5Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid naturally produced by the body. It is well-known for its role in serotonin’s production which is a chemical messenger that regulates sleep, mood digestion, bone health and many other. Serotonin levels that are low can lead to mood-related disorders , such as anxiety and depression as well as sleep problems, weight gain and various health issues.
Because of the positive effect serotonin can have for our wellbeing, lots of people use 5-HTP supplements in order to increase their serotonin levels and enhance certain aspects of their well-being, such as sleep and mental health.
Find out more information about the health benefits that could be derived from 5-HTP in the following article.
1. 5-HTP and depression
The precise reason for depression is not clear and is attributed to a variety of factors, researchers believe that it is usually due to an imbalance in neurotransmitters within the brain. They act as chemical messengers, and affect our mood.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which has been extensively studied. The presence of low levels is thought to be the cause of depression, which is why most antidepressants concentrate on increasing serotonin production in the brain. Numerous studies have shown that supplements with 5 HTP be effective in the same way and help reduce the symptoms of depression through increasing serotonin production.
2. Aid weight loss
5-HTP can help you shed weight by enhancing feelings of fullness and reducing appetite. While dieting or losing weight it is believed that the body will increase the production of hormones that stimulate hunger which make losing weight difficult to sustain. 5-HTP may help to counteract this effect. It makes your feel fuller, and consequently, you eat less.
According to a study that examined patients with diabetes those who took supplements containing 5-HTP during two weeks consumed 435 less calories per day as compared to those who took placebo. The study also revealed that 5-HTP reduced the intake of calories from carbohydrates which increased glucose levels in the blood. Blood sugar levels that are high can be detrimental to your health and could cause diabetes.
3. Improve sleep quality
As we have discussed 5HTP is essential to produce serotonin. It can later be transformed into melatonin, which is a hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Melatonin production rises when there is darkness, that signals to the body that it’s time for it to go to bed.
Research suggests that the supplementation of 5-HTP may enhance the production of melatonin within the body. This can reduce the time required to go to sleep, extend the length of sleep and increase the quality of sleep.
4. Relax and ease anxiety
Similar to depression Serotonin levels that are low can cause anxiety and increase the risk for panic attack. A study in 2002 showed that 5-HTP supplements decreased anxiety in those suffering from panic disorder. But research on 5HTP’s effects on anxiety and stress is recent and more studies are needed to verify the results.
5. Treat pain
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes chronic nerve muscle and bone pain and also weakness. It can impact the mood as well as the capacity to sleep. Researchers aren’t certain of the cause that causes fibromyalgia but they the low levels of serotonin could contribute to the cause. Studies suggest that 5-HTP may help alleviate muscles pain, sleep issues stress, fatigue, and anxiety as well as other symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Summary
The amino acid 5-HTP can be that is produced by the body. It is necessary for the creation of serotonin, which is a hormone that regulates appetite, mood sleep, and mood.
The use of 5 HTP gummies can help increase the levels of serotonin in your body. It has been proven scientifically to combat anxiety and depression and reduce the pain that comes with the condition, enhance sleep and aid in weight loss.