ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MELATONIN: FUNCTIONS, HOW TO OPTIMIZE PRODUCTION & SUPPLEMENTATION

MORE THAN JUST A SLEEP HORMONE

MELATONIN is one of THE MOST IMPORTANT compounds we produce in our body. It is far more than just a sleep hormone recent research has shown. I’ll be going over why it is so important + WHY i would NEVER Supplement IT.

Let’s dive in. '

Melatonin's Multifaceted Functions

Melatonin, often underestimated in its significance, plays a pivotal role in several key functions within our body:

• Multi-Functional Antioxidant: Melatonin serves as a potent antioxidant, safeguarding our cells from oxidative stress, a common precursor to various diseases.

• Conveyor of Darkness and Sleep Promotion: Acting as a messenger of darkness, melatonin promotes sleep in diurnal animals, aiding in the regulation of healthy sleep patterns.

• Regulation of Reproduction: Melatonin regulates reproduction in photoperiodic animals, intricately linking its presence to the intricate mechanisms of life creation.

• Modulation of Energy Metabolism: Melatonin plays a vital role in energy metabolism, ensuring our body's energy processes are finely tuned.

• Inflammation Management: This remarkable hormone also participates in managing inflammation, a critical function in maintaining our immune balance.

Melatonin is also a potent Anti-Cancer Agent

Melatonin's influence extends even to the realm of cancer. Research suggests that melatonin possesses anti-cancer properties, particularly affecting "part-time" cancer cells that exhibit cancerous traits during the day. Melatonin's endogenous rhythm in the blood reverses Warburg-type metabolism, making it a potent agent against cancer.

Unlike many anti-cancer compounds, melatonin lacks toxicity, making it a valuable addition to cancer treatments. It can be administered alongside other therapies, reducing their adverse effects and enhancing overall treatment efficacy.

Melatonin: Production and Sources

Melatonin is produced in various parts of our body:

1. Pineal Gland: The pineal gland, though small, plays a crucial role in melatonin production. It synthesizes melatonin, orchestrating our sleep-wake cycles in harmony with cortisol. You all know about Pineal produced melatonin, but did you know that LESS THAN 5% of the melatonin in our body is produced in the pineal gland? That’s right.

2. Microbiota and Mitochondria: Surprisingly, our microbiota and mitochondria also contribute to melatonin production, showcasing the intricate web of connections within our body. This is where the majority of melatonin production lies. Our mitochondria make melatonin for its own internal use…more on this to come.

3. Dietary Sources: Melatonin can also be obtained from our diet, albeit in smaller quantities. Interestingly, the gastrointestinal tract contains 400 times more melatonin than the pineal gland, underscoring the significance of a balanced diet.

Melatonin Production Process

The journey of melatonin production begins with the conversion of the aromatic amino acid Tryptophan into 5-HTP, then Serotonin, and finally, Melatonin. This intricate process explains why 5-HTP is a popular supplement for improving sleep quality. I am not a huge fan of supplementing 5-HTP either.

These processes all begin the GUT, because that is where we produce the majority of our serotonin (95%). Tryptophan is an aromatic amino acid that is also produced partially in the gut or consumed via diet.

You can see why the health of our gut microbiome is imperative for optimal melatonin production.

The Pineal Gland: Melatonin's Chemical Expression of Darkness

The pineal gland, often dubbed the "chemical expression of darkness," orchestrates our sleep cycles. Working in synergy with cortisol, melatonin maintains our circadian rhythm, ensuring the proper balance between wakefulness and rest.

Melatonin production within the pineal gland is intricately connected to external signals, primarily light. Unlike many hormones, melatonin isn't stored in the pineal gland, necessitating real-time synthesis. The gland relies on neural connections with our eyes and the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN), the body's internal clock. During darkness, fibers from the Superior Cervical Ganglia (SCG) stimulate norepinephrine release, initiating melatonin synthesis.

MELATONIN IN MITOCHONDRIA

Melatonin improves mitochondrial function in numerous ways and helps maintain redox homeostasis. Melatonin produced in mitochondria is not released into systemic circulation such as in the pineal gland, but instead is used internally in the cell.

Here's how melatonin improves Mitochondrial function:

-Enhances mito. uptake of pyruvate

-Reduces electron leakage by accelerating ETC

-Lowers free radical generation

-Supports mito. transfer from healthy to injured cells

-Regulates mito. biogenesis, fusion, fission, mitophagy

-Helps maintain mito. membrane

Melatonin DOES IT ALL.

MELATONIN IS THE MASTR ANTIOXIDANT

Process of ATP generation is not flawless. Transfer of electrons in electron transport chain (ETC) result in reduction of ground state oxygen O2 into superoxide anion radical (O2-). Melatonin acts as an antioxidant to combats these free radicals, reducing oxidative stress.

But melatonin is no ordinary antioxidant, here's why:

-5-10x more effective ROS scavenger compared to Vit C

-Has little to no pro-oxidant activity

-Is Amphiphilic --> BOTH water + fat soluble (easier to get into cells)

-Acts in cell membrane + all intracellular compartments

WHAT DISRUPTS MELATONIN PRODUCTION

1. Blue light

   1. Blue light is the key signaling wavelength (~440-480nm) & is the most effective at suppressing pineal melatonin production.

   2. Artificial light at night (ALAN) is the easiest way to suppress melatonin and nuke your sleep quality. That is why ALAN and circadian disruption has been linked strongly with accelerated aging and pretty much all chronic diseases.

2. Glyphosate

   1. Dr. Stephanie Seneff in her book Toxic Legacy talks at length about how detrimental Glyphosate is for Tryptophan and thus Serotonin/Melatonin. We know that Glyphosate nukes many bacteria in your gut microbiome, and this disrupts many biological processes. This is why buying organic food matters.

HOW to OPTIMIZE MELATONIN production

1. Watch the Sunrise

2. Block Artificial Blue Light (CLICK for my favorite brand that is affordable and use code TRISTAN10 for a discount)

3. Consistent Sleep/Wake times (seasonal)

4. Avoid changing time zones too frequently

   1. DROPPING my 30 page travel guide to subscribers ONLY NEXT WEEK

5. Avoid ALL bright lights after sunset

   1. I use midwest light bulbs (link above), incandescent or candles

6. Maximize exposure to NIR light

7. DO NOT supplement regularly w/ Melatonin

8. Eat Organic Produce

WHY YOU SHOULD NOT REGULARLY SUPPLEMENT MELATONIN

Melatonin supplementation is a $1.7B global industry. Many biohackers + health influencers recommend it HEAVILY for its potent anti-oxidant and anti-cancer benefits. Here’s why I would never recommend regular supplementation:

1. DOSING/QUALITY

   1. Most melatonin supplements are in the dosage of 1-5mg per serving/pill.

      Endogenous nocturnal melatonin production in the pineal gland is AT MOST 0.3mg, with many sources calling for 20-80 micrograms as an accurate range.

   2. That means you could be taking anywhere from 3X-200X the amount of melatonin that your body endogenously produces. As a result, your circadian rhythm can be disrupted and down regulate cortisol secretion (wakefulness)

      Ever take melatonin & feel groggy in the morning?

   3. A 2017 study testing the content of Melatonin in supps varied UP TO 465% compared to what was on the label!

      It also found that 5-HTP (a precursor to melatonin) was found in 1/3rd of the supplements tested and NOT on the label at ALL. SHADY

2. TIMING

   1. Melatonin release from the pineal gland is stimulated by the absence of light and circadian timing. However it does not come all at once as with a supplement, but rather continuously until the early morning hours.

   2. Slow release supps exist but are still not ideal.

   3. Melatonin supplementation will disrupt your light signaling pathways since light is what dictates melatonin/cortisol & you are bypassing that w/ supplementation.

3. BANNED IN THE REST OF THE WORLD

   1. Melatonin is not OTC in every country, in fact until Australia recently approved OTC use, the USA was one of the few major countries where a prescription was NOT required. UK, Europe it is still needed. Why?

      B/C melatonin is a powerful hormone.

4. SYNTHETIC SUPPS are NOT EQUIVALENT

   1. 99% of Melatonin supplements are synthetically derived, primarily using petrochemicals in the process.

   2. Dr. Seneff also discusses how the methyl and acetyl groups that get attached in the synthesis of melatonin from Tryptophan are important because they are DEUTERIUM depleted, Synthetic supps would not have a deuterium depleted molecular structure. Deuterium (heavy hydrogen) can cause havoc in many biological processes where H+ should be.

5. MASKS POOR SLEEP HYGEINE

   1. Why are you taking melatonin in the first place?

      If it is because you can't fall asleep naturally, then you are just putting a very questionable band aid over the real issue.

      You likely will be further worsening your circadian disruption.

6. ALTERNATIVES

   1. You might say to just supplement with 5-HTP to bypass the deuterium issue, but you still will be interfering with an endogenous process that is based in circadian/light signaling

   2. TART CHERRY juice or extract contains around 40-50mcg of melatonin per 30mL...much more in line with endogenous production levels.

      It also contains a small amount of tryptophan

CONCLUSION

Melatonin's significance surpasses the confines of a mere sleep aid. Its multifaceted functions, spanning from antioxidant properties to its role as an anti-cancer agent, highlight its indispensability in our well-being. Understanding the intricate mechanisms of melatonin production and its diverse roles in our biology allows us to better understand the importance of this compound and the importance of Circadian Biology.

The more you know, the more you can be empowered to live a high quality life.

Stay Sovereign,

Tristan

---

Hope you enjoyed this article!

I am busy working on a course for health practitioners and anyone intersted in nnEMFs, and am excited to use my electrical engineering knowledge to help folks understand what really matters when it comes to this topic.

If you are worried about EMFs in your house and don’t know where to start, book a 1 hour consultation and I can help get you and your family protected with minimal cost.

If you want to support my work, check out my recommended products page where I house all my affiliate brands that I ACTUALLY use on a daily basis.

If you are someone with low energy or mental fatigue, I am now offering a FREE BOUNDLESS ENERGY blueprint to get folks started on the path to optimal health. Comment “ENERGY” or email me directly and I will send you the free PDF.