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Read Dr. Elena Krasnov's Weekly Column in the Health & Fitness section of the 24 Hours Magazine. Look for new articles every week!

Monday, March 30, 2009

The Benefits of DHEA and Melatonin Supplementation

Q: Could you tell me what are the health benefits are of taking DHEA and Melatonin for women, in particular, post-menopausal women. Much appreciated.

A: The most popular anti-aging hormone supplements are DHEA, HGH, Estrogen, Melatonin and Testosterone.

All these hormones decline with age, thus the movement to supplement them for the anti-aging revolution. DHEA peaks at puberty and starts to decline after age 25. Because it is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland, adrenal support is important in any anti-aging regiment. While the mechanisms of this decline and cause-and-effect are not clear, it is clear that hormones play key roles in cell repair, protein synthesis, energy metabolism, and immune response. Reduced levels of these hormones in the blood are associated with increased symptoms of aging. Some scientists claim that DHEA can significantly boost brain function and thus be useful in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Melatonin is a hormone that is produced by the pineal gland and is best known as a regulator of sleep. The pineal gland can also be looked at as an internal timer that controls the aging process. The pineal gland controls the activities of virtually every cell in the body, affecting functions such as reproduction, body temperature, kidney function, immunity, sleep, growth and development.

As we age, and our pineal function declines, our central regulator loses some of its control over the various body systems. This occurrence leads to a gradual breakdown of the systems. It is thought that melatonin supplementation can prevent this from occurring because it treats the underlying cause being that of aging.

There are many positive effects of melatonin supplementation. It has been shown to boost immune function, lower blood cholesterol levels, protect the body against the negative effects of stress, restore healthy sleep patterns and help the body defend against cancer and heart disease.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online at 24hrs.ca

Co-written by Miranda Tallon-Malisani Holistic Nutritionist