6 Surprising 5-HTP Benefits

6 Surprising 5-HTP Benefits - Fitness Health

The amino acid tryptophan produces the compound 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). According to science, 5-HTP is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin. Serotonin is a vital hormone that stabilizes your well-being. It is for this reason that 5-HTP supplements that make serotonin have become increasingly popular.

Here are the 6 surprising 5-HTP benefits for you to learn!

  1. Lifts Mood

When you take 5-HTP, you will likely notice a mood uplift. Typically, if you consume something like caffeine or chocolate, after a while, your mood comes down, and this can also lead to a miserable crash. However, with 5-HTP, your elatedness will coast off slowly.

Do take note that 5-HTP does not last long in the body, so it might not be beneficial for depression. However, some small studies indicate how 5-HTP might work to help treat some instances of depression.

  1. Improves Sleep

5-HTP increases serotonin levels, which later converts into melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles.

In a human-based study, a nutritional pairing of GABA and 5-HTP helped improve the quality of sleep. So, if you have insomnia issues, you can look into consuming 5-HTP to see if it helps. However, do consult your health provider first.

  1. Helps with Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by muscle and bone pain, also, general weakness. It is still unknown what causes fibromyalgia. Researchers believe a lack of serotonin levels may have a link with said condition.

Certain studies do show that 5-HTP may alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms that include muscle pain, sleep problems, anxiety, and fatigue.

  1. Aids with Appetite Suppression

5-HTP increases the feeling of fullness, which causes the body to eat less and lose weight faster in the long run. In a study, people with diabetes received 5-HTP for two weeks. Results showed that people who took 5-HTP consumed fewer calories compared to those who were given a placebo.

One study with bulimic participants found that food consumption increased when there were low levels of tryptophan in the body. Patients experiencing a low mood were more concerned about their body image and noted a lack of control over their food eating habits following a single, depleted tryptophan meal.

Tryptophan depletion significantly increases the need to consume sweets. Studies show that providing sufficient tryptophan (5-HTP) to make serotonin is a critical factor in regulating appetite, especially among individuals with binging tendencies.

  1. Reduces Migraine Frequency and Severity Level

Studies indicate that 5-HTP helps prevent migraines, and reduces their frequency and the severity too. In a six-month trial, 5-HTP (600 mg/day) was observed to as effective as the standard medicine methysergide, a conventional migraine medication. Reduced-intensity and duration of migraines were quite noticeable in 71% of participants who took 5-HTP.

  1. Inhibits Panic and Anxiety attacks

In smaller studies, people who suffered from severe panic attacks, due to lack of serotonin, found great relief after taking 200 mg of 5-HTP. In other studies, young adults suffering from stress or anxiety due to relationship issues showed decreased levels of anxiety after taking 5-HTP for 3-weeks. The research attributed the positive outcomes to an increase in BDNF and serotonin levels.

Precautions

Are you interested in taking 5-HTP? Well, individuals who can’t take 5-HTP supplements include:

  • People who already take anti-depressants.
  • People who suffer from liver disease.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women.

If you are taking other medications, or suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes, do discuss with your doctor if consuming 5-HTP is a good option for you.

Wrapping It Up

There still needs to be a lot of research conducted on how 5-HTP impacts mood, sleep, appetite, migraine, panic, and anxiety levels. Taking 5-HTP in a high dosage can be dangerous. So, it is best to discuss with a health care provider. Don’t try to manage the doses yourself (don’t self-medicate).

Disclaimer

The content of this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. Information regarding supplements has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary.

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