09-14-23
Melatonin and Your Gut
What if we told you that melatonin, the sleep-regulating hormone, holds a secret that goes beyond the realm of sleep? It’s true! As it turns out, melatonin may be a key player in many aspects of our overall health and well-being, including our gut health.
Up until recently, melatonin has been solely known for its role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. However, in recent years, scientists have become increasingly interested in exploring what other roles this amazing hormone may play throughout the body. Through this research, they have discovered that the popular sleep hormone may have some unexpected influences on the gut.
For starters, the type of melatonin that is produced in the gut, commonly referred to as enteric melatonin, can act as an antioxidant as well as a neurotransmitter that helps move information across the gut-brain axis. This means melatonin isn’t just a sleep hormone; it’s a multifunctional molecule with diverse roles in maintaining our well-being.
Additionally, researchers have discovered that the presence of food in the stomach is what triggers the release of enteric melatonin. Once released, this hormone works to help regulate the production of key digestive compounds like hydrochloric acid and the digestive enzyme pepsin. In essence, melatonin acts like the conductor of the gut’s orchestra, ensuring that the digestion process flows smoothly.
With all that being said, you may still want to pause and rethink before you reach for that melatonin supplement at bedtime because scientists have also discovered that supplementing with melatonin, which is usually synthetic, may not be as great for your gut as you may think.
In fact, one group of scientists set out to explore the possibility of using melatonin supplements as a tool to help with certain digestive conditions. However, what they found was quite the opposite—these supplements may contribute to making the problem worse. The results of their research showed that melatonin supplements may actually disrupt the gut microbiome and could make certain types of digestive issues worse instead of better.
Of course, at the end of the day, the decision to include a melatonin supplement in your routine is up to you. However, it’s crucial to consider the potential impact on your gut health. Maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is essential for overall well-being, and introducing external factors like supplements, especially synthetic ones, can sometimes disrupt this delicate balance.
If you’re wondering how you can go about getting rid of your nightly supplement without sacrificing your sleep, there are some steps you can take to help your body out (you can find our favorite tips in this blog). And whether or not you decide to take melatonin in supplement form, there are also steps you can take each and every day to give your gut the support it needs to thrive, including the simple act of adding an all-natural, gut-supporting supplement, like those from New Earth, to your daily routine.