5-htp
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5-HTP is not a new product. It has been around for the last three decades, however, in European countries. It has been used as a medicine for the treatment of anti-depression, sleep disorders, weight loss and other medical complaints associated therewith since the 1970s. An extensive amount of research has gone into this product. Although it is relatively new to the U.S. Health Food Industry, it has been available through pharmacies for several years. We are now just jumping on the ban wagon. It appears we have a lot of catching-up to do!
However, this naturally-occurring amino acid has also been recently marketed in the U.S. as well as other countries, as a dietary supplement to treat such conditions as anti-depression, and sleep disorders. It is also used as an appetite suppressant. Some studies show that it is a safer alternative to prescription drugs for the treatment of these conditions. Individuals may navigate to this product to help in the treatment of obesity, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia and premenstrual syndrome, more commonly known as PMS
This supplement has increased in popularity over the years and is becoming as popular as St. John’s Wort for the treatment of depression and other serotonin-related conditions. One reason for this is because it produces results in a shorter duration of time. This substance shows remarkable results in as little as two weeks, and the herb may take up to a month or so. This is a significant difference. Another reason is because it is thought to have the same properties of serotonin antidepressants. Whatever the reasons, it is continuing to grow in popularity.
Proper Dosage
Recommended Dosage for 5-HTP may vary, but the recommended dosage is 100 to 300 mg, thirty to forty-five minutes before retiring. It would be wise to start with the lower dose for at least three days, and increase the dose if warranted.
Turkey and dairy products contain trace amounts and it is often sold as an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement.
Conditions Benefited By Treatment of This Product
-Depression
-Obesity
-Carbohydrate craving
-Bulimia
-Insomnia
-Narcolepsy
-Sleep apnea
-Migraine headaches
-Tension headaches
-Chronic daily headaches
-Premenstrual syndrome
-Fibromyalgia
Important Information and Facts
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a compound produced by the body from tryptophan, and it can be naturally found in many foods, but just in trace amounts. However, it is most commonly extracted from the seeds of an African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia.
This product when used for conditions arising from serotonin deficiency syndrome, showed better results that those of standard synthetic drugs. According to clinical trials, 5-HTP safely and naturally increased brain serotonin levels.
It has many other valued uses such as providing the quickest, most effective, and most consistent overall results in treating insomnia, and is a safer more effective alternative for dealing with sleep problems naturally in comparison to sleep medicines. As a bonus, clinical studies show that 5-HTP is not only beneficial in treating insomnia but also helps alleviate sleep disorders other than insomnia.
Safety, Side Effects and Warnings
As with many products, there are certain warnings with 5-HTP that should be heeded. This supplement should not be used by those hypersensitive to any component of a 5-HTP-containing product.
Be aware of the dosage amount-large doses may result in excessive levels of serotonin formation in tissues other than the target organ and this, in turn, may cause significant adverse effects. To avoid serious side effect this supplement should not be taken concurrently with any antidepressant, including SSRIs, tricyclics, or MAOIs. If you have certain diseases such as ischemic heart disease, coronary artery spasm, hypertension and any other cardiovascular disease, do not take this product without first alerting your doctor of this ailment. This could cause a severe reaction.
Appetite loss, vomiting, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, and nausea have also been reported when taking this product. When taking large doses a different set of problems arose such as dilation of the pupils, loss of muscle coordination, blurring of vision and abnormally sensitive reflexes. However, it is worth mentioning again, that these neurological problems only resulted in taking large doses. Therefore, it is essential that you do not take more than your recommended dose. More is not always better!
Benefits and Functions
Although this is a relatively new product in the U.S. it has been around for decades in the European countries and extensive research indicates significant benefit in the following areas:
Depression: This supplement holds high hopes for individuals suffering from depression. In clinical trials individuals suffering from depression were administered either 5-HTP (100 mg three times a day) or an antidepressant, (50 mg three times a day) and the results showed that 5-HTP is as effective as antidepressants, but with fewer side effects. These trials involved a small number of patients over a six week period.
Migraine: This supplement may provide relief for migraine suffers. During a clinical trial 124 people were given 5-HTP (600 mg/day) or the drug methysergide. After six months there was not difference, both drugs were equally as effective in reducing the severity and duration of migrains. Some research, also suggests that 5-HTP may, in fact, prevent migraines altogether or at the very least, reduce the frequency and severity of them.
Fibromyalgia: A double-blind placebo controlled study looked at 5-HTP or a placebo in 50 individuals suffering from this debilitating condition, which is characterized by fatigue, widespread pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons and multiple tender points. After four weeks, there was improvement in pain, stiffness, anxiety, fatigue and sleep.
Insomnia: 5-HTP converts serotonin into melatonin, a hormone which is responsible regulating sleep-wake cycles and because of this fact it may increase melatonin and help normalize sleep patterns and disorders.
According to a few studies, this supplement shows significant promise in the treatment of obesity and weight loss. However, more studies need to be done to form any conclusions as to its total benefits in this area.
We are a nation plagued by destruction. Our hectic, modern lifestyle and poor dietary practices, contribute to a stressful life and this in turn results in lowered levels of serotonin within the brain. And the consequences thereof lead many individuals to compensate for this by overeating, craving sugar and other carbohydrates, and experiencing bouts of depression, as well as other ailments. Fortunately, all of these conditions can be remedied by raising brain serotonin levels. Hence, 5-HTP comes to the rescue! However, this is not a miracle supplement, and although it receives high raves, we need to eat healthier and exercise in addition to taking this product. Only then can we turn this situation around and improve our over-all health and well-being.