By Joy Stephenson-Laws, JD, Founder 

You likely know what melatonin is or have at least seen melatonin supplements at your local drug or health food store. But you probably have not thought about the gland in your body that secretes melatonin - the pineal gland.

Located in the center of the brain, the pineal gland produces and secretes melatonin (also known as the sleep hormone).

The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. Some other parts of the endocrine system include the pituitary gland (located at the base of the brain), the thyroid gland and the pancreas.

(Fun fact - In the spiritual world, the pineal gland is sometimes referred to as “the third eye” due to its location deep in the center of the brain and its connection to light. It is believed to give intuition and guidance).

The pineal gland knows when to produce melatonin, because it responds to light and darkness from the environment. It produces the highest amount of melatonin when it is dark outside. This is why it is advised to limit screen time before bed. This gland plays an essential role in governing the body’s circadian rhythm, also known as the 24-hour sleep/wake cycle.

(Fun fact - The pineal gland is shaped like a very small pinecone, and this is how it got its name - (“pine”-al gland) but pronounced “pin-ee-uhl,” according to the Cleveland Clinic).

“In addition to its role in regulating seasonal physiology and influencing the circadian system and sleep patterns, melatonin is involved in cell protection, neuroprotection, and the reproductive system, among other possible functions,” according to a report from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

It feels like melatonin gets all of the credit while the pineal gland is the unsung hero, but remember that you need a well functioning pineal gland in order to produce the most melatonin. If the pineal gland is damaged or removed, it’s still possible to produce melatonin, but the process becomes more complex.

Other tissues in the body, like the retina in the eyes and certain regions of the brain, can also produce small amounts of melatonin. For example, the retina produces a little melatonin in response to light exposure, which helps regulate the circadian rhythm.

That said, the amount of melatonin produced by these tissues is much lower than what the pineal gland typically produces. As a result, people without a functioning pineal gland may experience disruptions in their sleep-wake cycles and may need to rely on melatonin supplements to regulate their sleep.

“Pineal gland function and melatonin secretion can be impaired due to accidental and developmental conditions, such as pineal tumors, craniopharyngiomas [rare, benign tumors of the the central nervous system], injuries affecting the sympathetic innervation [part of the fight versus flight response] of the pineal gland, and rare congenital disorders that alter melatonin secretion,” (NIH).

Over time, especially with aging, calcium can accumulate in the pineal gland, a process known as pineal calcification. It is often discovered incidentally during brain imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs.

“Unfortunately, this gland has the highest calcification rate among all organs and tissues of the human body. Pineal calcification jeopardizes melatonin’s synthetic capacity and is associated with a variety of neuronal diseases,” according to another report from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

How can we be proactive about pineal health?

While pineal calcification is a natural part of aging for many people, there are some proactive steps you can take to potentially improve the health of your pineal gland. It’s important to note though that there is still a lot of research needed to fully understand pineal calcification and its long-term impact on health. 

Proactive steps you can take for pineal health:

• Reduce your exposure to fluoride. This is a personal choice, but maybe consider using a fluoride-free toothpaste. Some studies suggest that fluoride may contribute to the calcification of the pineal gland. Fluoride is often found in drinking water, toothpaste, and some foods. Fluoride does provide a lot of protective benefits for teeth, however, so you might want to discuss with your dentist and assess your overall dental health.

• Maintain a healthy diet. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and omega-3 fatty acids, may help reduce calcification by promoting overall brain health. Magnesium plays a role in calcium regulation in the body. Consuming magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, seeds, nuts, and legumes may help balance calcium levels in the brain and other tissues. Also be sure to get enough vitamin K2. This vitamin helps regulate calcium metabolism and might reduce the likelihood of calcium being deposited in soft tissues. Foods like fermented foods and dairy products from grass-fed animals can be good sources.

• Boost your melatonin naturally. Expose yourself to sunlight in healthy, safe amounts, optimize sleep and limit exposure to artificial light as much as possible.

It is also a good idea to reduce stress, exercise regularly and avoid environmental toxins as much as possible. As always, consider taking a routine comprehensive nutrient test which can also include a toxin test. Being nutritionally balanced is key for overall optimal brain health. If the test reveals an imbalance, a competent healthcare professional can work with you regarding making the necessary dietary changes and/or recommending quality supplements.

Enjoy your healthy life!