Alternative Treatments - 5-HTP for Depression - By: Brain

What is 5-Htp?

5 Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is so-called natural alternative to traditional antidepressants, used to treat unipolar depression and dysthymia. It is an amino acid that is an intermediate step between tryptophan and the mandatory brain chemical serotonin. The human body manufactures 5 htp from a natural amino acid called "L-Tryptophan", which is found naturally in dietry proteins as 5 HTP and is not present in significant amounts in a typical diet.

Benefits:

Depression and anxiety are caused by the decreased level of serotonin in our brain, people who are suffering from fibromyalgia often have low serotonin levels in there blood, serotonin level may increase in these cases by the use of 5-HTP supplements. 5 HTP may also cure abnormal serotonin function in blood vessels, which is the main cause of migraine headaches. It is also found beneficial in Insomnia which is caused by tryptophan deficiency.

In Insomnia:

It is the intermediate precursor of serotonin. Good results have shown by 5-Htp in promoting & maintaining sleep in normal people and those who are suffering from insomnia as well. It is also found beneficial in increasing the quality of sleep.

In Alleviates Migraines and Fibromyalgia Pain:

Migraine sufferers experience periods of abnormally high activity of MAO (Monoamine oxidase) as indicated by latest medical research. MAO is the enzyme which is found to be the cause of serotonin split up. This is proved by the presence of Serotonin Metabolites in the urine of migraine suffers during migraine attacks. 5-Htp is not only found to be beneficial in relieving migraine pain but the frequency and severity of migraine headaches are also reduced.

5 Htp Dosage:

Take 1 Vcaps daily, preferably on an empty stomach at bedtime.

5 Htp Precautions:

5 Htp should only be used under supervision of a physician especially in the following cases as increased level of serotonin may be harmful:

1. Cardiovascular diseases 2. Extremely elderly persons 3. People who are suffering from Parkinsons disease 4. Lung disease 5. Chronic Alcoholism 6. Liver Disease 7. Parasitic infection 8. Aids 9. Allergies

Conclusion:

Although research questions are answered by a large number of studies but few are trustworthy. These substances may help in alleviating depression. Further studies are required to confirm 5-Htp safety before it can be widely recommended. It is also not clear how 5 htp helps in Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome. Alternative antidepressants exist which have proven to be effective and safe while the usefulness of 5 htp is still limited.

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