When you think of maintaining your health, you naturally think of warding off heart disease… diabetes… cancer. But your bones need to be at the top of the list.
The good news… your body already produces a hormone which can prevent and heal bone damage. If you have enough of it.
Studies testing the hormone on both animals and humans show positive results…
University of Buffalo researchers found that the hormone increased amounts of several proteins responsible for bone formation in mice.1
Another study out of Spain tested the hormone on rabbits. It completely repaired bone defects in just four weeks. Even better, the newly formed bone had increased density.2
Women who took a supplement of the hormone also had increased bone formation.3 Even better… they had a decrease in bone resorption—a process where bone is broken down. Too much resorption causes osteoporosis.
| Another way to up your bone protection… add some extra virgin olive oil to your diet. Research found that men who added olive oil to their diet had higher calcium levels and stronger bones.5 Use organically-grown, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil when possible. It’s the least processed. Try it as a sauté or sprinkle it over a bed of rice, pasta, garden salad or veggies. |
And although you’ve heard of this hormone, you never would have thought it has anything to do with bone health. So what is it?
The “light of day.” Better known as melatonin.
Melatonin is the hormone normally responsible for controlling your sleep and wake pattern. Your pineal gland naturally produces it. But with age, levels decrease. So sometimes you need a supplement to get your levels back to normal. That much you probably already knew. But not this new twist…
Normal melatonin levels are vital in protecting your bones. When your body has enough melatonin it signals cells to produce and mineralize bone matrix proteins. And bone matrix proteins lead to bone formation and increased density.
Your bones are the support system of your body. But they’re not hard, lifeless structures. They are living, growing tissues. And as you get older, bone density decreases. That puts you at an increased risk for fractures or developing osteoporosis.
The best way to keep your melatonin levels steady is by getting enough sleep. But that isn’t always that easy…
So, to naturally boost your melatonin levels, eliminate all artificial light from the bedroom when it’s time for bed. Melatonin production is increased by the dark. Even the light from an alarm clock can halt melatonin production. It helps to go to sleep and wake up at the same time too.
There are also several foods that contain melatonin and will help your body balance its levels naturally. Bananas, tart cherries, ginger, tomatoes, radishes, and red wine are good sources.4
If you’re still having trouble getting your levels to normal you can take a melatonin supplement. Just make sure to take it at night to prevent feeling drowsy in the morning.
People associate getting older with frail, brittle bones. That doesn’t have to be the case. A little melatonin and you can sleep your way to healthy bones.
Editor’s Note: In the May issue of INH’s Natural Health Dossier, we revealed how getting enough sleep affects everything about you—from your performance and mood to your looks and health. Plus 6 simple steps you can use starting tonight to find out if you’re getting enough sleep. And if not, our specific plan to get you back on track…and maybe even help you burn 54% more fat at the same time. To access this issue and our entire archives, join Natural Health Dossier today. It just takes a few minutes.
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References:
1 http://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10419530
2 http://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22323056
3 http://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22220591
4 http://instituteofhealthsciences.com/maximising-your-melatonin/
5 http://jcem.endojournals.org/content/early/2012/07/31/jc.2012-2221.short