If you’ve ever had an ulcer, you know how hard it is to get relief. You’ve probably taken your share of over-the-counter antacids and acid blockers. But those are just a temporary fix…at best.
For some people, ulcers start out as gastritis. That’s widespread inflammation in the gut. Gastritis can cause enough pain on its own. But when it causes an ulcer…you need to treat it right away. Ulcers don’t just cause burning and sharp pains. They can be dangerous.
If you want real relief, you need to get to the root of the problem. What’s that? Well, for most ulcers, it’s usually bacteria called H. pylori.1
The good news is that your gut fights inflammation every day. It produces good bacteria and natural substances that keep you healthy. One of those natural substances is a surprising hormone that most people don’t know their gut even produces.
This unlikely hormone heals gastritis and kills H. pylori.
It’s melatonin… Yes, the same melatonin you take to help you sleep.
Yes, your pineal gland makes melatonin, but your gut produces 400-times more.
And, it gobbles up damaging free radicals. Including the stomach acid and enzymes that can cause damage to your stomach lining.
In the past, human studies have shown that melatonin can prevent ulcers, colitis, irritable bowel disease, and colon cancer. Now a new study proves the power of melatonin to get rid of the H.pylori bacteria.
One hundred patients with duodenal ulcers and gastritis took part in the study. All the patients had H. pylori bacteria in their gut.
For the first seven days, one group took an antibiotic and medication to block stomach acid. The second group had the same treatment, but also took melatonin. They took 3 mg before bed.
After the first week, both groups quit taking the antibiotic.
At the end of two months…
The patients who took melatonin had less H. pylori in their gut. Melatonin helped get rid of it, and gut inflammation. These people experienced better gut healing.
As you age, your natural melatonin levels decrease. The best way to get it is to get enough sleep. But that’s not always so easy.
Try eliminating all artificial light from your bedroom. Darkness triggers melatonin production. Even an alarm clock’s light can interfere.
Caffeine might decrease melatonin levels in the body.2 However, several foods contain melatonin, and can help increase your body’s levels. Tart cherries, red wine, bananas, tomatoes, and ginger are good sources.3
If you take a melatonin supplement, 0.3 mg to 3 mg at bedtime is the standard dose. Most melatonin supplements are supposed to be dissolved under the tongue.4
So if you’re prone to stomach problems, try melatonin to give your gut some powerful protection. You’ll also benefit from getting a good night’s sleep. Quality sleep lowers your stress levels (stress can also cause inflammation throughout your body, including your gut and intestines). Talk about a win/win.
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References:
1 http://www.pageturnpro.com/CHAT-Inc/51422-Natural-Medicine-Journal-Special-Issue-September-2013/index.html#/8
2 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/940.html
3 http://instituteofhealthsciences.com/maximising-your-melatonin/
4 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/940.html