5-htp Definition

What is 5-HTP?
The Griffonia Extract is rich in 5-HydroxyTryptophan (5-HTP),
which comes from an African vegetable, the Griffonia
simplicifolia seed, and contains 30% 5-HTP 5-HTP is an amino
acid that is a direct precursor of serotonin, an important
neurotransmitter having pain soothing and relaxing effects
5-HTP is not present in significant amounts in a typical diet
The human body manufactures 5-HTP from L-tryptophan, a natural
amino acid found in most dietary proteins However, eating food
that contains L-tryptophan does not significantly increase 5-HTP
levels
5-HTP and Serotonin
5-HTP is the precursor to serotonin It improves mood, anxiety
and is beneficial in weight loss 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is
an amino acid that is the intermediate step between tryptophan
and the important brain chemical serotonin There is a massive
amount of evidence that suggests that low serotonin levels are a
common consequence of modern living The lifestyle and dietary
practices of many people living in this stress-filled era
results in lowered levels of serotonin within the brain
5-HTP and Carb Cravings
Researchers believe that inadequate serotonin levels are in part
responsible for the desire to overeat Not surprisingly, obese
individuals who crave carbohydrates usually show abnormally low
levels of serotonin Taking a 5-HTP supplement half an hour
before a meal can ” turn off” cravings and hunger pangs by
feeding the brains carbohydrate satiety center In this way
5-HTP can be a great asset as part of a weight-loss regime
5-HTP and Addiction
The use of many addictive substances, such as tobacco, alcohol,
caffeine and certain narcotics, elevates serotonin levels When
these substances are eliminated, serotonin levels drop
drastically, causing anxiety and cravings Taking 5-HTP can
stabilize serotonin levels and help minimize the symptoms of
withdrawal
5-HTP and PMS
PMS sufferers report pain relief, as well as decreased
irritability and mood swings from using 5-HTP The supplement
works by countering the hormone-induced decrease in serotonin
levels that occur naturally during menstruation
5-HTP and Sleep
Because of its calming effect, many
rely on 5-HTP to alleviate stress-attacks, as well as to
encourage restful sleep Unlike sedative drugs, 5-HTP is not
associated with unwanted side effects, such as disturbed sleep
patterns or grogginess It can be taken regularly one hour
before retiring as a remedy for insomnia
Side Effects
Very high intakes of 5-HTP have caused muscle jerks in guinea
pigs and both muscle jerks and diarrhea in mice Injected 5-HTP
has also caused kidney damage in rats To date, these problems
have not been reported in humans “Serotonin syndrome,” a
serious but uncommon condition caused by excessive amounts of
serotonin, has not been reported to result from supplementation
with 5-HTP; in theory it could be triggered by the supplement
However, the level of intake at which this toxic effect might
potentially occur remains unknown
Warnings
5-HTP should not be taken with antidepressants, weight-control
drugs, other serotonin-modifying agents, or substances known to
cause liver damage, because in these cases 5-HTP may have
excessive effects People with liver disease may not be able to
regulate 5-HTP adequately and those suffering from autoimmune
diseases such as scleroderma may be more sensitive than others,
to 5-HTP These people should not take 5-HTP without consulting
a knowledgeable healthcare professional The safety of taking
5-HTP during pregnancy and breast-feeding is not known at this
time
Conditions with low serotonin levels helped by 5-HTP:
* Depression
* Obesity
* Carbohydrate craving
* Bulimia
* Insomnia
* Narcolepsy
* Sleep apnea
* Migraine headaches
* Tension headaches
* Chronic daily headaches
* Premenstrual syndrome
* Fibromyalgia

Tags | addictive, dietary, irritability, narcotics, natural, precursor, proteins, satiety, serotonin, simplicifolia, sufferers, swings