Most 5-HTP also known as oxitriptan (INN) is extracted from the seeds of a
woody climbing shrub native to West Africa, called the Griffonia
simplicifolia plant.
What is 5-HTP?
5-HTP or "hydroxy L-tryptophan" (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is
a naturally occurring amino acid and is the precursor and metabolic
intermediate in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin from tryptophan.
5-HTP is converted to the
neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT), with the help of vitamin B6. This
occurs both in nervous tissue and in the liver. 5-HTP crosses
the blood-brain barrier (while 5-HT does not). Supplementation with
5-HTP therefore increases production of Serotonin.
5-HTP health benefits
Widely used to help with obesity (dieting), PMS, migraines,
depression, anxiety, insomnia and addictive behaviour. 5 HTP increases
production of serotonin. Serotonin levels in the nervous system are
essential for so many aspects of our daily lives. Serotonin is
responsible for feelings of well being, satisfaction and for normal
sleep patterns. Obesity, PMS, migraines, depression, anxiety, insomnia
and addictive behavior have all been associated with low levels of
serotonin. Serotonin plays an important role in controlling anger,
aggression, body temperature, mood, sleep, human sexuality, appetite,
and metabolism, as well as stimulating vomiting.
It is thought the hectic modern lifestyle of stress and bad eating
habits lowers serotonin levels in the body. It is known that
irritability, aggression, impatience, anxiety and worrying cause the
body to release serotonin. This Serotonin then needs to be replenished
by the body from the food you eat. But Serotonin is not found in large
quantities in most diets so the body has to makes it itself from foods
which contain L-tryptophan, such as chocolate, oats, bananas, dried
dates, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, meat, fish, turkey, chicken,
sesame, chickpeas, and peanuts. Many people therefore crave the foods
listed (fats and carbohydrates), especially when stressed, causing
weight gain, depression, headaches, and muscle aches.
Atkins Diet - reduce cravings
Clinical studies have shown that supplementing with 5-HTP produces
positive results in weight loss, anxiety and depression. It improves
sleep patterns and reduces carbohydrate cravings in those on low
carbohydrate diets (such as The Atkins Diet). Anyone using a weight loss
program similar to the Atkins Diet could experience a reduction in
serotonin levels due to the fact that carbohydrates stimulate serotonin
production in the body. Serotonin release is triggered by a carbohydrate
load (sugar etc.) and it is thought that's why we often crave
Carbohydrates under stress as we want to stimulate this serotonin
release. When the brain produces serotonin, tension is eased.
Conversely when the brain produces dopamine or norepinephrine
(noradrenaline), we tend to think and act more quickly and are generally
more alert. Therefore eating carbohydrates seems to have a calming
effect, while proteins increase alertness.
Taking 5-HTP supplements can stop this craving for fats and
carbohydrates, as well as providing the body with the means to control
all those other functions listed above, such as anger, appetite and
sleep.
Help with Depression and Anxiety
Some research has been done into 5-HTP and shows it has potential to
help with depression and possibly anxiety, panic disorder, sleep
disorders and obesity. 5-HTP seems to have the same effects as SSRI
(Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors) antidepressants.
Prescription drugs that raise serotonin levels are prescribed for all
of these problems, but many people believe 5-HTP is a natural way to
accomplish the same thing.
Dosage
For improving sleep, it is widely recommended to take 5-HTP 30 mins
before going to bed, as apart from producing Serotonin, 5-HTP also
produces Melatonin, which is a sleep-inducing hormone. The usual dosage
is either a 50mg or 100mg tablet. The effects of taking 5-HTP can be
felt within 10 to 30 mins. Try to buy 5-HTP which also contains vitamin B6, as Vit B6 is needed for 5-HTP conversion into serotonin.
Much higher doses seem to be required for weight loss and to reduce
migraines. Dosages up to around 900mg a day seem to be widely reported. 5-HTP is usually tolerated much better than traditional
antidepressants. Excess 5-HTP is thought to be metabolized and excreted,
especially when taken with Vitamin B6.
Why not try some today and see if you too can reduce your cravings,
stress and anger levels, as well as getting a good night's sleep!..." ( Info Source from http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-5-htp.html )
Ends Wednesday, October 14th, at 10 a.m., Pacific Time. Extra discount
will be seen in the shopping cart and applies only to items in this category.
