5-HTP

What is 5 HTP?
5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, is the immediate precursor of serotonin. Low levels of serotonin are associated with sleep problems, depression, anxiety, compulsive disorders (including eating disorders), restless leg syndrome, migraines, fibromyalgia, and low pain threshold. Many people that are afflicted with one of those conditions often have others, which has led some researchers to label them collectively as "Low Serotonin Syndrome".

5-HTP is a natural product, extracted from the seed of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant.

Who Should Consider 5 HTP?
-You should consider supplementing with 5 HTP if:
-You have difficulty falling asleep;
-You are tring to ease the pain of Fibromyalgia
-You suffer from migraines;
-You are trying to lose weight
-You are looking to improve overall mood

5-HTP Aids in Weight Loss
One of the best weight loss products, 5-HTP promotes earlier feelings of satiety (the feeling of being "full") in your meal. Studies have consistently shown that obese test subjects taking 5-HTP:

-Lose weight -Experience satiety earlier and
-Consume fewer carbohydrates.

5 HTP Improves Mood, and Alleviates Migraine and Fibromyalgia Pain

5-HTP is the immediate precursor to serotonin and it has been compared in double-blind studies of depression sufferers to many of the popular SSRI's (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as Prozac, Paxil, Luvox and Zoloft. It has shown comparable results to these drugs with (you guessed it) a MUCH milder side effect profile.

The latest medical research on migraine headaches indicates that migraine sufferers experience periods of unusually high MAO activity during their headaches. MAO (monoamine oxidase) is an enzyme that breaks down serotonin. This is evidenced by the presence of serotonin metabolites (5-HIAA) in the urine of migraine sufferers during migraine attacks. Initially it was thought that these metabolites were caused by an increase in serotonin levels, but it is now understood that just the reverse is the case - that serotonin is being broken down at an abnormally rapid pace. The low serotonin levels in migraine sufferers are thought to lower a migraine sufferer's pain threshold. One of the most commonly prescribed migraine drugs (Imitrex) is a serotonin agonist, meaning that it acts in a way similar to or the same as serotonin itself. 5 HTP is not only effective in relieving migraines but continued use tends to decrease the frequency and severity of migraine headaches.

Fibromyalgia sufferers can understand their malaise using the migraine model, since the mechanism is the same. 6 5 HTP is an effective, clinically proven way to treat symptoms of fibromyalgia.7,8 Fibromyalgia sufferers will notice that the beneficial effects of the 5 HTP will increase over time. Murray and Pizzorno, in their excellent book, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, suggest that fibromyalgia patients combine 5HTP, St. John's Wort and Magnesium.

5 HTP Improves Sleep
Melatonin (see diagram, above) is an important initiator of sleep. In numerous studies, 5 HTP has been shown to decrease the time required to get to sleep and to decrease the number of awakenings. 5-HTP Night Time Formula contains added ingredients (valerian and hops) to promote sleep.

5 HTP Instructions
Take 50-100mg, 3 times a day. For sleep, take 100-300mg 30-45 minutes before bedtime.

Attention dieters
Weight loss occurs when a person burns more calories than s/he ingests. Therefore, eating less, eating right, and exercising are essential to your weight loss program. Easier said than done! Additionally, it is important to focus on fat loss as opposed to just weight loss, since nobody has a reason to want to lose lean muscle tissue. The products we offer can be a valuable aid in your effort, if used responsibly. Remember, it is impossible to "lose weight overnight" in a healthy manner. Permanent, healthy weight loss takes time and dedication. Good luck, we know you can do it!

Side Effects
Side effects, which are not common, are temporary nausea and stomach upset, which typically subsides within a few days to a few weeks.

Interactions
Those of you who take Zomig should NOT take it while taking 5 HTP as Zomig is a specific 5-hydroxytrypatamine agonist; this combination is most unpleasant and may be dangerous.

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