Your body produces a number of hormones that most of use never know about, and one such hormone is melatonin. This hormone is made in the pineal gland, which is located in the brain. Melatonin is necessary to our bodies because it helps to regulate our sleep cycles. Our bodies actually have a sort of internal clock that tells us when it is natural for us to sleep and when we should be awake. This is called the circadian rhythm, and while it is somewhat different for each person, it generally tells us to be awake during the day and to sleep at night. During the evening, our body begins to produce more melatonin. Our melatonin levels are then quite high at night and begin to decrease during the early morning.

When you think of it, it's quite fantastic that our bodies are able to manufacture substances like melatonin or for that matter, something like glutathione a natural anti oxidant which is thought of by many as the master antioxidant and also works exceptionally well as an anti inflammatory

Our body produces melatonin based on how much light comes into our eyes. This means that during shorter days, we get sleepier earlier, while we tend to be awake longer during the long summer days. Melatonin levels also change with age—older people produce small or even no melatonin.

While our bodies naturally produce melatonin, it is possible to take melatonin as a dietary supplement. People sometimes use it to handle insomnia or jet lag, but it also shows promise in helping combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD), reducing sleep problems after surgery, and even helping to regulate sleep cycles for those who work nights or often have to work long shifts with little sleep. Some studies have even shown that melatonin can help combat cancer, slow aging, and improve the immune system, although these studies are not conclusive.

Taking melatonin is fairly safe, although pregnant women should always consult their doctors before adding any new supplement to their diet. The main side effect (and the reason many people take melatonin) is that is makes you drowsy. Some other side effects may include grogginess, headaches, low body temperature, and even very vivid dreams. The normal dose of melatonin is 0.5 mg, although it is available in doses ranging from 0.2 mg to 20 mg.

Anna Ruth consults with Whole Earth Health and is one of the company's champions for MAXGXL a glutathione precursor. Because glutathione supplements are of questionable value, MAX GXL takes a different approach, instead helping the body to manufacture its own glutathione. The product has produced some outstanding results for people seekingnatural pain relief also boosting their energy levels and restoring them to the life they want to live.

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