Battling Bowel Issues? Skip THIS Supplement
I’m not opposed to supplements.
The right ones, taken at the right time, can fill critical gaps in diet or lifestyle. And they can support your health.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, you might think melatonin supplements fit this description.
After all, they’re better than taking the prescription sleep aid I warned you about recently, right?
Wrong, they’re NOT—especially for anyone with bowel issues.
Researchers created a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and then gave melatonin to some of them.
The melatonin made their IBD worse.
Those given melatonin had…
- worse symptoms,
- increased gut inflammation,
- and a slower recovery.
They also had increased inflammatory markers and signs of colitis aggravation.
This study confirms that taking melatonin supplements can disrupt the gut barrier.
But if you aren’t battling bowel issues, you’re not off the hook.
Past studies show that melatonin can harm the gut barrier, even in those who don’t have IBD.
I’ve warned you about the risks of melatonin supplements before.
It isn’t your typical vitamin or mineral supplement. It’s a hormone that should be taken seriously.
Chronic use of supplemental melatonin is associated with retinal thinning. It’s also been linked to headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety, and low blood pressure.
Short-term use might not be a problem, but long-term use is risky.
That’s why, instead of supplementing with melatonin directly, a better option is to take melatonin precursors like 5-HTP or hydroxytryptophan.
These supplements can help improve melatonin levels while avoiding the potential problems of taking melatonin directly.
Even better, work on fixing your circadian rhythm and light environment so your body can start naturally producing its OWN melatonin.
To do so, get plenty of sunlight directly in your eyes in the morning, reduce blue light exposure at night, and sleep in a completely dark room.
P.S. How the “Nightcap Myth” can RUIN your sleep.
View Sources
Da Silva, J. L., Barbosa, L. V., Pinzan, C. F., Nardini, V., Brigo, I. S., Sebastião, C. A., Brazão, V., Júnior, J. C., Carlos, D., & Cardoso, C. R. The Microbiota-Dependent Worsening Effects of Melatonin on Gut Inflammation. Microorganisms, 11(2), 460.
