“TikTok users are seemingly obsessed with all things bloating, so I’m shocked they aren’t talking about this [supplement] yet,” wrote Sharp in the video description.
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“Everyone always talks about melatonin as the sleepy hormone that you take when you’re jet lagged, or maybe you’re just having a hard time falling asleep,” explained Sharp in the Instagram reel.
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But this popular sleep aid also has benefits for your gut health. “One study found that taking 3 milligrams [of melatonin] before bed helped to reduce women’s abdominal distension, pain and abnormal bowel sensations,” said Sharp.
While most people associate melatonin with sleep, it can also help support healthy digestion andgut health. “Melatonin is produced in the brain, but it’s also produced in the gut,” explained Sharp. “And knowing how strong the brain-gut axis is makes its use for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) totally make sense.”
Other research supports these claims as well. Sharp references other studies, like this recent study published inBMC Gastroenterologyin April 2023, which found melatonin to be an effective treatment significant for improving IBS scores, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and quality of life in IBS patients, regardless of having sleep disorders.
“This is actually just one of like a dozen different uses for melatonin. It’s actually quite powerful stuff. So definitely speak to your doctor to see if a small dose of melatonin would be helpful for you and your gut health,” concluded Sharp.
The Bottom Line
In a recent Instagram reel, registered dietitian and YouTuber Abbey Sharp highlighted the critical role that melatonin can play in your gut health. Despite being a popularsleep supplement, Sharp pointed to research showing how melatonin can help combat belly bloat and promote digestive comfort. She explained how taking small doses ofmelatonin before bedcan help reduce abdominal distension, pain and abnormal bowel sensations.
Contrary to popular belief, melatonin doesn’t only regulate sleep but also plays a crucial role in gut health. As Sharp explained, melatonin is produced both in the brain and the gut, and the strong brain-gut axis makes it a viable option for addressing gastrointestinal conditions like IBS.
Speak with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate melatonin dosage for your gut health needs. With its potential to help alleviate belly bloat and enhance gut health, melatonin is a useful and widely-available supplement worth considering.
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