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.
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.
5-HTP is essential to overall health. It is used to treat many
conditions like depression, obesity, carbohydrate craving, bulimia,
insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, migraine, headaches, and
fibromyalgia.
Maybe you are searching for more information about serotonin. Serotonin
acts as a chemical restraint system that suppresses the firing of
neurons to be able to moderate your actions.
This side effect is due to the fact that the digestive tract makes its
own serotonin, which may be overabundant until your body adjusts to the
supplement. About 2 in 5 people who use the supplement experience these
effects during the first 2 weeks of using it.
To avoid adverse effects, it's a good idea to begin by taking a
50-milligram dose once or twice a day. Then slowly build up to a
100-milligram dose, but only after 3 or 4 weeks.
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.
Some studies indicate that 5-HTP is as effective in treating people who
are experiencing moderate depression since it works as antidepressant
drug. Aside from that, these studies have also revealed that it is
effective in improving mood, anxiety, insomnia, and physical symptoms.
It's there in helping you control those urges which can be the reasons
why individuals are obese in the first place. By taking 5-HTP, you are
attaining control over your diet. You're less lured to eat unhealthy
food.
People who have angina, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a rare form of
migraine known as Prinzmetal's angina, or who have had a heart attack
should also avoid 5-HTP.
There are reports that combining 5-HTP with the Parkinson's disease drug
carbidopa can cause symptoms similar to those of the skin disease
scleroderma. 5-HTP probably should not be combined with conventional
antidepressants. This does not mean you should stop your prescription
antidepressant and put yourself on 5-HTP. Just the opposite: Almost all
prescription medications for depression have to be tapered off gradually
under your doctor's supervision.
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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