Optimal - The Podcast: Episode 16 - Melatonin, Melatonipause, and Darkness Deficiency, an interview with Dr. Deanna Minich

Welcome to Episode 16 of Optimal - the Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Weatherby and Beth Ellen DiLuglio are joined by Dr. Deanna Minich to discuss melatonin, melatonipause, and darkness deficiency.

Dr. Dicken, Beth Ellen, and Dr. Deanna discuss the impact of stress and high cortisol levels on melatonin generation, the significance of shielding our eyes from blue light, and the advantages of supplementing with melatonin. They also underline the need to seek the services of healthcare practitioners and the need for tailored healthcare.

On the podcast, they discuss Dr. Minich's ground-breaking article entitled "Is Melatonin the "Next Vitamin D:?" published in the journal Nutrients.
Minich, D.M.; Henning, M.; Darley, C.; Fahoum, M.; Schuler, C.B.; Frame, J. Is Melatonin the "Next Vitamin D"?: A Review of Emerging Science, Clinical Uses, Safety, and Dietary Supplements. Nutrients 2022, 14, 3934. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/19/3934/htm

Learn more about regulating your circadian cycle, the most accurate methods for determining your melatonin levels, and the possible advantages of melatonin for immunological health by tuning in. Now take a seat back, unwind, and let's begin!

Episode Highlights:

(00:18) Deanna Minnich's background and areas of specialization
(02:11) A general overview of melatonin
(06:51) What are the symptoms that would lead one to prescribe melatonin-inducing supplements?
(10:26) The conversion of tryptophan to serotonin under stress
(12:02) The use of antidepressants and its effects on melatonin
(14:56) What is darkness deficiency?
(19:27) Hacks on dealing with darkness deficiency
(22:15) What are the symptoms of darkness deficiency?
(28:20) What to do if you'll be encountering white light at night (i.e., from your smartphone)
(33:17) Can we get enough melatonin from the food we eat?
(37:40) What are the candidates for melatonin supplementation?
(40:24) Best methods for measuring melatonin in the body
(46:35) Recommended dosage of melatonin
(50:35) Conclusion

Link to the light meter app mentioned on the podcast: Lux Light Meter Pro

CLICK HERE to download Dr. Minich's Darkness Deficiency Checklist and Melatonin In(sufficiency) Assessment

Where to Reach Dr. Dicken Weatherby

Dicken Weatherby LinkedIn
Optimal DX Website
Optimal DX Resource Center
Optimal DX Blog

Where to Reach Beth Ellen DiLuglio

Nutrition Mission
Beth Ellen DiLuglio LinkedIn

Where to Reach Dr. Deanna Minich

Deanna Minich Website
Deanna Minich LinkedIn
Deanna Minich Instagram
Deanna Minich Facebook

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