5Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that is naturally produced by the body. It is well-known for its role in serotonin’s production which is a chemical messenger that regulates sleep, mood digestion, bone health and much more. Serotonin levels that are low can lead to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression as well as sleep problems, weight gain and various health issues.
Due to the positive impact serotonin can have for our wellbeing, a lot of people are taking 5-HTP supplements in order to increase their serotonin levels and enhance certain aspects of their well-being, such as sleep and mental health.
Learn more about the health benefits that could be derived from 5-HTP by clicking here.
1. 5-HTP and depression
The exact causes of depression are not known and is attributed to many factors, scientists believe that it is usually due to an imbalance in neurotransmitters within the brain. They act as chemical messengers, and affect our mood.
Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters that has been studied extensively. It is believed that low levels trigger depression, and so the majority of antidepressants target the increase of serotonin production in the brain. A number of studies have revealed that 5 HTP gummies are effective in the same way and help reduce the symptoms of depression through increasing serotonin production.
2. Aid weight loss
5-HTP can help you shed weight by enhancing feelings of fullness and reducing appetite. While dieting or losing weight your body can increase the production of hormones that increase hunger that can make losing weight not sustainable. 5-HTP may help to counteract those hormones, making people feel much less hungry, and consequently consume less.
Based on a study of diabetics the participants who took supplements containing 5-HTP over a period of two weeks consumed 435 less calories per day over those who took placebo. The study also revealed that 5-HTP reduced the intake of carbohydrates as a source of energy, which increased the levels of blood sugar. Blood sugar levels that are high can be detrimental to your health and could result in diabetes.
3. Improve sleep quality
As mentioned above 5HTP is essential to produce serotonin. It can later be transformed into melatonin, which is a hormone which regulates the sleep cycle. Melatonin production rises in response to dark, that signals to the body that it’s time for it to go to bed.
Research suggests that the supplementation of 5-HTP may enhance the production of melatonin within the body. This can reduce the time needed to go to sleep, extend the length of sleep and increase the quality of sleep.
4. Relax anxiety
Like depression Serotonin levels that are low could increase anxiety and the likelihood for panic attack. A study conducted in 2002 found that the supplementation of 5-HTP reduced anxiety in those suffering from panic disorder. But research on 5HTP’s effects on anxiety and stress is new and further research is required to verify the results.
5. Treat pain
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes chronic nerve discomfort in muscles and bones and also weakness. It can impact mood and capacity to sleep. Researchers aren’t sure of what causes fibromyalgia but they the low levels of serotonin could be a factor. Studies suggest that 5-HTP may aid in relieving muscles pain, sleep issues stress, fatigue, and anxiety that are associated with fibromyalgia.
Summary
The amino acid 5-HTP can be created by the body. It is essential for the production of serotonin. It is a hormone which regulates appetite, mood and sleep, among others.
Supplementing with 5-HTP is a great way to boost your serotonin levels. It has been scientifically proven to combat anxiety and depression and reduce the pain that comes with the fibromyalgia syndrome, increase sleep quality and aid in weight loss.
Menu
© Islington Stories 2024