Boosting Melatonin to Ease Chemotherapy Side Effects

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In May 2020, after experiencing weight loss, loss of appetite, and bloody stools, my wife insisted on a colonoscopy, which revealed a 6 cm malignant tumor in my rectum. The next day, an abdominal ultrasound showed my liver was covered in tumors.

I was diagnosed with stage IV rectal cancer that had metastasized to the liver, with a tumor marker CEA level over 2000. Feeling hopeless, I quit my job and began cancer treatment, determined to explore every possible way to improve my chances.

My Strategy for Supporting Chemotherapy

Due to the way my treatment is managed, I do not have the freedom to choose the timing of chemotherapy. Usually, the patient has to cooperate with the hospital to have chemotherapy at the designated time. However, I did try to adapt my circadian rhythm to increase my body's resilience to the damage caused by the chemotherapy drugs.

My main strategy was to increase my body's melatonin, a naturally occurring mitochondrial repair and strengthening substance that has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This led me to explore methods to boost my body's natural melatonin levels.

Why Did I Focus on Boosting Melatonin?

After months of chemotherapy, I searched for ways to enhance my body’s response to treatment and minimize its side effects. My approach was centered on increasing melatonin naturally and through supplementation, as research suggests its significant protective role in cancer treatment.

I learned that melatonin levels can be influenced by natural light exposure, so I made sure to increase my sun exposure in the morning and evening. I also used near-infrared machines, kept a strict sleep schedule, and took melatonin supplements before bed. These steps helped me stabilize my circadian rhythm and improve my overall health.

How I Boosted Melatonin Naturally

My approaches are to increase morning and evening sun exposure, use near-infrared machines, maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up time, and take a melatonin supplement before bedtime every day. The obvious results are that my inflammation index CRP has dropped, my mental state has improved, and the side effects of chemotherapy have been reduced. Here are the specific strategies I implemented:

Morning and Evening Sun Exposure

I made a point of getting outside during the early morning and late afternoon. This allowed my body to absorb natural light, which is essential for regulating the circadian rhythm. Early morning light helps signal the body that it's time to wake up and produce energy, while evening light helps wind things down. Increasing my time in the sun during these periods could influence melatonin production more effectively.

Near-Infrared Therapy

I began using a near-infrared (NIR) machine as part of my routine. NIR light has been shown to penetrate deeper into tissues, promoting cellular repair and reducing inflammation. This therapy, along with sunlight exposure, contributed to overall mitochondrial health, which is vital for anyone undergoing cancer treatments.

Regular Sleep Schedule

Maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake-up time became a non-negotiable part of my day. I knew that the better I aligned my body with its natural rhythms, the more efficient my melatonin production would be. The key here was not just getting enough sleep but making sure I went to bed and woke up at the same time each day. This stability helped regulate melatonin levels and many other hormones affecting energy, immune function, and even my ability to withstand chemotherapy.

Melatonin Supplementation

Each night before bed, I took a melatonin supplement. This was an easy way to ensure my body had the extra support it needed, especially when facing the overwhelming physical and emotional stress of cancer treatment. I made sure to consult with my oncologist before starting the supplement to ensure it wouldn't interfere with my other medications.

The Impact of Melatonin on My Treatment

These adjustments to my lifestyle, especially the focus on increasing melatonin, had a noticeable impact on my overall health and ability to handle chemotherapy.

One of the first improvements I saw was in my CRP (C-reactive protein) levels. CRP is an inflammation marker, and high levels are often associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. As I continued with my routine of increased sunlight, infrared therapy, and regular sleep, my CRP levels began to drop, indicating reduced inflammation. This was a positive sign that my body was becoming less inflamed, which likely helped improve my response to chemotherapy.

Another significant change was in my mental state. Chemotherapy takes a toll not just on the body but also on the mind. Fatigue, nausea, and the emotional strain of fighting cancer can be overwhelming. However, by optimizing my melatonin levels, I markedly improved my mood and energy levels. I was better able to handle the emotional ups and downs of treatment, and I felt more mentally resilient.

Perhaps most importantly, I noticed a reduction in chemotherapy side effects. Chemotherapy is known for causing a host of unpleasant side effects, from nausea and fatigue to more severe issues like neuropathy. By aligning my body’s natural rhythms with my treatment and boosting melatonin, I found that the nausea was less frequent and intense, and I had more energy throughout the day.

How to Discuss Lifestyle Changes with Your Doctor

It's important to note that while I made these changes to my routine, I didn’t do so in isolation. I made sure to discuss every aspect of my new lifestyle strategies with my oncologist. This included taking melatonin supplements, increasing my sunlight exposure, and using near-infrared therapy. By maintaining open communication with my healthcare team, I was able to make sure that my lifestyle changes complemented my chemotherapy regimen without interfering with it.

If you are considering making similar adjustments to your routine, I advise you always to consult your doctor first. They can offer guidance tailored to your specific situation and ensure that there are no potential conflicts between your treatments and any new strategies you want to try.

The Benefits of Boosting Melatonin for Cancer Patients

For me, the focus on melatonin provided several key benefits:

Reduced Inflammation: Lower CRP levels were a clear sign that the inflammation in my body was decreasing. Since inflammation can fuel cancer growth, this was a critical improvement.

Better Mental and Emotional Health: As my melatonin levels stabilized, I noticed that I was less anxious, more focused, and better able to cope with the emotional strain of cancer treatment.

Lessened Side Effects of Chemotherapy: Nausea, fatigue, and other side effects became more manageable as my body adapted to the treatment schedule, supported by my lifestyle changes.

Improved Energy Levels: Aligning my routine with my body’s circadian rhythm helped me maintain higher energy levels throughout the day, allowing me to stay more active and engaged despite undergoing treatment.

Can These Strategies Reduce Chemotherapy Side Effects?

Chemotherapy is known for its grueling side effects. By combining melatonin supplementation, light exposure, and a regulated sleep schedule, I found that the severity of these side effects was significantly reduced. Here are a few of the specific improvements I experienced:

Reduced Nausea: I experienced less nausea overall, and the episodes that did occur were less intense.

Better Sleep Quality: I slept more soundly and woke up fewer times during the night, which greatly impacted how I felt during the day.

Increased Energy: By aligning my daily routine with my body’s natural energy peaks, I was able to maintain a higher level of energy, even during chemotherapy sessions.

Improved Overall Well-Being: By reducing inflammation and boosting melatonin, I felt healthier and more capable of handling the physical challenges of treatment.

Tips for Supporting Chemotherapy Through Lifestyle Adjustments

If you are undergoing cancer treatment and want to explore ways to support your body, here are a few tips based on my experience:

Increase Morning and Evening Sun Exposure: Natural sunlight regulates your circadian rhythm and boosts melatonin levels. Make a habit of spending time outside during the early morning and late afternoon to maximize these benefits.

Try Near-Infrared Therapy: If accessible, near-infrared machines can provide additional support by promoting cellular repair and reducing inflammation.

Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule: A consistent sleep routine stabilizes your circadian rhythm and supports your body’s natural healing processes.

Consider Melatonin Supplements: If appropriate for your situation, melatonin supplements can provide an extra boost, especially in the context of cancer treatment. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider first.

Track Your Progress: Keep a journal to monitor how you feel before and after treatments, and adjust your routine as needed.

How to Monitor Your Progress

Tracking how your body responds to these lifestyle changes is essential for making informed adjustments. I found that keeping a detailed log of my symptoms, energy levels, and test results helped me fine-tune my approach. Here’s how you can do the same:

Keep a Treatment Journal: Record your sleep patterns, energy levels, and any symptoms you experience during treatment. This will help you notice patterns and make adjustments accordingly.

Regular Health Checks: Get regular blood tests to monitor markers like CRP and CEA, which can give you insights into how your body is responding to both the cancer and your lifestyle changes.

Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adapt your routine based on how your body responds. For example, if you notice more energy in the mornings, you might adjust your daily schedule to take advantage of that.

Key Takeaways from My Experience

While I didn’t have control over the timing of my chemotherapy sessions, I was able to improve my treatment outcomes and overall quality of life by focusing on melatonin and aligning my daily routine with my body’s natural rhythms. These changes helped reduce inflammation, improved my mental state, and lessened the harsh side effects of chemotherapy. Most importantly, they gave me a sense of control in a situation where it’s easy to feel powerless.

If you’re going through a similar journey, I encourage you to explore ways to support your body during treatment. Even minor adjustments can have a big impact on how you feel and how well your body copes with cancer.

Advice for Others Considering These Strategies

For those considering lifestyle changes to complement their cancer treatment, my advice is simple:

Educate Yourself: Research how melatonin, circadian rhythms, and light exposure can impact your health and treatment.

Talk to Your Doctor: Always consult your healthcare team before making significant changes, such as starting melatonin supplements or incorporating infrared therapy.

Stay Consistent: Changes like regulating your sleep schedule or increasing sunlight exposure require consistency to see real benefits.

Monitor Your Progress: Keep detailed records of how you feel and what’s working so that you can adjust your routine based on feedback from your body.

Effective Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Chemotherapy Side Effects

Incorporating these lifestyle adjustments into my daily routine helped me manage my stage IV rectal cancer more effectively. While I couldn’t change the hospital’s chemotherapy schedule, I found that by focusing on melatonin, maintaining a consistent sleep-wake cycle, and prioritizing sunlight exposure, I could significantly reduce inflammation, improve my energy levels, and reduce the side effects of treatment.

For anyone facing similar challenges, I encourage you to explore how simple, natural lifestyle adjustments could make a meaningful difference in your cancer journey. Discuss these options with your healthcare team, stay informed, and remember that even small changes can significantly impact your overall well-being.