Top 5 powerful properties of melatonin against cancer

2024 Author: Seth Attwood | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 15:55

Melatonin is called the “pacemaker” of our body. This hormone is produced by the pineal gland. Melatonin plays an important role in the endocrine system as a whole. It also plays a huge role in the regulation of the immune system …

When you hear “melatonin,” the first thing that comes to your mind is its effect on healthy sleep. Indeed, melatonin is often taken in supplement form as a non-drug treatment for insomnia and other sleep disorders. However, melatonin, which is produced in our body, has many other functions besides regulating sleep. The necessary levels of this essential hormone in the human body can help prevent diseases, including breast cancer.

Sleep is essential for melatonin production

Melatonin is often referred to as the “pacemaker” of our body. This hormone is produced by the pineal gland, a small but very important gland hidden in a deep groove between the cerebral hemispheres. The pineal gland produces melatonin and plays an important role in the endocrine system as a whole.

The pineal gland and melatonin are responsible for keeping the body's internal clock., allowing him to navigate in this way what time it is and what time of year. The interaction between the pineal gland and melatonin helps regulate circadian rhythms as well as the all-important “sleep cycle”. Melatonin affects almost all cells in our body and is found in cell membranes, mitochondria, and other parts of cells.

An interesting fact is that some of the melatonin is also produced in the gastrointestinal tract. This seems logical when you remember that melatonin plays a huge role in the regulation of the immune system, and most of the cells of the immune system are located just in the upper gastrointestinal tract. In addition to the many tasks that this hormone performs in our body, it stimulates the immune system, has an anti-inflammatory function and acts as a “buffer” for inflammatory reactions. Melatonin can prevent complications caused by infections, vaccines, autoimmune reactions, and slows down the aging of the immune system (the body's immune system wears out with age).

Still, the question of how age affects melatonin production is causing some disagreement in the mainstream scientific community. Some researchers question whether melatonin production naturally decreases in people around the age of 50. But whatever the reason for this decline in adulthood, there is ample evidence that melatonin levels decline in people after age 4, and that melatonin levels are associated with stages of hormonal development (eg, puberty).

It is also clear that sleep disturbances are more common in older people.than in other age groups, and that lack of sleep is the main cause leading to the depletion of melatonin stores in the body. The greatest amount of melatonin is produced at night and in complete darkness. Its production increases right before the “normal” bedtime and slows down just before waking up.

The likelihood that the body will not be able to produce enough melatonin to maintain normal functioning and prevent disease is increased in the following cases:

• Late bedtime
• Using electronic devices right before bed
• Severe stress at night
• Not getting enough sleep
• Intermittent sleep interruption at night
• Inadequate sleep quality (i.e.sleep in the theta or delta state)
• Imbalanced sleep cycle due to work or other factors
• Insomnia

Electromagnetic pollution: the biggest threat to melatonin production

Another reason for the depletion of melatonin reserves in the body is exposure to "electromagnetic pollution", also known as man-made harmful electromagnetic field. As the number of mobile towers and high-power transmission lines grows and our society as a whole is becoming more dependent on wireless Internet, electromagnetic pollution is indeed becomingone of the most serious threats to human health on a global scale. The National Toxicology Program of the US National Institutes of Health is currently conducting a $ 25 million study to examine how the use of mobile phones at close range affects the risk of cancer. Several results have already shown that there is a correlation between exposure to intense high-frequency radiation (from mobile phones) and the occurrence of rare forms of brain and heart cancer. Perhaps these results will lead to the conclusion that the use of mobile phones directly increases the risk of cancer, and this risk only increases with the intensity of the radiation.

Radiation from cell phones, power lines, wifi routers, and other electrical devices such as alarm clocks and hair dryers suppresses the production of melatonin by the pineal gland. According to a study at the University of California, Berkeley, an electromagnetic field of 12 milligauss or 60 Hertz can block the body's production of melatonin (typically, 60 Hertz radiation comes from a computer). Electromagnetic pollution can also disrupt the melatonin signaling system, which is essential for cancer prevention. If the cell signaling of melatonin is not functioning properly, cancer cells will continue to grow.

Electronic devices are found everywhere in our homes and offices, but the electromagnetic fields they generate are hazardous to health.

What are electromagnetic fields and why do they have such a negative impact on health?

Electromagnetic fields are neither good nor bad in themselves. They are all around us, even if we do not see them. Natural electromagnetic fields play a critical role in the connection between the Earth and space. They maintain the correct "regime" of the planet, weather, oceans and our bodies, necessary for the prosperity of life itself!

Like all living organisms, the human body is also an electrical system. To maintain optimal health, we must be in "resonance" with the Earth. Both the Earth and our bodies resonate at a frequency that for thousands of years has been approximately 7.8 hertz. Human-made devices also emit electromagnetic fields. The problem is that the frequency range, intensity and shape of these emissions differ from natural (natural) fields and are not consistent with life. They are too large or uneven (or both) to support life. If we are constantly exposed to electromagnetic radiation, our health is ultimately compromised, and the consequences can be disastrous.

When it comes to melatonin production, intense exposure to electromagnetic radiation, especially "blue light" from cell phones and computer screens, can create a vicious cycle. As already mentioned, electromagnetic radiation blocks the production of melatonin. In turn, this affects sleep patterns. The less sleep the body gets, the less melatonin is produced.… The less melatonin, the worse the sleep becomes, and so on. So, without any visible signs, a person falls into this vicious circle, which leads to illness.

The relationship between melatonin levels and cancer

A relationship has been established between low melatonin levels and various chronic diseases. For example, the Harvard School of Public Health, in conjunction with other institutions, conducted a study with the participation of almost 750 women. This study found that the lower the melatonin level, the higher the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Numerous other studies have confirmed that the level of melatonin in the body also affects the risk of cancer. Melatonin is classified as a cytotoxic hormone, i.e. a substance that has a toxic effect on pathogenic (disease-causing) cells. Melatonin is also known to be a tumor suppressor for many types of cancer, including breast cancer.

In 2015, the journal Endocrine-Related Cancer published a study involving a group of people working at night under artificial lighting. The aim of the study was to understand how these conditions affect the production of melatonin and the risk of breast cancer. The results of the study showed a high incidence of breast cancer in this group. One of the reasons is the ability of melatonin to promote the regulation of enzymes of estrogen metabolism, as well as "clock genes".

Melatonin also has other functions that can help prevent cancer:

1. Melatonin makes cancer cells fall asleep.

   Famed cancer researcher Dr. David E. Blask discovered that melatonin has the ability to suppress the development of breast cancer, literally putting cancer cells into hibernation. He found that nighttime blood melatonin levels could slow breast cancer growth by 70%!

   “Nighttime melatonin is a potent suppressive signal for breast cancer. 90% of human breast cancers have specific receptors for this signal,”says Dr. Blask.

2. Melatonin helps regulate estrogen.

   It does this by down-regulating estrogen-sensitive genes. Melatonin leaves no room for harmful "xenoestrogens" and prevents excess estrogen by inhibiting estrogen in adipose tissue fibroblasts. Fibroblasts from adipose tissue form a dense mass around malignant breast epithelial cells. As shown by a study conducted by Australian scientists in 2012, they are the main source of estrogen in breast tumors in postmenopausal women.

3. Melatonin promotes the death of cancer cells.

   This process is called "apoptosis", and in it melatonin acts as a catalyst, inhibiting the activity of certain types of proteins and signaling pathways. This is supported by a 2012 study in China and other studies.

Working at night and having plenty of artificial light can reduce melatonin production, which increases your risk of breast cancer.

1. Melatonin stimulates the immune system.

   As mentioned above, this factor in itself is of great importance for the prevention (and even treatment) of breast cancer and other diseases. Melatonin is a natural antioxidant and helps to increase the production of T-helper cells in the body. Melatonin may help people suffering from breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and melanoma, according to a 2011 study in India. Since melanin reduces oxidative stress, taking melatonin as a dietary supplement under the supervision of a naturopathic physician can be an effective protocol for reducing the effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

5 ways to increase your melatonin levels

Are you now convinced that melatonin is one of the most important hormones in our body? It is, and you can naturally increase your melatonin levels in the following ways:

1. Need a lot of sleep,

   and also make sure your sleep is good! The deepest relaxation is believed to be achieved in the delta sleep state. Also, it is in this state that most of the recovery processes take place. In order for you to achieve the deepest sleep state, make sure that the room where you sleep is as dark as possible. Even a small amount of light from a night light or alarm clock can reduce melatonin production.

2. Reduce Exposure to Wireless Radiation.

   Now that you know how much harm wireless radiation can harm your body, namely the production of melatonin, reduce your exposure to radiation from wireless networks and mobile phones. Unplug wifi routers at night, and never hold your mobile phone close to your head (try speaking on speakerphone instead). Also make sure there are no electrical outlets or transformers near your bed. If your home is equipped with wireless smart meters with remote data reading, replace them with regular meters. Perhaps your power supply company will be against such a decision and, unfortunately, may even impose a monthly fine on you, but it is worth it in terms of maintaining your health. Remember that you have the right to opt out of installing a smart meter.

3. Stop using your computer at least an hour before going to bed.

   Televisions, electronic devices, and computer monitors emit light in the blue spectrum. Blue light can be helpful during the daytime as it stimulates concentration, mood and response. But at night, it can interfere with a healthy night's sleep. Blue light can greatly affect sleep patterns and melatonin production, so it should be avoided after sunset. If you have to work at the computer at night, use a filter that dims the screen light. Better yet, turn off your computer and TV at least an hour before bed and read a little in soft light (preferably red or orange). Also, taking a hot bath, showering, and listening to soft music before bed can increase your chances of a healthy night's sleep.

Electromagnetic pollution inhibits the production of melatonin. Take all possible steps to minimize exposure to electromagnetic fields in your bedroom.

1. Reduce stress levels.

   Normally, during the daytime, cortisol levels usually rise sharply and remain high. At night, cortisol should literally hibernate, giving way to melatonin. But if the level of melatonin is generally low, then problems arise, namely, the level of glucocorticoid signaling (i.e., cellular signaling of cortisol) increases at night.

Especially try to avoid stressful situations at night, as such situations provoke a sharp increase in cortisol at the wrong time. This is confirmed by studies with the participation of people working in shifts.

Are you having a difficult conversation with a family member or colleague? Wait until the morning when your body is properly tuned and ready to deal with the daily stress without much harm. Also, get in the habit of a daily stress management protocol.

Nowadays everyone needs it! Meditate, walk, or do breathing exercises. It is ideal to carry out such practices daily for 20-30 minutes. But even 5-10 minutes a day will gradually teach your brain to calm down and your body to relax, as a result of which restorative hormones (including melatonin) come into play.

Try to avoid stressful situations and difficult conversations right before bed, as these can trigger a spike in cortisol.

1. Dietary supplement.

   For those who have very low melatonin levels or are exposed to chronic stress that is not conducive to recovery, taking melatonin supplements for some time may help. If you are considering taking a dietary supplement, I recommend that you first check your melatonin levels and then consult with your naturopathic physician based on the test results.

Can excess melatonin harm your health?

The short answer is no. As Dr. Blask writes:

“According to research, melatonin is not toxic to the human body. In order to induce sleepiness at night, a very small amount, on the order of three tenths of a milligram, is sufficient. But there can be no overdose. People took it in grams. The most serious side effect was drowsiness."

So, while there can be no overdose of melatonin, there is no need to take large amounts of it. Get tested. If your levels are low, take steps to boost your melatonin production at night, naturally or with dietary supplements.

As recently reported on National Public Radio, nearly 60 million Americans have sleep problems, especially women and people over the age of 65. This suggests that quite a few people in the US may have low melatonin! Don't underestimate the importance of melatonin levels. Maintaining this vital hormone in your body is one of the best ways to prevent diseases, including breast cancer.