Genestra 5-HTP 100mg - 90 V-Caps

5-HTP

Want to know about a natural alternative to pharmaceutical anti-depressants?

Anti-depressants are recommended often today compared to decades ago – for depression, anxiety and panic attacks. Unfortunately many pharmaceuticals, which aim to boost Serotonin levels, have unwanted side effects people to do not like. A natural alternative to pharmaceutical anti-depressants, which does not produce side effects, is something called 5HTP.

5-HTP is made from the seeds of an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP may help treat a wide variety of conditions related to low serotonin levels, including the following: depression, anxiety, insomnia and migraines. Some studies indicate that 5-HTP may work as well as certain antidepressant drugs to treat people with mild-to-moderate depression.

One study compared the effects of 5-HTP to a pharmaceutical anti-depressant called fluvoxamine (Luvox) in 63 people and found that those who were given 5-HTP did just as well as those who received Luvox. And the 5HTP group also had fewer side effects than the Luvox group.

5-HTP and Serotonin
5-HTP is a precursor to the neurotransmitter hormone serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that regulates: mood, behaviour, appetite, dilation of blood vessels and many other body processes. Serotonin is released in response to fullness and regulates appetite. It is also the neurotransmitter associated for feelings of wellbeing and happiness. 5-HTP increases the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a hormone produced mainly in your gut and brain. How 5HTP helps is it is a building block for making Serotonin. Without 5-HTP Serotonin production is limited. Lower levels of serotonin are present in many people with fibromyalgia and research suggests that 5-HTP can improve some symptoms associated with fibromyalgia including pain, anxiety, morning stiffness, and fatigue.

5-HTP and Melatonin
5-HTP also goes into making the hormone Melatonin which we need to sleep, so 5HTP is also used to treat insomnia, related to low Melatonin. Interestingly, the amount of melatonin produced by the body naturally declines as we age, and this is thought to be one of the causes of age-related diseases. Supplementing with 5-HTP may be a means to prevent this age related decline by naturally boosting melatonin levels. In one study, people who took 5-HTP went to sleep quicker and slept more deeply.

Antidepressant and Anti-migraine
5-HTP has been tested against tricyclic antidepressants and Prozac in clinical trials for its ability to alleviate depression, and was found to be the equivalent or better to commonly used doses of these recommendation medications. 5-HTP dilates blood vessels which can help those suffering with migraines that are caused by increased blood flow in the brain.

How can I take 5-HTP?
Many health practitioners recommend 5HTP for mild to moderate depression, anxiety, insomnia and migraines. Health care professionals generally recommend 50 mg of 5-HTP taken 1 - 3 times per day. It is generally a good idea to start in the lower end of the dosage range and work to your required dosage. You can’t get 5-HTP from food. The amino acid tryptophan, which the body uses to make 5-HTP, can be found in turkey, chicken, milk, potatoes, pumpkin, and seaweed. However, eating foods with tryptophan does not increase 5-HTP levels very much.

For mild to moderate depression you can take 5HTP with other supportive natural products for healthy brain chemistry – Vitamin D, a probiotic, essential amino acids and an omega fatty acid balanced in DHA and EPA.

5-HTP can be purchased in tablets or capsules, either in its purified form or as an herbal preparation of griffonia (Griffonia simplicifolia). Taking your supplement with a high-carbohydrate food or drink, like juice, will increase its absorption.

So if think you need a lift, think of 5HTP. Dosage is 50 mg 1 to 3 times daily. It will give you the building blocks you need to produce Serotonin, without the common side effects of pharmaceutical antidepressants. With a healthy balance of Serotonin you feel balanced, calm and positive.

Possible side effects
The side effects of taking 5-HTP are usually mild and may include: nausea, heartburn, gas, feeling of fullness, and rumbling sensation in some people. Talk to a health care practitioner before taking high doses as serotonin syndrome could develop. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding and those with liver disease should not take 5-HTP. People with high blood pressure or diabetes should consult a health care practitioner prior to use.

5-HTP - QUICK FACTS

SOURCES
· Protein via tryptophan, griffonia plant.

APPLICATIONS
· Anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, headaches, migraines, obesity, insomnia, mood support.

OPTIMUM DOSAGE
· 50-300mg daily. (Clinical doses may be higher as recommended by your practitioner).

WORKS WELL WITH
· Vitamin B6, protein supplements.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
· Excessive use of 5-HTP alters the levels of some immune cells, so regular monitoring with blood tests is recommended for long-term use.
· 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 IMPROVED effects when taken with St. John’s wort, SAMe and tryptophan.
· Some individuals may get irritation in the digestive tract from using 5-HTP.