5-HTP

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid that can help increase the levels of neurotransmitter serotonin in a natural way. Usually, 5-HTP is seen as a mood elevating substance.

5-HTP is a precursor of serotonin, the major "happy chemical" in the brain, our principal defense against depression and anxiety, responsible for the ability to regenerate, rest and find serenity.

It's a good insomnia cure, too, as it also converts into melatonin, body's natural "sleep hormone".

Serotonin is crucial for our well-being, so be sure to uphold adequate levels of this all-important substance if you want to enjoy your life to the full!

As serotonin is a key brain chemical in charge for the mood and optimistic outlook, 5-HTP as its precursor is used to alleviate the symptoms of depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), insomnia, anxiety, migraine and tension-type headaches, mood swings, occasional nervousness, nervous tension, mild pain, fibromyalgia, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

In the treatment of insomnia, 5-HTP can be highly efficient as after it converts into melatonin, body's natural "sleep hormone”, it increases the length of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, what means enhanced quality of sleep.

Concerning the depression cure, new researches suggest that 5-HTP can be expected to be more effective for individuals suffering an anxious, restless, aggressive, irritable form of depression and is rarely useful for individuals suffering from a severe, vegetative, total "blahs" type of depression, which is commonly linked with insufficient levels of dopamine and therefore require dopamine, and not serotonin correction.

It also can help to lose weight, as it can suppress carbohydrate cravings and consequently cut down food consumption, what in turn will lead to slimmer, more toned body.

5-HTP deficiency leads to the deficiency of serotonin. Insufficient amount of serotonin is linked with depression, sleep disorders, PMS, obsessive-compulsive disorder, paranoia, phobias, restlessness, hypervigilance, addictions, alcoholism, bowel problems, allergic reactions, headaches, hypertension, digestive problems, impulsiveness and lack of common sense.

5-HTP is the direct precursor to serotonin in the brain, i.e. it converts in the brain directly to serotonin. 5-HTP is a derivative of the amino acid L-tryptophan, which could be found in high-protein foods, such as fish, poultry, other lean meats and dairy products as well as in potatoes, pumpkin, sunflower seeds, turnip and collard greens, and seaweed. The metabolic pathway that leads to serotonin production is the following:

Tryptophan => 5-HTP => serotonin (5-HT) => melatonin

Simply put, this indicates that 5-HTP is a more immediate precursor to serotonin than tryptophan is, i.e. 5-HTP is more directly linked to the synthesis of serotonin than is tryptophan since it is just one biochemical step away from converting to serotonin.

Part of 5-HTP of also converts to melatonin, the "sleep hormone".

5-HTP is obtainable as a dietary supplement product that is sold over-the-counter in health stores and online. 5-HTP is sensibly priced and affordable for the average consumer. Initial dosage for 5-HTP is usually 50-100 mg, preferably at the evening or before bed.

Vitamin B6 helps the conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin.

Serotonin is one of the two (the other is GABA) main brain inhibitory neurotransmitters responsible for good mood, healthy sleep patterns and emotional health.

Elevating serotonin levels is crucial for the effective insomnia cure.

5-HTP helps enhance your serotonin levels in a natural, safe and effective way.

5-HTP is generally well tolerated, but side effects are possible (they are usually mild, and occur mostly at the doses higher than 100mg/day, fading away by themselves after discontinuing 5-HTP supplementation).

The most common side effects of supplementing with 5-HTP include stomach problems such as heartburn, nausea, rumbling stomach and a feeling of fullness, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, along with rashes or flushing, headaches, vivid dreams or nightmares.

Don't take 5-HTP together with prescription SSRI antidepressants, MAOIs and sedatives, as it can lead to excess serotonin, which is as bad as its deficit.

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Disclaimer: The information on this site is given for educational purposes only. Thorough health assessment done by a health care professional is necessary before deciding to take any of the supplements mentioned.