimmune diseases. |
