3 Ways to Increase Melatonin
Melatonin begins to decrease in the body at age 30. Melatonin is a natural hormone that is produced in the pineal gland, and is what allows the body to relax and triggers sleepiness at night. But melatonin has other amazing health benefits as well.
Studies on melatonin have shown that melatonin increases the immune system and has anti-cancer benefits. It not only inhibits proliferation of cancer cells, but also triggers cancer cells to self destruct (apoptosis).
It is also a powerful antioxidant that decreases your body's level of oxidative stress and reduces inflammation.
Other than the most obvious factor - eliminate night time exposure to blue light (from computers and phones), here are three ways to increase natural melatonin production for better sleep and health:
Avoid Sugar and High Caffeine. Several studies have shown that those with diets high in caffeine, processed foods and sugar have decreased levels of melatonin.
Eat Cherries or Drink Tart Cherry Juice. Several foods naturally contain melatonin. The most powerful are tart cherries. Other foods that increase melatonin include: oats, almonds, pineapples, bananas, and oranges.
Make sure you get bright sun exposure regularly. Your pineal gland produces melatonin based on your exposure to bright sunlight during the day, and darkness at night. If you can't access bright sun every day, consider getting a sun lamp.