Melatonin is a hormone made in our brain that aids in sleeping and our circadian rhythm. Melatonin is also in our gut, but this melatonin is not dependent on the brain.
Researchers found that when you eat a large meal, melatonin is produced in the GI tract, maybe explaining the sleepiness syndrome!
Because melatonin reduces spasms and helps food move through the GI tract there has been some studies that suggest using melatonin for treating IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Patients with IBS received 3 mg of melatonin and others received a placebo. The patients receiving melatonin improved their IBS scores 45% compared to 16 percent of the placebo group.
Even more astounding is the use of melatonin for treating acid reflux or GERD. The Journal of Pineal Research published a paper comparing a 6 mg dose of melatonin and the prescription drug omeprazole to an equally split group of people. 100 percent of the group receiving melatonin had a complete regression of symptoms after 40 days. Only 66% of the patients taking omeprazole reported improvement. Why take a prescription drug if a natural supplement could work?
Researchers also found melatonin benefits upper GI problems like bacterial, fungal and viral infections in the mouth, healing tooth extractions, periodontal disease and oral cancers.
Another connection with gastrointestinal conditions and lack of melatonin stem from night shift workers who get much less melatonin (lack of sunlight and also too much light at night) and have a much higher incidence of gastrointestinal disorders especially peptic ulcers.
If you have ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease this supplement should be used with caution. When taking melatonin with drugs like salicylazosulfapyridine and / or corticosteroids can cause worsening of symptoms and negative reactions.
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