Gary has been suffering from cluster headaches and IBS, so in addition to asking her at TCS for information and suggestions, I've been doing a lot of research. And Melatonin (combined with L-5-HTP) is one thing that helps Gary get MUCH needed sleep. He hasn't been able to use it because of potential drug interactions, but we're going to talk to the Doc, because I just found this.
And OK, it was a small study. But it showed really promising results. According to the results of a double-blind study reported in the October issue of Gut, melatonin may reduce the pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)!
There has been a link shown between Migraines and IBS (Those with IBS are 60% more likely to suffer from migraines: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...928095529.htm). Given that it has been shown that the regulation of seratonin is part of the migraine problem, and melatonin is a close derivative of serotonin, it kind of makes sense. Apparently the GI tract (in addition to the pineal gland) is another source of melatonin - and it "may exert excitatory and inhibitory effects regulating bowel motility."
Also, re: IBS, I found some great info at the following link, and just thought I'd share as it seems there are many of you suffering.
http://www.helpforibs.com/
Gary remains unwilling to go radical with the diet, and he's still suffering incredibly. But I continue to gather info, and when he wants to do something about it, I'll be there, armed and ready.
PLUS he has an appt with the gastro doc tonight, so I'm printing out the diet info and bringing it along.
Laurie
And OK, it was a small study. But it showed really promising results. According to the results of a double-blind study reported in the October issue of Gut, melatonin may reduce the pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)!
There has been a link shown between Migraines and IBS (Those with IBS are 60% more likely to suffer from migraines: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...928095529.htm). Given that it has been shown that the regulation of seratonin is part of the migraine problem, and melatonin is a close derivative of serotonin, it kind of makes sense. Apparently the GI tract (in addition to the pineal gland) is another source of melatonin - and it "may exert excitatory and inhibitory effects regulating bowel motility."
Also, re: IBS, I found some great info at the following link, and just thought I'd share as it seems there are many of you suffering.
http://www.helpforibs.com/
Gary remains unwilling to go radical with the diet, and he's still suffering incredibly. But I continue to gather info, and when he wants to do something about it, I'll be there, armed and ready.
PLUS he has an appt with the gastro doc tonight, so I'm printing out the diet info and bringing it along.
Laurie
