Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a condition in which acid and food content from the stomach moves backward up into the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. This can give rise to a burning sensation or pain in the stomach and chest region. This phenomenon is also known as heartburn. Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, can alleviate the symptoms of GERD.
GERD
When you eat, a ring of muscles between the esophagus and stomach region normally keep food from leaking back into the esophagus. GERD is associated with a weakening of these muscles. Obesity, pregnancy and medications, such as heart medication, blood pressure medications, sedatives and tricyclic antidepressants, can initiate GERD. Certain foods and drinks can intensify the symptoms of GERD. These include fatty food, spicy food, tomatoes, tomato products, citrus fruit, chocolate, mint, alcohol and coffee.
Standard Treatment of GERD
GERD is normally treated with over-the-counter antacids or prescription medication, such as omeprazole, esomeprazole and pantoprazole. PubMed Health further recommends avoiding nicotine and foods and drinks that can worsen the symptoms of GERD. Eating smaller meals, wearing loose clothes, reducing stress, losing weight and sleeping with your head raised six inches can also help lessen the symptoms of GERD.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that is derived from the mood-enhancing neurotransmitter serotonin in the pineal gland in the brain. It helps regulate sleep and a range of hormones and enzymes. It is furthermore a potent antioxidant. Your body uses oxygen to metabolize food. The interaction of oxygen with food molecules produce a toxic byproduct called free radicals. Free radicals snatch electrons from cell molecules. This can lead to cell damage. Antioxidants can prevent cell damage by converting free radicals into stable molecules.
Melatonin for GERD
A study in the March 2010 issue “BMC Gastroenterology” suggests that melatonin, 3 milligrams at bedtime, either alone or together with the acid reflux medication omeprazole, 20 milligrams twice a day, can improve the symptoms of GERD. Unlike acid reflux medications, melatonin does not reduce the acid in the stomach. It helps reduce symptoms of GERD by increasing anti-inflammatory molecules and blood flow in the lining of the esophagus. This protects against esophageal injury and strengthens the muscles that keep food and acid from regurgitating.
References
- PubMed Health: Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- "Acta Biochimica Polonica"; Melatonin as an Antioxidant: Biochemical Mechanisms and Pathophysiological Implications in Humans; R.J. Reiter, et al.; 2003
- “BMC Gastroenterology”; The Potential Therapeutic Effect of Melatonin in Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease; T.S. Kandil, et al.; March 2010
