Some people become deficient in serotonin and gain weight because they overeat.  Others lose their appetite partly because their brain is reacting to high levels of serotonin released during the stressful time.  Serotonin also decreases the diameter of blood vessels.  This is helpful in headaches and migraines that are caused by increased blood flow in the brain.

Melatonin regulates the body’s sleep/wake cycles.  Optimal levels of melatonin allow us to have restful and restorative sleep.  Melatonin also cues the body to release growth hormone and sex hormones, which are used during sleep to repair body tissues and normalize hormone levels.  Finally melatonin is an antioxidant that protects tissue by neutralizing damaging free radicals.  The amount of melatonin produced by the body naturally declines as we age so supplementing with 5-HTP may be a means to prevent age-related disease.  5-HTP is recommended by natural health practitioners for insomnia, jet lag, aging, cancer, frequent colds and flus, PMS, memory loss, arteriosclerosis, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, headaches, migraines, obesity, fibromyalgia, stress, anxiety and depression.

5-HTP can be purchased in tablets or capsules.  Taking your supplement with a high-carbohydrate food or drink, like juice, will increase its absorption.

Excessive use of 5-HTP alters the levels of some immune cells.  Regular laboratory testing is recommended.  Do not use 5-HTP if you are pregnant, nursing, have autoimmune disease or cancers of the immune system.  5-HTP interacts with antidepressant medication.  5-HTP has additive effects when taken with St. John’s wort, SAMe and tryptophan.  It may irritate the digestive tract of sensitive individuals.