Study subjects taking 1 to 2.5 mg of melatonin before going to bed had marked reductions in nighttime hypertension and thus reduced their risk of heart attack and death. The Cancer Connection One of the most exciting areas of melatonin research is cancer. Whether it’s made in your pineal gland or taken in supplement form, melatonin is a potent antioxidant that protects cellular and mitochondrial DNA from mutations that give rise to, and propagate, cancer. Evidence to support the cancer-melatonin link has been building for decades. Women who work night shifts—which radically repress melatonin production—have about a 50 percent increased rate of breast cancer. Conversely, people who are blind typically have above-average levels of melatonin and significantly lower cancer rates.

A recent study showed that melatonin-depleted blood stimulates the growth of tumors in animals, while melatonin-rich blood reduces tumor growth. David Blask, the lead researcher of this study explained that melatonin puts breast tumors to sleep at night, but in artificial light the “cancer cells become insomniacs.”

Melatonin may help prevent cancer, but can it treat the disease? Canadian researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 10 studies involving patients with tumors of the breast, lung, brain, kidney, and skin who took 10 to 40 mg of melatonin a day. They concluded, “The substantial reduction in risk of death, low adverse events reported, and low costs related to this intervention suggest great potential for melatonin in treating cancer.”

Eating an hour or two before you go to bed can cause restless sleep, and stimulating drinks like coffee or tea can prolong the time it takes to go to sleep. Alcohol is also disruptive to sleep patterns, as are less obvious sources of caffeine, like chocolate and chocolate-flavored foods, and salt, which can act as a mild stimulant to the adrenal glands.

If you do come down with the flu, a cold, or another viral infection, here are some things you can do, in addition to taking vitamin D, to shorten the duration and reduce symptoms of the illness. Remember, the time to mount a full-fledged attack is when you first start to notice symptoms. Aggressive early intervention makes all the difference. Vitamin C Vitamin C’s reputation for shortening the duration of viral illness is controversial, but I’m a believer in this therapy, which was popularized by Nobel Laureate Linus Pauling, PhD. I recommend 500-1,000 mg of vitamin C every hour you’re awake.

Vitamin D: The Missing Link John J. Cannell, MD, an innovative physician and founder of the Vitamin D Council, had a “eureka” experience two years ago that resulted in a theory that’s now rapidly gaining ground: Vitamin D deficiencies underlie a vulnerability to influenza and other infectious diseases, and boosting levels of this vitamin protects against infection.
Oscillococcinum is a tried-and-true homeopathic remedy by Boiron. Oscillococcinum is particularly effective at battling the flu, especially if taken at the first sign of symptoms. Take three doses, at six-hour intervals, as directed. It is available in most health food stores and comes in packs of three doses.

Chicken Soup This folk remedy has more than word-of-mouth to support it—scientific research has also given it the thumbs up. According to one study, chicken soup improves hydration and nutritional status and relieves congestion by increasing the flow of mucus. In addition, it inhibits the inflammatory response that is responsible for many of the symptoms of viral infections, and it may have direct actions on infectious organisms. Want to beef up its decongestant properties? Add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Rest and Hydration It should go without saying that when you’re sick, you need to take it easy and get extra sleep. In addition, drink copious amounts of water, herbal teas, and other fluids to maintain adequate hydration.

Other Immune Boosters Add to these suggestions other immune boosters such as the herb echinacea (one dropperful of tincture in water three times a day), garlic (one tablet three times a day) and zinc (10 mg twice a day).

Good Personal Hygiene In addition to taking cold and flu remedies, do not overlook the importance of good hygiene in preventing the spread of viruses to others. Viruses are transmitted by hand-to-hand contact and droplets released in the air from sneezes and coughs. So wash your hands often with soap and warm water, and avoid touching your eyes or nose. Change towels often, and use disposable tissues rather than hankies.

Please remember, flu shots are not benign. Very few clinical trials have been conducted on the safety of these vaccines, which are a hodgepodge of potentially dangerous chemical and biological agents. Flu vaccines can and do have serious, albeit infrequent, side effects.

Many of you may find this hard to believe because it flies in the face of virtually all doctors’ recommendations, but these are the facts. My question to you is, why take a risk on something with so little proven value, especially when you have a safer, more effective option like extra supplements? We are not offering medical advice, as we continue to state but providing some facts for your consideration before he flu season hits big.