Am I a Candidate for 5-HTP Supplements?
While studying 5-HTP supplement use, I discovered that results vary greatly from one person to another. I realized that many people take 5-HTP supplements without determining if they have a medical need for it. Ideally, 5-HTP is best suited for those who have a genetic condition that results in low serotonin/melatonin production. In these cases, taking a 5-HTP supplement can effectively resolve deficiencies the body. When poor diet is involved, increasing consumption of tryptophan-rich foods is the first step to normalizing these levels. For deficiencies resulting from poor lifestyle habits and alcohol/drug use, a 5-HTP supplement can help but it's better to address these underlying problems first. The information on this page suggests where to start, who to consult, and what 5-HTP supplements do to help with different issues.
The "To Do" Checklist
First, PLEASE talk to a medical professional (such as an internal medicine physician, a neurologist, or a psychiatrist) to determine if you could benefit from 5-HTP supplements. The physicians are trained, licensed, and experienced in testing the body's chemical levels and evaluating the effects of these supplements for your specific needs. If your body is not lacking in the production of serotonin/melatonin, then taking 5-HTP supplements will not help with mental/emotional, weight, or sleep concerns. In fact, taking 5-HTP when you have sufficient production of these chemicals will cause several negative effects, including but not limited to serotonin syndrome and/or Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome (both are very serious).
Second, once you and your doctor have established the presence of a serotonin/melatonin deficiency, check the information on the 'Interactions/Conflicts' page. Make sure you are not taking any of the medications listed under the 'Drug Interactions' heading. Combining 5-HTP supplements with these drugs can lead to serotonin syndrome and/or Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome, in addition to less lethal but severe issues. Then, verify you do not have one of the conditions that conflict with 5-HTP supplements, listed under the 'Conflicting Conditions or "Contraindications"' heading.
Third, I strongly recommend seeking the help of a certified homeopathic or herbal remedy professional to evaluate all of the concerns and consequences of taking 5-HTP for your specific condition(s). These individuals are properly educated in "natural", nutritional supplements and can offer alternative remedies and advice for your individual case.
Last, most people suffering from serotonin/melatonin deficiencies have underlying issues or other factors contributing to their condition(s). Once you've completed the first three steps above, speak with a psychotherapist, behavioral specialist, or psychologist to determine if you need therapeutic/behavioral help in addition to or instead of 5-HTP supplements.
Common Medical Uses
Anxiety: For those who suffer from mild to severe anxiety, stabilizing serotonin levels has a calming effect and helps balance mood. Taking 5-HTP supplements can help anxiety sufferers who lack sufficient serotonin in their body.
Appetite Control/Weight Loss: Adequate serotonin in the digestive system stimulates waste elimination (bowel movements). 5-HTP is proposed as a remedy for those who suffer from 'leaky gut' (improper digestion), excess cortisol due to stress (though causes of the stress should also be addressed), and, particularly, over-eating, when serotonin production is low. Since hypothyroidism originates in another part of the brain, and relates to other hormone deficiencies, 5-HTP is not recommended to treat weight gain resulting from this condition.
Depression and Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depression): Since serotonin controls emotions in the brain, someone lacking this chemical will likely display: lethargy, lack of motivation, sadness, and other signs of depression; irritability, excessive happiness, excitement, restlessness, racing thoughts, sleeplessness, and other signs of mania; and, most of all, dramatic or significant mood swings. Taking 5-HTP supplements can improve symptoms of bipolar disorder and depression in those with low serotonin production.
Fibromyalgia Syndrome: In those who have fibromyalgia syndrome, serotonin deficiencies can cause or contribute to fatigue, sleep disturbance, bowel process abnormalities, and cognitive dysfunction. Taking 5-HTP supplements can help reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome by normalizing serotonin levels.
Insomnia/Sleeplessness: Melatonin instructs the body to become drowsy and reduce temperature to prepare for rest. When synchronized with sleep schedules, taking a 5-HTP supplement assists the body's production of melatonin from serotonin to reduce or eliminate insomnia and sleeplessness.
Other Uses: The conditions listed above are not, by far, the only ones related to serotonin deficiency. Most other conditions are relatively minimal and do not affect daily life processes. Only when you experience life-altering effects from low serotonin production should you consider 5-HTP supplements as a remedy. Again, consult a physician to determine if 5-HTP can help with your symptoms. After all, brain chemicals are the most sensitive substances in the human body. Over-compensation for chemical deficiencies can result in significant, and potentially permanent, damage to all body systems.
Disclaimer: These simplified explanations are based on my understanding of the medical and chemical terms and processes after extensive research. I have made every effort to investigate each word, reaction, process, etc. to the greatest extent. I am, by no means, an expert in either the medical or chemistry fields of study. Please feel free to consult an expert or conduct your own research for verification of any statement on this site.
ATTENTION MEDICAL AND CHEMISTRY PROFESSIONALS: If I have misinterpreted, misstated, and/or misrepresented any of the details of tryptophan and/or 5-HTP processes or definitions in relation to human physiology, PLEASE provide me with the correct information so I can update the statements on this site. Thanks!
While studying 5-HTP supplement use, I discovered that results vary greatly from one person to another. I realized that many people take 5-HTP supplements without determining if they have a medical need for it. Ideally, 5-HTP is best suited for those who have a genetic condition that results in low serotonin/melatonin production. In these cases, taking a 5-HTP supplement can effectively resolve deficiencies the body. When poor diet is involved, increasing consumption of tryptophan-rich foods is the first step to normalizing these levels. For deficiencies resulting from poor lifestyle habits and alcohol/drug use, a 5-HTP supplement can help but it's better to address these underlying problems first. The information on this page suggests where to start, who to consult, and what 5-HTP supplements do to help with different issues.
The "To Do" Checklist
First, PLEASE talk to a medical professional (such as an internal medicine physician, a neurologist, or a psychiatrist) to determine if you could benefit from 5-HTP supplements. The physicians are trained, licensed, and experienced in testing the body's chemical levels and evaluating the effects of these supplements for your specific needs. If your body is not lacking in the production of serotonin/melatonin, then taking 5-HTP supplements will not help with mental/emotional, weight, or sleep concerns. In fact, taking 5-HTP when you have sufficient production of these chemicals will cause several negative effects, including but not limited to serotonin syndrome and/or Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome (both are very serious).
Second, once you and your doctor have established the presence of a serotonin/melatonin deficiency, check the information on the 'Interactions/Conflicts' page. Make sure you are not taking any of the medications listed under the 'Drug Interactions' heading. Combining 5-HTP supplements with these drugs can lead to serotonin syndrome and/or Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome, in addition to less lethal but severe issues. Then, verify you do not have one of the conditions that conflict with 5-HTP supplements, listed under the 'Conflicting Conditions or "Contraindications"' heading.
Third, I strongly recommend seeking the help of a certified homeopathic or herbal remedy professional to evaluate all of the concerns and consequences of taking 5-HTP for your specific condition(s). These individuals are properly educated in "natural", nutritional supplements and can offer alternative remedies and advice for your individual case.
Last, most people suffering from serotonin/melatonin deficiencies have underlying issues or other factors contributing to their condition(s). Once you've completed the first three steps above, speak with a psychotherapist, behavioral specialist, or psychologist to determine if you need therapeutic/behavioral help in addition to or instead of 5-HTP supplements.
Common Medical Uses
Anxiety: For those who suffer from mild to severe anxiety, stabilizing serotonin levels has a calming effect and helps balance mood. Taking 5-HTP supplements can help anxiety sufferers who lack sufficient serotonin in their body.
Appetite Control/Weight Loss: Adequate serotonin in the digestive system stimulates waste elimination (bowel movements). 5-HTP is proposed as a remedy for those who suffer from 'leaky gut' (improper digestion), excess cortisol due to stress (though causes of the stress should also be addressed), and, particularly, over-eating, when serotonin production is low. Since hypothyroidism originates in another part of the brain, and relates to other hormone deficiencies, 5-HTP is not recommended to treat weight gain resulting from this condition.
Depression and Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depression): Since serotonin controls emotions in the brain, someone lacking this chemical will likely display: lethargy, lack of motivation, sadness, and other signs of depression; irritability, excessive happiness, excitement, restlessness, racing thoughts, sleeplessness, and other signs of mania; and, most of all, dramatic or significant mood swings. Taking 5-HTP supplements can improve symptoms of bipolar disorder and depression in those with low serotonin production.
Fibromyalgia Syndrome: In those who have fibromyalgia syndrome, serotonin deficiencies can cause or contribute to fatigue, sleep disturbance, bowel process abnormalities, and cognitive dysfunction. Taking 5-HTP supplements can help reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome by normalizing serotonin levels.
Insomnia/Sleeplessness: Melatonin instructs the body to become drowsy and reduce temperature to prepare for rest. When synchronized with sleep schedules, taking a 5-HTP supplement assists the body's production of melatonin from serotonin to reduce or eliminate insomnia and sleeplessness.
Other Uses: The conditions listed above are not, by far, the only ones related to serotonin deficiency. Most other conditions are relatively minimal and do not affect daily life processes. Only when you experience life-altering effects from low serotonin production should you consider 5-HTP supplements as a remedy. Again, consult a physician to determine if 5-HTP can help with your symptoms. After all, brain chemicals are the most sensitive substances in the human body. Over-compensation for chemical deficiencies can result in significant, and potentially permanent, damage to all body systems.
Disclaimer: These simplified explanations are based on my understanding of the medical and chemical terms and processes after extensive research. I have made every effort to investigate each word, reaction, process, etc. to the greatest extent. I am, by no means, an expert in either the medical or chemistry fields of study. Please feel free to consult an expert or conduct your own research for verification of any statement on this site.
ATTENTION MEDICAL AND CHEMISTRY PROFESSIONALS: If I have misinterpreted, misstated, and/or misrepresented any of the details of tryptophan and/or 5-HTP processes or definitions in relation to human physiology, PLEASE provide me with the correct information so I can update the statements on this site. Thanks!
