Introduction
As the world continues to grapple with the novel coronavirus pandemic, researchers are looking for ways to reduce the severity of symptoms in those who contract the virus. A recent study has suggested that a common supplement used for sleep may be able to help. According to a doctor, this supplement may be able to weaken the symptoms of COVID-19. This article will discuss the findings of the study and the potential implications of this supplement for those suffering from the virus.
This Common Supplement Used For Sleep May Weaken COVID Symptoms, Doctor Says
A doctor has recently suggested that a common supplement used for sleep may help to reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. The supplement, melatonin, is a hormone naturally produced by the body that helps regulate sleep. It is available in pill form and is widely used to treat insomnia.
Dr. Michael Breus, a clinical psychologist and sleep specialist, recently spoke to Good Morning America about the potential benefits of melatonin for those suffering from COVID-19. He said that melatonin has been shown to reduce inflammation, which is a key factor in the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.
“It’s not a cure, but it may help reduce the severity of symptoms,” Breus said. He added that melatonin is a safe supplement and can be taken in pill form or as a liquid.
Breus also noted that melatonin is not a substitute for medical treatment and should not be used as a replacement for other treatments prescribed by a doctor. He said that it should be used in addition to other treatments and should be taken as directed.
The potential benefits of melatonin for those suffering from COVID-19 are still being studied, but the supplement may be worth considering for those looking for ways to reduce the severity of their symptoms.
Whenever you’re aiming to get high quality sleep, you could take a melatonin capsule about half-hour earlier than letting your head hit the pillow. However, have you ever additionally thought of popping melatonin in an try to minimize the severity of COVID-19 signs?
In all probability not, proper? Because it seems, the frequent complement used to assist many go to sleep at evening can block the manufacturing of pro-inflammatory cytokines whereas additionally rising the variety of anti-inflammatory cytokines. (Associated: The One Vitamin Medical doctors Are Urging Everybody to Take Proper Now).
Why is that this necessary? Let’s begin from the start. When somebody contracts the SARS-CoV-2 virus, they then develop into contaminated with the COVID-19 syndrome. Some individuals both expertise delicate signs, whereas others endure from ones which can be rather more extreme. Brittany Busse, MD, affiliate medical director at WorkCare, explains that the factor inflicting some individuals to expertise antagonistic issues with COVID-19 is a rise in pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Maybe you’ve got heard of the cytokine storm, which is the time period for an acute, sudden improve in pro-inflammatory cytokines, in any other case described as a hyperactive immune response. This course of can stoke irritation and may trigger many issues to come up all through the physique—particularly within the lungs.
So, not solely does melatonin assist to dam the manufacturing of those dangerous cytokines, however it additionally helps to extend the anti-inflammatory ones, that are important for correct immune operate. As well as, Busse says that melatonin additionally helps to inhibit the expression of sure enzymes produced by dangerous compounds that type after COVID-19 infiltrates the interior mobile lining of blood vessels, which embody the arteries, veins, and capillaries.
“Lastly, melatonin may be protecting at stopping cell loss of life and apoptosis,” says Busse. “Apoptosis of lung cells contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 results in fluid accumulation within the lungs, irritation, and extreme respiratory misery. Melatonin may doubtlessly be protecting in opposition to this course of.”
A number of research have proven that melatonin administration can profit newborns born with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), a situation that may result in respiratory misery and even organ failure. Busse says melatonin may have an identical impact in these affected by COVID-19.
“There have been a number of research in Nov 2020 displaying that Melatonin is related to improved outcomes in extreme COVID-19,” she says.
Busse suggests taking melatonin at evening with vitamin B6, as the 2 may act synergistically collectively since each have the power to dam the manufacturing of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
To not point out, melatonin’s major operate can even assist somebody fight the virus.
“Sleep itself has an anti-inflammatory and restorative capability that may be protecting in opposition to viral infections and irritation,” says Busse.
If you happen to’re debating on whether or not or to not take melatonin at evening, simply know that it could’t harm—except instructed by your physician in any other case. When you have COVID-19, you could need to take into account taking it till signs enhance or go away.
For extra, make sure to try It is Potential to Contract COVID Through Meals and Drink If You Have This Situation, Examine Says.