10 interesting facts about Melatonin 😴

Hello everyone🖖

Melatonin, commonly known as the sleep hormone is responsible for our cicardian rythm. But, it has some fascinating facts to be known.

1. The pineal gland, located at the base of the brain, is known to produce 5% of the total quantity of melatonin. Surprisingly, in all of the cells throughout the entire body, the mitochondria generate the remaining 95% of melatonin.

2. Our body cells’ mitochondria typically serve as the energy-generating organelles. They absorb glucose and oxygen to create water and ATP, which serve as the body’s power source. Free radicals are created during this procedure. However, the free radicals can be neutralised by our body’s defence systems. Melatonin acts as the potent anti-oxidant which causes free radical damage.

3. The melatonin which is produced in the body cells due to the sunlight, especially the infra red rays trigger the release of glutathione and other potent anti-oxidants. Melatonin also has anti -inflammatory properties and anti cancer properties too.

4. Since, melatonin is an effective anti-oxidant, it helps to prevent eye and ear damage. Research shows that it is effective in prevention of age related macular degeneration and retinopathy.

5. Melatonin protects the brain. Melatonin serves to promote the growth of new brain cells and improves memory, according to studies. Melatonin levels were discovered to be low in those with Alzeihmers disease. Thus, it is possible to prevent Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease from becoming severely disabling by increasing melatonin levels.

6. Research shows that melatonin stimulate growth hormone production. Evidences showed that oral administration of melatonin increased the level of growth hormone, two fold times.

7.Melatonin production declines noticeably as we get older. Therefore, in order to maintain melatonin levels in our everyday lives, we must get enough sun exposure during the day and turn off lights at night so that darkness can help to stimulate melatonin production.

8. Sub-cellular melatonin which is produced in the body naturally is more effective than taking melatonin pills. Melatonin pills do work on short term basis and should be taken only if clinically recommended.

9. Aside from the infrared radiation that comes from sunlight, which is typically present in the early morning, other sources of infrared radiation that contribute to a sufficient amount of melatonin production include candlelight and being in front of a fire.

10. Incadescent light bulbs, spending time in greenery parks, outdoors all help to boost melatonin production.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

Mental health and food: 6 facts 😇

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful and safe Friday 🙋🏻

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Generally speaking, after having a heavy meal rich in carbohydrate, we tend to feel lethargic, less attentive and unable to focus. Whereas, a meal rich in protein and fibres, we tend to feel alert, active and in a good mood. We must have noticed that binging on junk food, or refined food in large quantities tend to make us feel exhausted, anxious, depressed and less attentive. So, there is enough evidence to show the high impact of food on mental and brain health. Studies from the past and new emerging researches have given strong scientific evidence regarding the link between dietary pattern and mental health.

6 Relevant facts

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1. Though the brain is 2% of the body weight, it utilises around 20% of the body’s energy resources daily. And most of this energy comes from the food we consume daily. Structurally, the brain is composed of mainly fat (about 60%) which are mostly omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Besides, playing an essential role in building the brain structures and development, these fatty acids act as messengers in the functions of brain neurotransmitters which signals neuronal impulses, and also helps in maturation of brain cells and the plasticity of brain cells. More on the sources of omega 3 fatty acids from my post https://wordpress.com/post/healthhappinesshealing.org/3844

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2. Nutritionally, the rest of the brain structures are mainly protein, amino acids, glucose and micronutrients. Protein and amino acids are the building blocks of the brain cells. Antioxidants found in fresh fruits and vegetables provide the essential micronutrients that fight the free radicals and enable the brain to remain alert and stable for a more extended period. Essential nutrients found in food like Vitamine B6 and 12, folic acid prevent the process of degenerative diseases in the brain. Trace minerals like sodium, copper and iron also play a role in the cognitive development of the brain.

3. Emerging studies in the past and present times have shown significant evidence to prove that healthy dietary habits have reduced the risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety and even cognitive impairment.

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A meta-analysis of many studies showed with Modified Mediterranean diet: A diet which encourages large quantities of fruits, vegetable, legumes, olive oil, nuts and fishes with a moderate amount of meat and regular exercise and active lifestyle has shown to significantly improved the depression symptoms and level of depression rating measured by MADRD scale (Montogomery Asberg Depression Rating).

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4. Studies have also shown that a healthy wholesome diet with many nutrients has substantial evidence to improve inflammation in the body and brain health and thereby improved the symptoms of depression which is linked to inflammation. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level also increases with a healthy diet.
A healthy diet also changes and improve the gut microbiome in 3-4 weeks. And gut health is strongly linked with brain and mental health.

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5. Food has a direct correlation with the blood glucose level in the body and brain health. Food with the high glycemic index, a carbohydrate-rich diet or maybe pasta or white bread releases glucose rapidly into the blood following which there is a dip in blood sugar which can affect our brain health like inability to focus, attention and mood. Inversely, after consuming food with a low glycemic index like oats, grains, legumes cause a slow, steady release of blood glucose which in turn help in a stable level of attentiveness and a good mood.

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6. Finally, the variety of sources of food which boost brain and cognitive functions are fatty fishes, nuts, whole grains, legumes, turmeric, ashwagandha, dark chocolates apart from a wide range of vegetables and fruits.
Brain supplements are useful too but required to be used under clinical supervision.
Brain exercises like solving challenging problems, puzzles, memorising, physical body co-ordination exercises, yoga and meditation are useful for brain health.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love for all 💐

 

 

Post: Life quotes from the sweet turtle 🐢❤️

Hello everyone ! Have a great Friday and Wonderful weekend 🙋🏻

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Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much to all 💐

http://pladollmo.com/4Et2

Post : Sunshine blogger Award Again! 🌼

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Hello Everyone! Have a great Tuesday 🙋🏻

I have been nominated for Sunshine blogger award for the third time. Yes, I am still not bored. I am simply loving it. Though not a real award, it feels great to be acknowledged by your fellow bloggers. I have been nominated by my fellow blogger Kacha of https://journeythroughlife591163021.wordpress.com. A big thanks to her.

Her blog is about her candid journey through depression and burn out and how she has struggled and overcome it. The beauty of her blog is that she has been very openhearted, unpretentious and honest. I hold great regards and earnest appreciation for her.

Now to speak of the Award: Here are the rules

Rules for the award
• Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link back to their blog so others can find them.
• Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you.
• Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 new questions.
• Notify the nominees about it by commenting on one of their blog posts.
• List the rules and display a Sunshine Blogger Award logo on your post and/or your blog site

Her questions :

1 If you could, would you turn back time?
No, I wouldn’t. I try living in the present moment and take each moment as it comes. There is no point in thinking about the past or worrying about the future.
2 What is an expression you use quite often?
Nowadays, I try smiling very often.
3 What is your favourite fairy tale?
Now, as an adult, I am too realistic. But, yes during childhood, I love the stories of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Snow White and seven dwarfs.
4 What is the trait you are most proud of?
I try being kind to all, as much as practically possible.
5 Where do you find inspiration for your blog?
My inspirations are very instinctive.
6 What languages do you speak?
I am an Indian living in The Netherlands. So, English is the common language I communicate mostly. At home with family, I speak my native Indian language including Hindi.
7 What do you dislike most about blogging?
I thoroughly enjoy blogging. There is nothing that I don’t like.
8 What subjects in a conversation are so boring to you
that you could fall asleep standing?
I find the technology conversation a bit boring.

9 What do you love to talk about?
I love life to the fullest. So, I love talking to people, their experiences, emotions, problems, joy, sorrow, everything about life
10 Do you have habits that can be considered as a little
out of the norm?
I love and read about spirituality very often. I keep listening to spiritual talks.
11 Which trend needs to stay in 2019?
The only trend that is going to stay the longest is “Back to basics”. Be it health trends, food trends, lifestyle trends, going back to basics is in.

As for my nominations, I love and have great regards to all my followers, readers and fellow bloggers. So, I don’t like picking out some names leaving the rest. So, anybody, whoever likes to do this award, you are most welcome and appreciated🙏. You can take the same questions given by Kacha as above.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

Post: 10 magical facts to keep smiling 😊.

Hello everyone! Have a great day 🙋🏻

Who doesn’t like to see a smiling face as soon as you wake up in the morning? Seeing someone smiling at you at home, office, travel everywhere you go simply lift up your mood. In fact, it is the easiest way to boost your mood, health, longevity, coping up with success, setbacks, and challenges in the life journey.

10 magical facts of smiling :

1.Endorphins: Not just a genuine smile, even if it is not so genuine, a smile can help the release of endorphins which can relieve the body from stress and pain. The natural release of endorphins helps in reducing everyday stress and anxiety. Therefore, keep smiling throughout the day, it will keep you away from stress. It will help you to keep your mood elevated.

2.Social health: We are always attracted to smiling, happy people. It is a part of social health. With genuine smiling, we can build up trust while dealing with people. Building a relationship with trust is long lasting. Smiling helps you get motivated, work harder while performing tasks and increase productivity at work.

3.Open mind: Smiling keeps our mind open, relaxed. Often stress, limits our attention to people, perceptions, thinking. But with smiling, we are open up to a wider perspective, a wider view which helps in multitasking and help in facing the challenges easily.

4.Anti-ageing: Smile lift up your face and makes you look younger. A genuine smile uses all the facial muscles of your face. In fact its a good facial muscle exercise. A good smile helps you release stress, helps your heart to keep you live longer.

5.Heart-friendly: Smiling slow the workload of heart, relaxes your body. Therefore, it helps you to reduce blood pressure (though temporarily) and also keep you away from heart diseases.

6.Boost Immune system: When the body is out of stress, in a happy mood while smiling, the immune system works better, reacts quickly against invaders.

7.Pain killer: Studies have shown that endorphins or happy hormones released while smiling can ease the pain. So that is why endorphins are called natural pain killers. Smiling can help release endorphins from hypothalamus and pituitary quickly.

8.Successful: Studies have shown that people who smile often, appear more confident, approachable, motivated hence are likely to get promoted, successful at work.

9.Infectious: Yes smiling is infectious, not only it lifts our mood but also change other people’s mood around us make it easier and happier in whatever task performed or at home. The facial expression is an unconscious automatic response so when someone sees a smiling face, they smile you in return.

10.Improves relationship: Time and again, it has shown that people always get attracted to a smiling, humorous person. People who smile tend to be more attractive and trustworthy than people with other neural expressions.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

Keep smiling 😊