Although serotonin occurs naturally in the brain and central nervous system, some people may be deficient in this neurotransmitter. When serotonin levels are low, depression, anxiety, and insomnia may be present. A natural supplement that many users have found helpful is 5-HTP. Also called 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-HTP is an amino acid that can serve to boost serotonin levels naturally.
Choosing the Right Supplement
There are many brands of 5-HTP so it's best to do some research first. Some may find it helpful to visit websites such as iHerb or Vitacost; reading customer reviews can provide great insight. Customer reviews can serve as a recommendation of sorts, since the consumers are offering their personal experience with a product.
Some companies may sell mood formulas that combine herbs like St. John’s Wort, Valerian, catnip, and/or hops. It's generally believed that it's best to choose just 5-HTP alone to see if there are good results and to minimize the potential for allergic reactions. The more ingredients a product has, the more difficult it is to pinpoint which causes a negative or positive reaction in the body.
Taking the Correct Dosage for 5-HTP for Depression Symptoms
When it comes to taking 5-hydroxytryptophan to reduce mood swings, the usual recommended dosage is 100mg with a full glass of water before meals. If depression or anxiety are chronic, the supplement can be taken long-term. When using the product for mood swings associated with PMS, it can be taken a week or two weeks before the menstrual cycle begins.
A lack of sleep can also be the reason for irritability and depression. For those who find it difficult to get adequate rest at night, take 100mg to 200mg of the supplement, approximately thirty minutes before bedtime.
When to Expect Results from 5-HTP
Some users experience positive results with their first dose of 5-HTP while others don’t notice a difference until the serotonin in their system has built up for several days. Be aware of any negative side effects such as nausea, headache, or digestive disturbances. This can be caused by a serotonin overload, so it may be helpful cut back on the dosage by half to see if this yields satisfactory results. If needed or desired, work your way back up to a higher dose over time. It's important to note that some users simply do better on a lower dosage.
5-HTP is a relatively cheap supplement that can help with a wide variety of ailments. It’s generally considered safe when taken according to label directions. However, before taking this amino acid, be sure to check with a health care professional first. Avoid taking it while on prescription drugs for depression or mood swings as it may cause adverse or dangerous side effects.
Resources:
5-HTP.org, "5-HTP Helps Depression and Fibromyalgia." (Accessed March 5th, 2010)
Healthy Place, "5-HTP and the Serotonin Connection." (Accessed March 5th, 2010)
Kelly Wallace - Kelly is a seasoned freelance writer, multi-published author, radio show host, teacher, speaker and highly acclaimed intuitive ...
