FIR Episode 43: Melatonin for IBS and Depression?

In this episode of Free and Inspired radio, discover how Melatonin works in the body.

For example, find out how it interacts with other hormones such as cortisol, some things you didn’t know (Melatonin and IBS?!) and, of course, some guidelines on how to take it.

Melatonin use is rising sharply post-pandemic and is often polarising in its effects. 

Some find Melatonin gives them what they need, while others don’t.

How is Melatonin created in the body?

Learn about circadian rhythm and how your brain interacts with the light of the day to create melatonin.

For instance, studies show that melatonin production and distribution are enhanced by darkness and diminished by light.

This natural ebb and flow can give you clues as to how Melatonin can help to manage sleep disturbances.

A study published in 2020 confirmed that Melatonin significantly decreased early wake time in elderly adults using a 3mg dose over four weeks.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

One of the deeper, more fascinating parts of this beyond sleep is Melatonin’s role as an “internal time giver” for other organs.

For example, by helping an organ or system to “know what time it is,” melatonin influences cortisol and insulin levels in the morning. 

This influence lets us wake up and be ready to draw energy from our breakfast.

The newest breakout role for melatonin in 2022 is it’s role in the digestive system.

For example, it regulates the absorption of nutrients, motility (the transit of your food through the body) and even microbe activity in your gut.

That’s not all, studies have melatonin helping some symptoms of IBS, an exciting new role!

And that’s not all find out more on melatonin in 2022 in this episode of Free and Inspired radio.