5-HTP is an over-the-counter dietary supplement that has been shown to be safer and more effective than other treatments for symptoms associated with low serotonin levels.
Serotonin is an active substance present in neurons, which performs neurotransmitter functions that are very important for maintaining optimal health.
Our pace of life in the 21st century is fast-paced and demanding, we work in stressful environments, and this has devastating effects on our health, forcing the body to constantly compensate for the negative effects of poor diet, lack of exercise and poor sleep.
Health studies show that harmful lifestyles not only affect the body, but also damage brain health. Stress, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle lead to the production of less serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood, appetite and the
brain’s ability to recover through sleep and rest.
When the brain doesn’t produce enough serotonin, we can end up suffering from
depression, obesity and insomnia, without performing at our best physically and mentally.
5-HTP is the dietary supplement that increases serotonin levels safely and effectively. Among the main symptoms associated with low serotonin levels that are alleviated by taking 5-HTP, we find:
- Obesity
- Depression
- Bulimia
- Migrene
- Fibromyalgia
- Sleep problems
- Narcolepsy
- Increased appetite for carbohydrates
- Chronic headache
- Migrene
- Premenstrual syndrome
5-HTP is derived from a natural source, the seeds of an African plant called Griffonia
simplicifolia.
How 5-HTP works in various problems
5-HTP is much more effective than melatonin in the treatment of insomnia because it helps both in generating restful sleep in both normal subjects and those suffering from insomnia.
5-HTP administered with L-Tyrosine or L-Lysine
A possible treatment for depression and other brain disorders is the combination of 5-HTP and L-Tyrosine, with potential side effects, but much less than antidepressants.
This treatment often achieves excellent results for patients who do not respond to normal antidepressant medication. L-Tyrosine works in the brain in ways that can improve established treatments for certain brain conditions. L-Tyrosine is a main ingredient of dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine, and 5-HTP triggers increased serotonin production.
In combination, studies show that they can improve concentration and memory during mental stress as well as reduce side effects such as involuntary movement, nausea and psychiatric symptoms that no longer occur or at least are manageable because the supplement replaces the chemicals.
Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should not take this dietary supplement.
Side effects may include drowsiness, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting and should not be taken with other medications for depression or that affect serotonin levels.
L-Lysine is an essential amino acid for tissue growth and repair, which is obtained through diet or supplements. L-Lysine is vital for proper growth, helps heal wounds, prevents herpes simplex, prevents osteoporosis, improves athletic performance, increases muscle mass, relieves stress, may reduce blood sugar and lowers blood pressure.
If there is not enough L-Lysine in the body, you may experience the following symptoms: nausea, loss of appetite, restlessness, slow growth, anemia, reproductive disorders, dizziness, fatigue.
Finally, 5-HTP is not a miracle cure and does not work equally well in all people, but studies show that it has beneficial effects in most people, especially in combination with L-Tyrosine, L-Lysine and other vitamins such as Vitamin B6, Folic Acid and Vitamin C. The combination of these helps to improve sleep, appetite, memory, learning, body temperature regulation, mood, endocrine regulation and helps to lower cortisol levels in the body. This supplement should not be taken with antidepressants as 5-HTP may increase their productivity.