5htp or 5-htp (5-hydroxytryptophan)
Information aboout 5-htp
5htp (5-hydroxytryptophan) is an important
precursor in the manufacture of the neurotransmitter serotonin. ‘Neurotransmitters’ are the
chemical messengers that enable communication within the nervous system itself and between
the nervous system and the rest of the body. Neurotransmitters, for better or worse, have an
enormous influence on how we feel physically and mentally. 5-htp supplements
are derived from the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia.
Among the many different types of neurotransmitters, serotonin in particular has received a
great deal of research attention because it plays a major role in the regulation of important
bodily functions like appetite, sleep, mood, and pain sensation.
You may be familiar with the commonly prescribed drugs Prozac and Zoloft. These drugs,
indicated for depression and certain other mood disorders, work by increasing serotonin
levels through pharmacological means, hence their common and well-known side-effects
(5-htp and tryptophan both have
negligible side effects).
Health Benefits of 5-htp
5htp (5-hydroxytryptophan) can be used
therapeutically for a wide range of conditions related to low serotonin levels.
5-htp acts as an appetite suppressant by increasing levels of the
appetite-regulating hormone leptin. 5htp also seems to specifically control
carbohydrate cravings by increasing serotonin levels, which can be lower in those restricting
carb and calorie intake.
5-htp may also be useful to those suffering from depression, anxiety,
fibromyalgia, insomnia, attention deficit disorder, and chronic headaches when used under
physician supervision.
5htp Usage
General recommended dosage: 50mg, 1-3 times daily
Therapeutic dosages vary; consult your physician for guidance.
If 5-htp does not seem to work or produce any effects when taken with food, try taking it
without food. Allow at least 2 weeks of consistent use to experience its full benefits or
make a determination as to its effectiveness in your circumstances.
- Side effects: nausea, heartburn, and other gastrointestinal discomfort may occur
due to 5htp. These side effects are shown to decrease over time
- Indications: Supplemental use of 5-htp in pregnant/nursing women,
diabetics, and children is not recommended and should be strictly supervised by a
physician.
- Drug interactions: 5htp has been shown to have negative
interactions with the following medications. It is very important to consult your physician
before using this supplement, especially if taking any prescription medication.
- Depression medications:Those taking SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors), MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) antidepressant medications, or any other
depression medications involved in the regulation of serotonin should not take
5-htp
- Carbidopa: a medication prescribed for Parkinson’s Disease
- Sumatriptan: a medication prescribed for migraine headaches
- Tramadol: a medication prescribed for pain control
- Zolpidem: a medication prescribed for insomnia
AllStarHealth has a Low-Price Guarantee on these
5htp supplements.
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Product List for 5-HTP |
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