The wonders of 5-HTP!

Anxiety, depression, insomnia?? Have you considered taking 5-HTP?

5-Hydroxytryphophan, or 5-HTP, is converted in the body to the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT), with the help of vitamin B6.

The effect of 5-HTP is thought to be due to the fact that an artificially high supply of 5-HTP causes the brain's serotonin-producing neurons to increase production. Increased serotonin production then leads to increased serotonin release. 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), causing weight gain, depression, headaches, and muscle aches.

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.

Some research has been done into 5-HTP and shows it has potential to treat depression and possibly anxiety, panic disorder, sleep disorders and obesity. 5-HTP seems to have the same effects as SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) antidepressants.

Most research seems to suggest that 5-HTP is safe in the right dose. This seems to be no more than 100mg per day. 5-HTP is usually tolerated much better than traditional antidepressants. HOWEVER, it is important not to take more than 100mg per day, or other antidepressants at the same time.

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 effects of taking 5HTP can be felt within 10 to 30 mins.

Most 5-HTP, including the one we sell, is extracted from the seeds of a woody climbing shrub native to West Africa, called the Griffonia simplicifolia plant.

We sell high strength 100mg capsules of 5-HTP, as well as vitamin B6 on our website at the following links:
For 5-HTP: www.homeherbs.co.uk
For vitamin B6: www.homeherbs.co.uk


Why not try some today and see if you too can reduce your stress and anger levels, as well as get a good night's sleep!

Thank you for reading. All comments welcome!

Some information referenced from Wikipedia.org and 5-htp.org.uk