5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a naturally-occurring amino acid and is obtained from the seeds of an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia. It is the metabolic precursor to serotonin, which helps regulate our mood and can help with anxiety. Unlike tryptophan, 5-HTP cannot be found in foods we eat. (Eating foods with tryptophan does not increase 5-HTP levels very much, however.) As a supplement, 5-HTP is obtained from the seeds of an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia.

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I remember a conversation back in 1998 with a rep at a health food store on why they sold 5-HTP right at the front of the counter. His reply was that 5-HTP was the item the most stolen in their shop. Bear in mind that back in 1998, the rave scene was in full force and ecstasy-fuelled weekends were all too common with raver kids.

After massively increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, ecstasy causes a severe reduction in the amount of serotonin in the brain causing depression amongst users of this club drug. That explains why those raver kids were helping themselves to a five finger discount.

There is a massive amount of research that suggests that low serotonin levels are a common consequence of modern living that is not isolated to drug users. In the stress-filled days of capitalism, recession, and poor dietary choices depression and anxiety are at an all-time high.

5-HTP supplements have been shown to be an effective antidepressant in treating individuals with mild-to-moderate depression by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. In addition, the studies have shown that those who took 5-HTP had fewer side effects than those who took prescription antidepressants.

5-HTP also can assist with the following symptoms:

Fibromyalgia
Studies have shown that 5-HTP can alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia (including pain, anxiety, morning stiffness, and fatigue). Many people with fibromyalgia have low levels of serotonin, and since 5-HTP, like antidepressants, can raise levels of serotonin in the brain, it may be an effective aid. At AstroNutrition, we have many clients that swear that 5-HTP is the only supplement that helps with fibromyalgia.

Insomnia and Sleep
In one study, people who took 5-HTP went to sleep quicker and experienced a deeper sleep than those who took placebo. Unlike sedatives, 5-HTP does not make you drowsy or groggy. It can be taken about an hour before going to bed as an effective sleep remedy. I can personally attest to the fact the my sleep patterns improve while on 5-HTP.

5-HTP for Migraines and Headaches
Some studies suggest that high doses of 5-HTP may be effective in children and adults with various types of headaches, including migraines.

5-HTP and Carb Cravings
Researchers believe that inadequate serotonin levels are in part responsible for the desire to overeat. Obese individuals tend to have low levels of serotonin and a 5-HTP supplement half an hour before eating can turn off carb cravings and hunger pangs.

5-HTP and Obesity
Recent studies have shown that 5-HTP can help with weight loss. Researchers believe that 5-HTP can help people consume fewer calories by sending a full signal to their brain.

5-HTP and Addiction
The use of many addictive substances, such as tobacco, alcohol, caffeine and certain narcotics, elevates serotonin levels. When these substances are eliminated, serotonin levels drop drastically, causing anxiety and cravings. Taking 5-HTP can stabilize serotonin levels and help minimize the symptoms of withdrawal.

5-HTP and PMS
PMS sufferers report pain relief, as well as decreased irritability and mood swings from using 5-HTP. The supplement works by countering the hormone-induced decrease in serotonin levels that occur naturally during menstruation.

Conditions with low serotonin levels helped by 5-HTP:

• Depression
• Obesity
• Carbohydrate craving
• Bulimia
• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Sleep apnea
• Migraine headaches
• Tension headaches
• Chronic daily headaches
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Fibromyalgia