Melatonin fights the immune suppressing effects of cortisol
One of the key causes for the breakdown of our immune system is stress. Stress causes our adrenal glands to produce cortisol, called ‘stress hormone’ which helps our bodies key up for the fight response. However, cortisol also suppresses our immune system which is why we are so much likely to get sick when we are under pressure or going through a grueling emotional time.
Melatonin seems to counter the immune suppressing effects of cortisol. That may be why younger people seem better able to handle high pressure jobs or demanding schedules, as well as to bounce back more easily from emotional blows and life difficulties. Restoring melatonin levels may also restore your youthful ability to handle challenging situations with grace and resilience.
A study conducted by Italian researchers demonstrated that melatonin boosted the immune system of people under extreme stress. The subjects were twenty-three cancer patients who were undergoing the trauma of cancer therapy. The patients were put under a program of 10 mg of melatonin nightly. After a month of therapy, they found that melatonin strengthened their immune systems. The production of interferon-gamma and interleukin-2 had increased considerably. Melatonin acted as a stress buffer and also made the patients less likely to succumb to the cancer.
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