Description
Presenter: Dr Elisabeth Philipps PhD BSc(Hons) BSc Nut. Med.
Date: Tuesday, 17th June2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:30pm
Price: £20
Melatonin, a hormone primarily produced by the pineal gland, is best known for regulating sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin helps signal the body when it’s time to sleep, promoting restful sleep and regulating circadian rhythms. Adequate melatonin levels are crucial for improving sleep quality and duration. However, its influence extends beyond sleep, playing a vital role in gut health and immune function.
Emerging research suggests melatonin supports gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing the intestinal barrier, and reducing inflammation. This regulation may help manage gastrointestinal disorders and improve overall digestive function. Melatonin also exhibits antioxidant properties and modulates immune responses. It helps enhance the production of immune cells and can reduce inflammation, contributing to a more robust immune system. This suggests that the rise of many intractable gut and inflammatory conditions may have a common denominator behind them in the form of melatonin imbalances.
During this Nutrihub webinar Dr Elisabeth Philipps will discuss the web of melatonin interconnections to many areas of our health. We will:
- Explore the interplay between sleep, gut health, and immune function; for example, poor sleep can disrupt gut microbiota and weaken immune responses, while a healthy gut can improve sleep quality and bolster immunity.
- Identify foods and nutrients to boost melatonin production and bioactivity, including the crucial role of magnesium, tryptophan, calcium and Vitamin B6.
- Identify lifestyle factors that impact melatonin production and biorhythms, as well as how our emotional and hormonal state influences circadian rhythms.
- Discuss a functional medicine approach to support circadian hormones through diet, lifestyle modifications and supplements that naturally enhance melatonin production.
Melatonin plays a multifaceted role in promoting sleep, supporting gut health, and enhancing immune function. Understanding its broader implications can lead to more comprehensive approaches to health and wellness, particularly for those struggling with sleep issues or gut-related concerns. This webinar aims to integrate melatonin with diet and lifestyle modifications to provide a holistic strategy for optimising overall health.
