Bayou Health | The Way to a Healthy Gut May Be Through Malatonin

by Shannon Dahlum, FDB-P, 

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but it turns out this old adage might hold more truth than we realize. A healthy gut doesn’t just support digestion—it also plays a vital role in overall health and mood. At the center of this connection is melatonin, a hormone often linked to sleep but even more essential for gut health. With Valentine’s Day approaching, now is as good a time as ever to show your digestive system some love and learn how to support melatonin production to help heal common gut issues and keep your stomach—and heart—happy.

Only about 20% of your melatonin is produced in the brain, and while it is essential for healthy sleep patterns, the majority of melatonin in the body—up to 80%—is actually produced in the gut. This gut-derived melatonin serves a range of functions that extend far beyond sleep. It acts as a powerful antioxidant, which supports the health of cells throughout the body, and is imperative for maintaining gut health in many ways..

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that prevents stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus, is regulated by melatonin. Research has shown that melatonin can strengthen the LES, reducing symptoms of acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). By supporting this barrier, melatonin minimizes irritation and damage caused by stomach acid in the esophagus.

Melatonin has been studied for its protective effects
against gastric ulcers, particularly those caused by
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium linked to peptic ulcers and gastritis. Studies suggest that melatonin’s antioxidant properties reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the stomach lining, promoting healing. Melatonin can also stimulate mucus production, enhancing the stomach’s natural defenses against irritants.

Healthy bowel movements are important for maintaining an optimal ecosystem in the gut and for properly detoxifying inflammatory substances and excess hormones from the body. Melatonin plays a role in regulating bowel movements by modulating the contractions of intestinal muscles. This regulation is critical for preventing issues like diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Melatonin also strengthens the gut barrier, which prevents harmful substances like toxins and pathogens from entering the bloodstream. This is especially important for reducing inflammation and addressing conditions like leaky gut syndrome, which can lead to chronic systemic inflammation and immune dysfunction. Its ability to modulate inflammation in the gut is tied to its role as a potent antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that can damage the gut lining.

Emerging research suggests that melatonin influences the gut microbiome, promoting a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria. A balanced microbiome is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function.

It’s widely understood that difficulty sleeping may be a sign of low melatonin production, but there is a broad range of other symptoms that it can cause, as well. Common symptoms (along with a difficulty staying asleep) may include digestive issues (like bloating, GERD, or constipation), increased susceptibility to ulcers or gastritis and/or difficulty healing from them, persistent fatigue, mood changes (such as anxiety or depression), and poor immune function.