An Important Hormone: Melatonin

A hormone that makes a major difference in strengthening your immune system and improving your defence to all bacterial and viral diseases as well as to cancer: MELATONIN

Melatonin is a hormone, primarily produced in the Pineal Gland from an amino acid, called tryptophan. It is the same amino acid that helps to produce Serotonin. Both Serotonin and Melatonin act in the body as a calming hormone.

SOURCE:
Have a healthy diet, rich in vitamins B and B6. Vitamin B helps to convert tryptophan to Melatonin, while B6 helps to make tryptophan. If you have an unhealthy diet, full of sugary food, your Melatonin and Serotonin level will be low.

Food containing Tryptophan are: grains, beans, nuts and seeds (not roasted), pumpkin seeds, eggs, fish, turkey, chicken, lump, brown rice, barley and corn.

BENEFITS:
Melatonin helps with better sleep, improves your mood and makes you stronger against stress.
It keeps your hormonal circle on balance and at an optimal level. It helps with circadian rhythm disorders, jet lag and helps into production of growth hormone.

It lowers your cortisol level however high intake of the corticosteroids also lowers the level of Melatonin in the body.
It helps bone to keep the calcium and with bone formation.

MELATONIN & BREAST CANCER:
Melatonin blocks estrogen to get to estrogen receptors and therefore evidence indicates a preventative hormone to breast cancer.
Women in menopause should be aware to test their Melatonin level, most of the time it is low.
Melatonin is a key hormone in the hormonal symphony with the rest of hormones in the body to an optimal function.

Best of Luck
Dr Zoe Vlamaki MD FRCS
Breast Oncoplastic and General Surgeon