5-HTP - Nature's Anti-Depressant

What‘s 5-HTP?

The Griffonia Extract is rich in 5-HydroxyTryptophan (5-HTP ), which comes from your African vegetable, the Griffonia simplicifolia seed, and contains 30% 5–HTP. 5-HTP is definitely an amino acid that may be a direct precursor of serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter having pain soothing and relaxing effects. 5-HTP Isn‘t present in significant amounts inside a typical diet. The human body manufactures 5-HTP from L-tryptophan, an all-natural amino acid found in many dietary proteins. However, eating food that contains L-tryptophan doesn‘t significantly increase 5-HTP levels.

5-HTP and Serotonin

5-HTP is that the precursor to serotonin. It improves mood, anxiety and it is beneficial in weight reduction. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP ) is definitely an amino acid that‘s the intermediate step between tryptophan and also the important brain chemical serotonin. There‘s a massive level of evidence that means that low serotonin levels really certainly can be a common consequence of modern living. The lifestyle and dietary practices of some people living during this stress-filled era leads to lowered levels of serotonin inside the brain.

5-HTP and Carb Cravings
Researchers think that inadequate serotonin levels are partially liable for the need to overeat. Not surprisingly, obese individuals who crave carbohydrates usually show abnormally lower levels of serotonin. Going for a 5-HTP supplement half an hour or so before a helping can turn off


cravings and hunger pangs by feeding the brains carbohydrate satiety center. In this manner 5-HTP may be a great asset included in a weight-loss regime.

5-HTP and Addiction
The usage of many addictive substances, for example tobacco, alcohol, caffeine and certain narcotics, elevates serotonin levels. When these substances are eliminated, serotonin levels drop drastically, causing anxiety and cravings. Taking 5-HTP can stabilize serotonin levels and help minimize the symptoms of withdrawal.

5-HTP and PMS
PMS sufferers report pain relief, along with decreased irritability and mood swings from using 5-HTP. The supplement works by countering the hormone-induced decrease in serotonin levels that occur naturally during menstruation.

5-HTP and Sleep
Due to its calming effect, many depend on 5-HTP to alleviate stress-attacks, along with to encourage restful sleep. Unlike sedative drugs, 5-HTP Isn‘t related to unwanted side effects, for example disturbed sleep patterns or grogginess. It could be taken regularly one hour before retiring like a remedy for insomnia.

Side Effects
Very high intakes of 5-HTP have caused muscle jerks in guinea pigs and both muscle jerks and diarrhea in mice. Injected 5-HTP has also caused kidney damage in rats. To date, these problems Haven‘t been reported in humans. “Serotonin syndrome, ” a significant but uncommon condition caused by excessive levels of serotonin, has not been reported to result from supplementation with 5-HTP ; in theory it may be triggered from the supplement. However, the amount of intake of which this toxic effect might potentially occur remains unknown.

Warnings

5-HTP shouldn‘t be taken with antidepressants, weight-control drugs, other serotonin-modifying agents, or substances known to cause liver damage, because during these cases 5-HTP could have excessive effects. Individuals with liver disease might not have the ability to regulate 5-HTP adequately and people affected by autoimmune diseases for example scleroderma can be more sensitive than others, to 5-HTP. These people Shouldn‘t take 5-HTP without consulting a knowledgeable healthcare professional. The safety of taking 5-HTP while pregnant and breast-feeding Isn‘t known at the moment.

Conditions with low serotonin levels helped by 5-HTP :

• Depression
• Obesity
• Carbohydrate craving
• Bulimia
• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Sleep apnea
• Migraine headaches
• Tension headaches
• Chronic daily headaches
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Fibromyalgia