Are You Under A Lot Of Stress? Do You Have Trouble Sleeping At Night?

By Addy Rochon


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.

What is 5-HTP? 5-Hydroxytryptophan also known as 5-HTP is a chemical by-product of the protein building block L-tryptophan. 5-HTP is produced using the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia which is known African plant. In other words, 5-HTP is an amino acid that functions in the central nervous system and brain by enhancing the making of the chemical known as serotonin.

The trial concluded that 5-HTP was slightly more effective Luvox. Moreover, while Luvox users suffered a range range of side effects usually associated with SSRIs, 5-HTP only caused mild stomach upset in a few of the people who took it.

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.

5-HTP Treats Depression People with depression have measurable 'imbalances' in the brain's neurotransmitters. Doctors believe that low levels of serotonin cause the condition. One of the many factors that contribute to depression is the low level of serotonin in the brain.

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.

With the "bad" carbs, there is a quick response in the form of a calming effect, but it is short-lived; our blood sugar levels get out of alignment (which can add to depression and anxiety) and the whole cycle starts again. Therefore, white carbs and other low-quality carbs are definitely not the way to boost serotonin.

5-HTP treats Obesity If your serotonin levels are low, you always crave for food. You may feel like you have to eat all the time. Eating can make you feel better temporarily but when all those calories wear off and eventually your serotonin levels drops.

When that happens the pleasurable effect goes away, and the cravings return. When it does, it is also accompanied by anxiety, foggy thinking and irritability. This cycle cause you to gain a lot of weight and causes obesity.




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