Three Ways 5HTP Can Help Your New Year Get Off To A Great Start
The new year is upon us, and it’s a time when many of us try to make changes to our lives for the better. What are some of the changes you’d like to make this year? Get more sleep? Lose weight? Have more control over your moods and state of mind? Believe it or not, the natural supplement 5-Hydroxytryptophan, commonly known as 5-htp, may be able to bring you closer to achieving all of those goals. Here are three ways 5-htp can help you feel better in the coming year.
1. 5-htp can help you feel less anxiety and depression. If one of your goals is experiencing a happier state of mind, taking a 5-htp supplement may bring you a step closer. Numerous clinical trials have shown that 5-htp can be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression symptoms, and in some instances has compared favorably to prescription antidepressants.
5-htp’s effectiveness in alleviating anxiety and depression is all about the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is considered largely responsible for mood regulation and the perception of discomfort and pain. Because 5-htp is its chemical precursor, taking a 5-htp supplement amounts to giving your brain more of the material it needs to increase the serotonin levels in your brain. For many, that means better moods and less anxiety. However, it’s important to note that just taking 5-htp isn’t a magic fix; you need to take some responsibility for your mental state, and take steps to direct your thoughts and feelings in ways which will benefit you.
Most people using 5-htp to lessen anxiety and depression take between 50 and 300 mg daily. Some people obtain better results while taking a lower dose, so it’s a good idea to start with 50 mg and add more over time if necessary. For maximum absorption, 5-htp should be taken with or shortly before a meal, with a full glass of water. Don’t take more than 200 mg of 5-htp at a time unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so.
2. 5-htp can help you get a better night’s sleep. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that 5-htp is one of the best natural sleep aids on the market. Why? The answer lies in melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep, and our old friend serotonin, which the neurotransmitter melatonin is manufactured from. Melatonin controls the body’s circadian rhythm, which is in essence our internal “clock” which tells us when it’s time to rest. Serotonin is converted to melatonin in the brain’s pineal gland, so the more serotonin available, the more melatonin can be manufactured. In said research, 5-htp has compared favorably with prescription sleep aids in terms of effectiveness, plus it costs a lot less and doesn’t lead to dependency or a host of problematic side effects. When taking 5-htp to promote restful sleep, a common dosage is 100 mg, taken about half and hour before bedtime.
3. 5-htp can help you lose weight. Yes, it’s true. Research studies have demonstrated that overweight people taking 5-htp supplements are likely to be less interested in food, less likely to binge-eat, and are more likely to shed pounds. Why is this? Researchers have noted that people with high serotonin levels are more likely to exercise portion control and tend to maintain healthier weights than people with low serotonin levels. If getting control of binge eating, emotional eating, or general overeating are priorities for you, taking 5-htp can really give you an edge. When you’re taking 5-htp to help you lose weight, start with no more than a 50 mg dose, and take it with a full glass of water half an hour before a meal.
5-htp is a serious supplement, and it’s very important to discuss your plans to take 5-htp with your doctor before you start. 5-htp isn’t medically appropriate for everyone, and should NOT be taken by those using anti-Parkinsons or prescription antidepressant medications.
If you found this article helpful, check out my posts on what many consider the best treatment for depression and an all natural anxiety disorder treatment which may surprise you.
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