Numerous clinical studies suggest that taking 5-HTP (Hydroxy-Tryptophan) supplements increase serotonin which has been found to have important antidepressant benefits. Higher levels of serotonin are associates with decreased depression, improved sleep, alleviation of anxiety, relief from and prevention of migraine headaches, weight loss resulting from reduced carbohydrate cravings. Reduced levels of serotonin are associated with feelings of stress, anxiety and helplessness. 5-HTP can increase your brain's serotonin level gently and naturally by providing the precursor material for the syntheses of serotonin. Other symptoms of serotonin deficiency can include: carbohydrate cravings, migraines, obsessive compulsive behaviors, and other behavioral disorders. Restoring serotonin is the basis for one of the most popular classes of drugs prescribed today. These drugs, including Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and others are widely used to treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia. They are effective because they increase the availability of serotonin. Increasing the availability of the serotonin also help the amino acid 5-hydroxy-tryptophan work. This means that the body uses some of the 5-HTP in your diet to make serotonin, increase 5-HTP and you are likely to increase serotonin. Is 5-HTP the same as Tryptophan? No. The body takes tryptophan and converts it to 5-HTP, which it then converts to serotonin. Hydroxy-Tryptophan may cause drowsiness and should not be taken while driving or operating machinery.

© New Sun, Inc.