Can 5HTP Supplements Treat Fibromyalgia Symptoms?
If you’re looking for effective, natural remedies for fibromyalgia, you’re not alone. According to WebMD, fibromyalgia effects over five and a half million people in the United States alone, and the prevailing treatments – anti-depressants and pain killers – bring with them a host of side effects which are at best very hard to live with, and at worst, present real health risks. For this reason, more and more fibromyalgia sufferers are turning to natural supplements like 5-Hydroxytryptophan, commonly known as 5 htp, to treat their symptoms. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about using 5 htp supplements as a treatment for fibromyalgia:
Q: What is 5 htp?
A: 5 htp is a naturally occurring amino acid used by the body to produce the neurotransmitter serotonin, which in large part regulates mood, sleeping patterns, and the perception of pain.
The 5 htp found in most commercially available supplements is derived from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant. Small amounts of 5 htp can be found in foods such as eggs, fish, nuts, and seeds, but for those who wish to use 5 htp as a treatment for fibromyalgia, taking a dietary supplement is recommended.
Q: Has research been done showing 5 htp can be an effective treatment for fibromyalgia symptoms?
A: Yes. According to studies published in the Journal of International Medical Research, 5 htp has been shown repeatedly to have a significant positive impact on many fibromyalgia symptoms. One of the studies reported that almost half of the fibromyalgia sufferers participating experienced measurable symptom improvement when taking 5 htp.
WebMD has reported similar research findings; in their Fibromyalgia Guide, they draw attention to a study published in the Alternative Medicine Review, in which researchers reported that supplementation with 5 htp may improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and fibromyalgia pains. Like any treatment, 5 htp does not work universally, and some studies have shown that 5 htp had no appreciable effect on fibromyalgia symptoms. However, for some, 5 htp has been proven to be an effective treatment for fibromyalgia.
Q: Why should I choose 5 htp over an antidepressant as a treatment for fibromyalgia?
A: Prevalent thought in the medical community shows that fibromyalgia results from insufficient serotonin production, and there is a growing body of evidence showing that increasing serotonin levels in the brain leads to an improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms. 5 htp is itself the natural chemical precursor to serotonin, which means our brains need it in order for serotonin manufacture to take place. Taking a 5 htp supplement equates to giving the brain more of the material it needs to produce serotonin, and having more serotonin available is the ultimate goal in effectively treating fibromyalgia.
Another reason many choose 5 htp as a treatment for fibromyalgia is its virtual lack of side effects. The only side effect commonly reported by those taking 5 htp is mild gastrointestinal upset, which typically subsides once the body acclimates to the supplement. WebMD describes 5 htp as “generally well tolerated.”
The natural place 5 htp has in brain chemistry is a sharp contrast to the antidepressants known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors which are often prescribed for fibromyalgia patients. SSRIs block brain receptors which absorb serotonin, theoretically slowing the rate at which we use, or “uptake,” the serotonin we produce. SSRIs artificially manipulate the brain’s physiological regulatory system to achieve increased serotonin levels, but do not cause an actual increase in serotonin production. They are also associated with a plethora of negative and sometimes dangerous side effects, including but not limited to nausea and vomiting, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, dry mouth, diarrhea, insomnia, cardiovascular problems, tremors, agitation, and in rare cases, suicidality. They are also known to have dependence producing effects, most notably a withdrawal syndrome.
Q: Fibromyalgia often involves chronic pain, depression, sleep problems, and anxiety. Can 5 htp help with all these symptoms?
A: Yes. Because 5 htp is the chemical precursor to serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, sleeping patterns, and the perception of pain, it’s able to address and improve all of these common fibromyalgia symptoms. 5 htp’s ability to effectively enhance melatonin production also makes it effective for addressing insomnia and sleep disturbances. Serotonin is converted to melatonin in the brain’s pineal gland, so the more serotonin available, the more melatonin can be manufactured, resulting in regular, restful sleep.
Q: How much 5 htp should I take as a treatment for fibromyalgia?
A: The most typical dose is 300 mg daily, normally taken with a full glass of water at breakfast, lunch and dinner. When starting 5 htp, it’s recommended to begin with 50 or 100 mg per day, and add more over time as needed.
Seeking a medical professional’s advice before beginning a 5 htp regimen is highly recommended. 5 htp should be avoided when prescription depression medications and anti-Parkinson’s drugs are already being taken.
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