More than Just Jet-Lag Helper: How Mighty Melatonin May Guard Your Brain, Mitochondria, and Longevity

Chances are, you’ve probably taken melatonin from time to time when struggling with sleep or crisscrossing time zones. The idea is that as evening falls, your primary energy hormone cortisol drops and melatonin goes up, cueing the body for sleep, which is why some have dubbed melatonin “the hormone of darkness.” Well, guess what? Melatonin is stepping into the spotlight to help aging brains The latest research has revealed that it’s produced in the mitochondria, the cell powerplants, in a number of your organs, and that it’s involved a wide range of important physiological processes, some of which have nothing directly to do with sleep – and more to do with brain health over the long haul.

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Amy B. Killen, MD

Oct 24, 2025

October 14, 2025

All (Adult) Vaginas Need Estrogen

Why most adult vaginas need estrogen brought to you by Dr. Amy Killen.

Health Coach Tip – Prep For A Healthier Halloween

October is the month of candy. Halloween brings endless bowls of M&Ms, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Candy Corn — all filled with sugar, artificial flavors, food dyes, GMO cornstarch, and other scary ingredients! But with a little planning, you can enjoy the season without the sugar crash (or the junk). Here are some fun, healthier alternatives that are just as delicious — and way better for you.

More than Just Jet-Lag Helper: How Mighty Melatonin May Guard Your Brain, Mitochondria, and Longevity

The Benefits of Training With Your Heels Up

Lifting your heels while exercising can prevent injury and boost athleticism. Try it out by adding these moves into your strength routine.

Health Coach Tip – What is Angiogenesis and How to Support It for Longevity

When we talk about healthy aging, one of the most fascinating—and often overlooked—processes to explore is angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels. This natural ability of the body to create fresh vessels from existing ones is more than just a biological curiosity—it’s vital for healing wounds, regenerating tissues, and keeping circulation strong. In fact, angiogenesis plays a powerful role in how well we age, influencing everything from energy and recovery to long-term health and longevity.

8 Ways Training Your Muscles Benefits Your Brain’s Longevity

Did you know that new research shows that the health benefits of fit muscles reach all the way into the brain? When you challenge your muscles with exercise, you are directly pushing back against brain aging, by producing rejuvenating hormone-like chemicals and stimulating the brain’s own protective “growth factors.” Indirectly, you’re enhancing your metabolism and lowering inflammation in ways that benefit the brain as well as the rest of your body. Think of your muscles as the brain’s bodyguard, and I urge you to get into a strength training groove now so your future self can, as they live long and prosper.

How Melatonin Reduces Inflammation

Melatonin does more than just regulate your sleep cycle — it also helps tamp down inflammation. Here's how.

Health Coach Tip - What is an Antioxidant?

We hear the word "antioxidant" all the time – on food labels, supplement bottles, and wellness blogs. But what are antioxidants, and why do they matter?

Get the NAC: Anti-aging’s All-Purpose, Easy-to-Love Little Helper

It’s fairly common in medicine for a drug to be developed to treat one condition which then turns out to have broader application, however, pharma drugs, usually come with side-effects. But how about a supplement that has been used for decades to treat a number of conditions? And, one which subsequent research shows also pushes back against the basic processes that drive aging? And may also treat the diseases of aging that ultimately hobble or end most of our lives with negligible side-effects? That would be something, right? Well, if you’re not familiar, let me introduce you to N-Acetyl Cysteine or NAC.

Healthy Aging