Boost your serotonin levels, sleep better and become happier.
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that your body naturally produces. It is a building block to serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that helps moderate the transmission of signals between nerve cells. As we age, natural levels of 5-HTP appear to decline. 5-HTP increases the synthesis of serotonin. Serotonin plays a key role in regulating mood and sleep-wake cycles. Healthy levels of serotonin contribute to a positive mood and outlook and also promote restful sleep. Serotonin also plays an important role in many other of the body’s functions, including digestion, appetite, and pain perception. People low in this brain chemical serotonin often suffer from:
- Fatigue, in spite of adequate rest
- Disturbed sleep
- Changes in appetite
- Hot flushes and temperature changes
- Headaches
- Changes in libido
- Mood disturbances
- Depression
- Irritability
- OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
- SAD (seasonal affective disorder)
Sleep
Serotonin is the precursor to your body’s natural sleep hormone melatonin which controls your circadian rhythm and signals to your body when it’s time to start going to sleep. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune system booster that is especially protective of the brain. Melatonin is made from serotonin in the presence of darkness. (Remember, melatonin production in the body is triggered by darkness and suppressed by exposure to natural and artificial light.) Both serotonin and melatonin are critical to sleep and a well-functioning bio clock so therefore healthy serotonin levels are essential for maintaining healthy melatonin levels. With its ability to increase serotonin, 5-HTP supports a neurochemical process that can enable high-quality sleep and keep the body’s bio clock in sync. Research suggests that 5-HTP may help shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and increase sleep amounts.
Serotonin is the precursor to your body’s natural sleep hormone melatonin which controls your circadian rhythm and signals to your body when it’s time to start going to sleep. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune system booster that is especially protective of the brain. Melatonin is made from serotonin in the presence of darkness. (Remember, melatonin production in the body is triggered by darkness and suppressed by exposure to natural and artificial light.) Both serotonin and melatonin are critical to sleep and a well-functioning bio clock so therefore healthy serotonin levels are essential for maintaining healthy melatonin levels. With its ability to increase serotonin, 5-HTP supports a neurochemical process that can enable high-quality sleep and keep the body’s bio clock in sync. Research suggests that 5-HTP may help shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and increase sleep amounts.
Stress and anxiety
Most people experience stress and anxiety from time to time. Stress is any demand placed on your brain or physical body which can be triggered by an event that makes you feel frustrated or nervous. Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, or unease. It can be a reaction to stress, or it can occur in people who are unable to identify significant stressors in their life. For most people, stress and anxiety come and go. They usually occur after particular life events, but then go away. People who have stress and anxiety over long periods of time may experience negative related health outcomes. 5-HTP has been shown in scientific studies to promote relaxation and alleviate stress and anxiety due to its ability to elevate levels of serotonin. Research has demonstrated that 5-HTP may reduce the risks of panic attacks and symptoms of panic, as well as anxiety and emotional stress.
Depression
Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. It causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities and this can lead to emotional and physical problems which can have a great impact on a person’s ability to function at work and at home. Research shows that using 5-HTP for depression may help alleviate depressive symptoms. Research has also found that 5-HTP has fewer side effects than its pharmaceutical counterparts, and it works within 30 minutes for most people. 5-HTP gets converted into serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the principal neurotransmitters involved in happiness and anti-depression.
5-HTP in Your Diet
Your body makes 5-HTP from tryptophan, another amino acid. 5-HTP is not in food. While tryptophan is in many foods, eating more of these foods doesn't seem to have much effect on 5-HTP levels because it isn't plentiful enough to significantly increase your 5-HTP levels. 5-HTP supplements contain higher levels, are easily absorbed by your body, so they're believed to be much more effective than trying to get dietary tryptophan into your body. Holistix 5HTP is a great nutritional supplement and can be ordered online www.holistix.co.za
Your body makes 5-HTP from tryptophan, another amino acid. 5-HTP is not in food. While tryptophan is in many foods, eating more of these foods doesn't seem to have much effect on 5-HTP levels because it isn't plentiful enough to significantly increase your 5-HTP levels. 5-HTP supplements contain higher levels, are easily absorbed by your body, so they're believed to be much more effective than trying to get dietary tryptophan into your body. Holistix 5HTP is a great nutritional supplement and can be ordered online www.holistix.co.za
Especially because of the risks of combining multiple serotonin-enhancing treatments, be sure to talk to your doctor about 5-HTP before you begin taking it. Your pharmacist is a good resource for looking into possible drug interactions, as well.
