5-HTP Supplements: What Is Right For Me?
Versatile, inexpensive, and widely available, 5HTP is ideal for many conditions, like anxiousness, insomnia, irritable mood and depression. If you’re trying to manage one or more of these conditions, chances are you may not be producing all the serotonin your brain and nervous system needs. But how do you find the right dosage, and where can you find the information you need before making a decision?
Decades of research has found a strong correlation between low serotonin levels and problems like depression, anxiety, and insomnia. 5-htp may be beneficial in combating these conditions. 5-htp, also known as 5-hydroxytryptophan, is an amino acid used by the body to manufacture the neurotransmitter serotonin. Taking 5-htp provides your nervous system with more of the building material needed to produce serotonin.
Because there are a variety of brands on the market, it’s advisable to do some research before you buy. Many may find it beneficial to search for information online. Customer reviews and comments are widely posted, and can help potential buyers evaluate potential pros and cons of many commonly available brands. Consumers recounting their reaction to a 5-htp supplement may help others decide which brand is best for them.
Some makers of nutritional supplements sell so-called “mood formulas,” combining 5htp with well-known substances like St. John’s Wort, Valerian, and catnip. While some may believe that the more ingredients are in a supplement, the better its effect will be, it’s wise to stick to one containing nothing but 5HTP. This reduces the chance of an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients, and also minimizes the risk of potential side effects or interactions with other medications. The greater the number of components in a 5-htp preparation, the harder it becomes to determine which is responsible for beneficial or detrimental effects.
Which Dosage of a 5-HTP Supplement Will Help the Most?
When used to address mood swings and depression, medical professionals generally agree that taking a 100mg dose of a 5HTP supplement with a full glass of water before meals is most effective. If these are chronic conditions, it is considered safe to use 5HTP on a long-term basis. If you’re taking a 5-htp supplement for mood swings and depression associated with PMS, start taking the supplement one to two weeks prior to the menstrual cycle’s onset.
Irritability, unstable mood and depression can also be caused by insomnia. Insomnia has long been associated with low melatonin levels. 5-htp supplements benefit insomnia by helping produce more serotonin, which is converted to melatonin in the brain’s pineal gland. Those having trouble getting enough rest typically get the best results from 5htp supplements by taking 100mg to 200mg about half an hour before they wish to sleep.
Some people report more desirable effects when using a lower dosage. 5-htp supplements are available in 50mg capsules and pills, making dose customization very easy. Although it’s generally regarded as safe for most, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice before starting a 5-htp supplement. This is especially true for the elderly, and those with cardiovascular disease or suffering from any other chronic condition. 5-htp supplements should not be taken in conjunction with anti-Parkinson’s medications or prescription anti-depressants. In both cases, the possibility of serotonin overload is highly increased, which can lead to dangerous adverse effects.
How Soon Do 5-htp Supplements Start Working?
While some obtain desired outcomes with their initial dosage of a 5-htp supplement, others may not experience any symptom improvement until their bodies have stored some serotonin. The supplement may need to be taken for several days before effects are felt. If this does not yield adequate results, consider increasing the dosage slowly, over a span of time.
If you enjoyed this healthy living article, check out my articles on why an all-natural 5-htp supplement may be the best natural sleep aid.
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