Given a boost by celebrities in recovery from depression such as Jim Carrey, 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is once again the up-and-coming nutritional supplement for the treatment of depression. 5-HTP supplies the source of the amino acid tryptophan in a form that readily enters the brain. The human brain converts tryptophan into the key mood regulator serotonin.
5 HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid which is produced by the human body, as well as the plant species Griffonia simplicifolia. It is a brain chemical which comes from the conversion of L-Tryptophan (such as that found in certain foods like milk and turkey) into serotonin, which is essential in mood stabilization.
5-HTP is essential to overall health. It is used to treat many conditions like depression, obesity, carbohydrate craving, bulimia, insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, migraine, headaches, and fibromyalgia.
What is Serotonin? Scientifically, Serotonin is a hormone found in the pineal gland, digestive tract, blood platelets and brain. It works as a neurotransmitter that sends nerve signals between nerve cells. Normally, the body maintains a normal serotonin level, but there are times when the level of Serotonin drops. When this happens, you may experience various health conditions. A common cause of low- serotonin levels is prolonged stress. A poor diet can also cause serotonin levels to drop. Aside from that, hormonal changes may also contribute to low levels of serotonin. There are also studies that show that abuse of nicotine, alcohol and drugs may lead to a drop in the level of Serotonin in our body.
Specifically relating to anxiety disorders, 5 HTP anxiety supplementation combined with a healthy diet is reported to provide some amount of relief of anxiety symptoms. Whether taken with prescription medication or alone, many who take it report calmer, less depressed moods and less anxiety.
The medical literature does not report serious adverse effects on the central nervous system from taking even high doses of 5-HTP. In theory, however, extremely large doses of 5-HTP taken at the same time as the migraine medications naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), or zolmitriptan (Zomig), or any prescription medications for depression could cause "serotonin syndrome."
5-HTP Improves Sleep Problems People who suffer from sleeping problems are known to have low levels of serotonin. 5-HTP has been shown to improve the quality of sleep. Medical research indicates that taking 5-HTP before bedtime can induce sleepiness and delay wake times.
Serotonin syndrome has never been observed from supplementation with 5-HTP, but as a precaution, avoid using 5-HTP if you take any prescription drugs for depression or migraine. People who have angina, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a rare form of migraine known as Prinzmetal's angina, or who have had a heart attack should also avoid 5-HTP.
The best way to get good results when taking 5 HTP is to combine it with a diet that is rich in foods containing L-Tryptophan such as turkey, eggs, milk, yogurt, bananas, nuts, beans and cheddar and swiss cheese. Taking Vitamin B-6 and Omega-3 fish oil helps, too. By taking 5 HTP with this type of diet it is suggested that people can increase serotonin production naturally, reducing anxiety symptoms. Another benefit for some, by increasing serotonin production with the help of good carbohydrates and 5 HTP, it can also act as an appetite suppressant.
Since 5 HTP is a natural product, those interested in purchasing the supplement to try are cautioned to buy the highest quality, cleanest product available. As with any medicinal or nutritional product, side effects are always possible so it is highly recommended to use caution when taking any kind of natural supplement, and to do so only after consulting with your doctor. A condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) is questionably linked to taking 5 HTP, but it is believed this has occurred in the past due to contamination before Good Manufacturing Practices were put into effect by the United States FDA.
5 HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid which is produced by the human body, as well as the plant species Griffonia simplicifolia. It is a brain chemical which comes from the conversion of L-Tryptophan (such as that found in certain foods like milk and turkey) into serotonin, which is essential in mood stabilization.
5-HTP is essential to overall health. It is used to treat many conditions like depression, obesity, carbohydrate craving, bulimia, insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, migraine, headaches, and fibromyalgia.
What is Serotonin? Scientifically, Serotonin is a hormone found in the pineal gland, digestive tract, blood platelets and brain. It works as a neurotransmitter that sends nerve signals between nerve cells. Normally, the body maintains a normal serotonin level, but there are times when the level of Serotonin drops. When this happens, you may experience various health conditions. A common cause of low- serotonin levels is prolonged stress. A poor diet can also cause serotonin levels to drop. Aside from that, hormonal changes may also contribute to low levels of serotonin. There are also studies that show that abuse of nicotine, alcohol and drugs may lead to a drop in the level of Serotonin in our body.
Specifically relating to anxiety disorders, 5 HTP anxiety supplementation combined with a healthy diet is reported to provide some amount of relief of anxiety symptoms. Whether taken with prescription medication or alone, many who take it report calmer, less depressed moods and less anxiety.
The medical literature does not report serious adverse effects on the central nervous system from taking even high doses of 5-HTP. In theory, however, extremely large doses of 5-HTP taken at the same time as the migraine medications naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), or zolmitriptan (Zomig), or any prescription medications for depression could cause "serotonin syndrome."
5-HTP Improves Sleep Problems People who suffer from sleeping problems are known to have low levels of serotonin. 5-HTP has been shown to improve the quality of sleep. Medical research indicates that taking 5-HTP before bedtime can induce sleepiness and delay wake times.
Serotonin syndrome has never been observed from supplementation with 5-HTP, but as a precaution, avoid using 5-HTP if you take any prescription drugs for depression or migraine. People who have angina, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a rare form of migraine known as Prinzmetal's angina, or who have had a heart attack should also avoid 5-HTP.
The best way to get good results when taking 5 HTP is to combine it with a diet that is rich in foods containing L-Tryptophan such as turkey, eggs, milk, yogurt, bananas, nuts, beans and cheddar and swiss cheese. Taking Vitamin B-6 and Omega-3 fish oil helps, too. By taking 5 HTP with this type of diet it is suggested that people can increase serotonin production naturally, reducing anxiety symptoms. Another benefit for some, by increasing serotonin production with the help of good carbohydrates and 5 HTP, it can also act as an appetite suppressant.
Since 5 HTP is a natural product, those interested in purchasing the supplement to try are cautioned to buy the highest quality, cleanest product available. As with any medicinal or nutritional product, side effects are always possible so it is highly recommended to use caution when taking any kind of natural supplement, and to do so only after consulting with your doctor. A condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) is questionably linked to taking 5 HTP, but it is believed this has occurred in the past due to contamination before Good Manufacturing Practices were put into effect by the United States FDA.
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