melatonin

What is melatonin? Melatonin is referred to as the hormone of darkness. It is produced from serotonin and mainly secreted by the pineal gland where levels are elevated during the night and low during the day. Melatonin helps to regulate your circadian rhythm (your body’s internal sleep-wake clock). What does it do? immune function blood pressure cortisol levels helps to regulate your circadian rhythm acts as an antioxidant may improve eye health east symptoms of seasonal depression can provide relief from acid reflux Melatonin and the gut According to one NCBI article, The concentration of melatonin in the GI tract is at least 400x more than in the pineal gland. As more research is being done, it is becoming known that melatonin may influencing the regeneration and function of the gut lining, enhance the guts immune system, and reduce the tone of gastrointestinal muscles. The release of Melatonin may also influence the digestive tract indirectly, via the central nervous system and the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. Studies show that taking melatonin supplements to help with sleep can cause inflammation in the intestines and disrupt the gut microbiota. This in turn can worsen IBD symtoms. Melatonin and Insulin There is a strong link between melatonin and insulin homeostasis. Research indicates that increasing levels of melatonin reduces the ability of insulin-producing cells to release insulin. Reduced melatonin levels may be involved in the start of type 2 diabetes. pregnancy If you are considering trying for a baby, it would be good to get your GROWBABY DNA test done. This test shows certain genetic variants that predispose one to gestational diabetes and having a large for gestational age baby. It also looks at genetics that for Maternal vitamin D deficiency which can result in recurrent pregnancy losses, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes.   Contact me for more information.