By Brian James Rose
The pineal gland is a small pea-shaped endocrine gland, also known as the pineal body, epiphysis cerebri, or conarium present in the brain of most vertebrates. The main function of the pineal gland is the production of serotonin-derived hormones known as melatonin that regulate sleep patterns. It also produces and regulates female hormones that have an impact on the menstrual cycle and fertility. Calcification of the pineal gland can occur in adults and even in children but is common in adults, with an estimation of 40 percent occurring in seventeen years of age. These calcifications can affect the functioning of the pineal gland needing decalcification to restore function.
What is the Function of Pineal Gland?
The pineal gland was once also called ‘the third eye’ due to its location deep in the brain and its connection with light. It is located in the brain area known as the epithalamus, where two halves of the brain join. Pinealocytes are the cells in the pineal gland that secretes the hormone melatonin in response to the light signals from the eyes to the pineal gland. The increased levels of melatonin at night in the dark make an individual sleepy. The other function of melatonin studied is its role in reproduction by regulating reproductive hormones.
Role of Melatonin in Circadian Rhythm
The main function of melatonin secreted by the pineal gland is to regulate the sleep-wake cycles, also known as the circadian rhythm. The light during the daytime and the dark during night time dictates the circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms are a 24 hours body internal biological clock that signals someone to feel tired, sleepy, feel alert, or wake up during different times of the day. The stimulus to release melatonin is the amount of light exposure, and its increased secretion during night or dark signifies its role in sleep. This secretion also varies with the changes in day length, such as in seasonal changes. Research showed that without pineal glands, animals are physiologically unable to adapt to seasonal changes.
Role of Melatonin in Reproduction
The other role of melatonin produced by the pineal gland is the suppression of gonadotropins (luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone) from the anterior pituitary gland. Studies have shown the role of melatonin in puberty, pregnancy, and gonadal function. Pineal secretes more melatonin in childhood to inhibit premature sexual development.
Calcification of Pineal Gland
A functionally intact pineal gland is necessary for optimal human health, but some conditions can affect its functionality. The calcification of the pineal gland has the highest rate among calcifications in all other organs of the human body. It was first observed as early as 1653 in humans. Pineal calcification jeopardizes melatonin synthesis and is also associated with neuronal diseases. Calcification can occur physiologically or pathologically. Whatever the cause, the functional capacity of the pineal can be restored by retarding premature calcification or by rejuvenating calcification.
Causes of Pineal Calcification
Like the rest of the brain, the pineal gland is not separated by the blood-brain barrier, which means that it has a rich supply of blood. So, it is not protected by the toxins or other substances present in the blood, putting it at risk of buildup of these substances leading to calcifications. It is thought that the risk of pineal calcification increases with age, but ironically it is also reported in neonates and young adults. Studies also suggest it to be a physiological process due to metabolic activity of the pineal gland leading to increased deposition of calcium.
Metabolic activity
Some studies suggest that there are increased chances of calcium deposition with the higher metabolic activity of the pineal gland. In animal studies performed on mice concluded with higher amounts of pineal concretions in those exposed to less light than those exposed to a longer duration of light. It showed that if pineal produces less melatonin, fewer calcium concretions form.
Aging
With age, there is an increased incidence of calcium deposits in the pineal gland, proven by the presence of pineal calcifications and reduced production of melatonin in some age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Chronic Medical Conditions
It is also suggested that certain chronic medical conditions also increase the chance of developing pineal calcifications, including:
● Renal disease (chronic kidney disease)
● Schizophrenia
● Migraines
Environmental factors
It is seen that consuming water with a higher concentration of fluoride increases the incidence of pineal calcification. In 1990 Jennifer Luke, a British Scientist discovered a high concentration of fluoride in her subjects. Fluoride is commonly found in pesticides and municipal water, having the ability to accumulate in pineal more than any other body part.
Effects of Pineal Calcification
Calcification of the pineal gland severely affects its secretion of melatonin, thereby causing all the symptoms that can result due to melatonin deficiency, and they are:
Disturbed Circadian Rhythm: sleep patterns are disturbed, sleeping too little or too much, feeling active or sleepy at unusual times, and not remembering dreams.
Headache: migraine or nocturnal headaches are common in pineal calcification, especially in women and older people. Nausea, vomiting, vertigo, and tremors can also be associated symptoms.
Changes in fertility: a study carried out in 2014 suggested that normal levels of melatonin are essential for fertility in females by regulating female hormones and menstrual cycle.
Osteoporosis: it is studied that decline in melatonin and increased calcification of the pineal gland can increase osteoporosis risk.
Psychiatric Disorders: mood disturbances, anxiety, and depression are also seen among individuals with pineal gland calcification.
Neurological Disorders: calcification of the pineal gland is associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and dementia. Studies have also shown the protective role of melatonin in Alzheimer’s disease as it prevents the formation of amyloid plaques.
The Importance of Decalcification
Sleep is vital for the proper functioning of the human body, and calcification of the pineal can severely affect the quality of sleep. It leads to poor functioning, poor mental performance, poor concentration, and also makes an individual prone to other diseases. To maintain optimum health and functioning of the body, it is important to decalcify the pineal gland.
How to decalcify Pineal?
Effective decalcification of the pineal gland includes three steps:
1. Lifestyle changes
This step includes removing certain foods and factors that increase the risk of calcification, such as restricting the consumption of foods containing excess fluoride and calcium. Eating plant-based foods and decreasing consumption of processed foods is also an important step to prevent calcification. Eliminate processed foods that have synthetic calcium in some form (calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, or dicalcium phosphate), leading to calcification. Additionally, some foods are also sprayed with pesticides (cryolite, sulfuryl fluoride) that can increase calcification risk.
In the US, most of the water supply comes from the public water supply, and there is a high incidence that this water is fluoridated. To minimize fluoride consumption in this instance, it is recommended to use bottled water. Similarly, most kinds of toothpaste have fluoride, and if you are at risk of fluoride and calcium deposition, you must switch to alternate toothpaste with little or no fluoride content. For instance, you must also take care while taking calcium supplements. Although calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth, most of the supplements contain calcium as calcium carbonate, a calcifying agent. So it must be tried to get recommended intake of calcium from the diet. Organic whole foods, including kale, broccoli, spinach, chia seeds, quinoa, and sesame seeds, are all calcium-rich foods. Taking magnesium with calcium supplements also decreases its deposition in the brain and targets it in the bones.
2. Removing the existing calcification in the pineal gland
If the pineal gland is calcified and you are experiencing calcification symptoms, you must use the foods or supplements that help in decalcifying. Calcification is an accumulation of calcium or fluoride and the accumulation of toxins, so it is not wrong to say detoxifying the pineal gland can restore its functionality.
3. Supplements and foods are shown to help the detoxifying pineal gland
Turmeric
Turmeric has been seen as a beneficial food product in many medical conditions and to maintain optimum health. The active ingredient, curcumin, is considered neuroprotective and is known to reverse the damage caused by fluoride toxicity. It can be added to food or can be taken as a supplement.
Tamarind
Studies have proven tamarind to be an effective natural detox against sodium fluoride toxicity. Consumption of tamarind leaves alleviates fluoride deposition symptoms, and it also increases fluoride excretion from the body. A study also showed that a compound from tamarind could be used to remove fluoridate water.
Iodine
Iodide is known for regulating thyroid hormones and is also a chelator (efficient remover) for heavy metals that otherwise can accumulate in the brain and body, leading to toxicity. It removes heavy metals like fluoride, bromide, aluminum, mercury, and lead from the body. To decalcify the pineal gland, iodine is an essential compound that can be taken by supplementation, among which Lugol’s iodine is common. If you want to incorporate iodine into your diet, then kelp and seaweed or algae-related foods are rich in iodine.
Fulvic Acid
Fulvic acid is a powerful detoxifying and decalcifying agent for the pineal gland. It also removes heavy metals from the body, thereby preventing their buildup in the body and brain.
Chaga Mushroom
Numerous scientific studies have proven the beneficial effects of the Chaga mushroom on the central nervous system and immune system. It is an excellent antioxidant and ant-viral and stimulates melatonin production from the pineal gland, also called “third eye activator.” The effective way to take it is in the form of tea.
Activator X (Vitamin K2)
Similar to Vitamin A, activator X is a fat-soluble substance. It is essential for growth, brain function, reproduction, and protection against calcification. It decalcifies the pineal gland by helping in the removal of calcium from the gland. It also directs calcium to the bones and teeth. Raw milk, grass-fed meat, organ meats are rich in activator X. organic ghee or grass-fed butter is also a good source of activator X.
Boron or Boric Acid
A study conducted in 1942 concluded boric acid as an antidote to fluoride. Boric acid is a commonly available form of Boron. You can take boric acid supplements or consume boron-rich foods to decalcify the pineal gland.
Ideal Environment
Maintaining the ideal environment is required for optimal functioning of the pineal gland. The pineal gland functions by the stimulus of light detected by the eyes, so to maintain proper functioning, light is an important factor. It is recommended to sleep in darkness because little light coming from any source can confuse the pineal gland in determining the time of the day. Nighttime light can be the reason for disrupting the quality of sleep. Caffeine must also be avoided close to bedtime because it can also affect the quality of sleep. Maintaining a proper sleep routine is essential to regulate circadian rhythm.
Conclusion
The pineal gland is a small gland in the middle of two brain hemispheres with the highest rate of calcification in the human body. It is essential for regulating circadian rhythm by releasing melatonin and is also important for female reproductive health. Pineal calcification can occur due to environmental factors or can also be due to some medical conditions. The affected individual firstly notices changes in sleep pattern that indicate improper functioning of the pineal gland, and the reason behind is calcification. One of the most common reasons for calcification is fluoride that can build up to toxic levels in the pineal, leading to calcification. Lifestyle changes, dietary changes, supplementation, and maintaining a healthy environment can decalcify the pineal gland and prevent further calcification in the future.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineal_gland
- https://www.britannica.com/science/pineal-gland
- https://www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/overview-pineal-gland
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319882
- https://molecularneurodegeneration.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13024-019-0330-8
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6017004/
- https://blog.sivanaspirit.com/hh-decalcify-your-pineal-gland/
- https://www.drnorthrup.com/why-you-should-detox-your-pineal-gland/
- https://www.naturallifeenergy.com/tamarind-fluoride-detox-clear-the-mind-and-pineal-gland/
- https://scottjeffrey.com/decalcify-your-pineal-gland/#What_Does_the_Pineal_Gland_Do
- https://www.healthline.com/health/decalcify-pineal-gland#other-treatments