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Health Products - 5HTP 5-Hydroxytryptophan
By Leanne James
What Is 5HTP?
5 htp (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a safe and
natural alternative to many antidepressant
drugs.
Extracted from the seed of griffonia simplicifolia, 5-HTP
is the immediate metabolite between the amino acid
L-tryptophan and the brain chemical serotonin.
Serotonin is found in the brain, blood platelets and some
mucosa cells of the gastrointestinal
tract.
Serotonin produces
an inhibitory effect on the nervous system that soothes,
calms and creates a feeling of contentment.
Serotonin has been
known to researchers for nearly half a century and new
research continues to demonstrate how it influences mood,
addictions and emotion.
Depression, insomnia,
anxiety, suicide, migraines, PMS, obsessive/compulsive
behaviour, stress, OCD, obesity and addiction can all be
manifestations of low levels of serotonin.
Since serotonin is
found in the brain and central nervous system, it has
many implications on mood, behaviour and sleep
patterns.
Depression results,
in part, from the lack of the brain neuro-transmitter
serotonin. The leading antidepressants are selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors. By blocking the reuptake
of serotonin, they increase the serotonin available to
stimulate serotonin receptors. These include Prozac,
Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor. While they may be very
effective for the treatment of depression, they are not
without side effects, including the loss of sex drive.
They are also expensive as a Online Natural Pharmacy we
do not stock them.
Luckily, clinical
studies have been done with 5 HTP, comparing their
effectiveness to anti depressant drugs.
The results of the
studies were astounding. Using the standard depression
scale, both the drug and 5-HTP groups displayed identical
reduction in depression. Depressed patients, who received
100 mg of 5-HTP three times daily, showed at least a 50%
improvement in their symptoms, without any reported side
effects.
Similar studies
with depressed children demonstrated equal benefit.
Beta-endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, were also
significantly elevated after consumption of 200 mg of
5-HTP by patients with severe
depression.
Subsequent studies
were performed using 5-HTP for anxiety, panic disorder,
sleep difficulties and obesity. In his research, R.S.
Kahn observed an obvious decline in anxiety symptoms when
supplementing with 5-HTP, and patients with panic
disorder noticed a feeling of relief after receiving
5-HTP. Melatonin, which helps regulate our sleep-wake
cycle, is a metabolite of serotonin. Early research
studies show that supplementing with 5-HTP may have
positive effects on sleep patterns. In another clinical
study with obese patients, over a 6 week period, those
supplemented with 5-htp were able to reduce their
carbohydrate intake and experienced a feeling of early
satiety, which contributed to significant weight loss.
Low
levels of serotonin are also associated with sleep
problems, low threshold for pain and
anxiety.
Weight loss products
in New Zealand such as Redux and Fenfluramine or the
popular Phen-Fen diet work by the same serotonin reuptake
inhibiting mechanism, increasing the serotonin levels.
Beta endorphins seem to fool people into feeling fuller,
therefore, individuals eat less and lose weight. If you
are unhappy with the results or side effects of your
current diet program, 5-htp may be an effective
alternative for you!
5-HTP should not be
used with MAO inhibitors or other
antidepressants.
HealthyOnline stock
5 htp 5 HTP in different strengths – 50mg, 100mg and
120mg. One
of the main beauties of taking 5-htp is either you
have a serotonin deficiency or you do not, so either you
will obtain benefits from taking this or you will notice
no difference at all.
Are you feeling depressed or your head is fogged up? If so
Cosmic Joy or
ClariMind may be just what you need to clear your mind and beat depression.
Leanne James is a Naturopath at Ideal Health. For more
information on Colostrum visit www.healthy.co.nz
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