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Melatonin/Gut Link

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/26/2012 9:48 AM (GMT 0)
I came across the link between melatonin and the digestive tract over a year ago, but at that time my UC was so bad that nothing worked, which is why I ended up on the operating table. I just came across the idea again and was wondering if anyone else has tried it. Here is an article explaining how melatonin can be a pretty powerful tool in helping to regulate the digestive tract and possibly even be a treatment for UC.

www.naturalnews.com/033554_melatonin_immune_function.html

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Posted 11/26/2012 9:56 AM (GMT 0)
Ah, just did a quick HealingWell search and see that this issue has been brought up several times before... I still find it interesting though. Some people report that it has helped with UC flares. They also cited this study:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18626968
Posted 11/26/2012 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
Noticed melatonin helps in T-cell formation. Is this not what can cause UC. Doesnt Remicade kill specific helper T-cells?

Also based on the article all we need is a good nights sleep. Something I havent had in a long time, even when not flaring.
Posted 11/26/2012 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
I posted a thread last week on the same topic. Some folks commented that it instead led to GI upset. There is a clinical trial going on using Melatonin though, if you are interested.
Posted 11/26/2012 7:58 PM (GMT 0)
MadCat, from what I understood of the article, Melatonin's effect on the intestinal tract is a little more involved than just how it affects your sleep.

I guess the point is somewhat moot for me now since I have a J-pouch instead of a colon, but if it helps regulate the bowels and slows motility at all, then it might still be beneficial to me.
Posted 11/26/2012 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
I just posted a question about melatonin on the stoma forum. I've been taking it since August, on and off, and I have a jpouch. I've read somewhere that people with auto immune diseases should not take it, because it could exacerbate inflamation. I don't have a colon anymore, but I am worried about what could happen to my pouch.
Posted 11/26/2012 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
It's not that it exacerbates inflammation....it stimulates the immune system which can be contraindicated in autoimmune diseases...so if one already has inflammation, it could be exacerbated.


I would assume for some the response could be more extreme....but if one is having issues and is on melatonin, it could be a culprit.  As well, best to not use it while on immune suppressing/biologic meds...
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