I used to be in a mental/emotional darkness much of the time. I have been sharing with you some of the strategies that have released me from that hold. One of the most effective methods of keeping my mood up is using 5-HTP.
I first started using 5-HTP unknowingly by wearing a “sticker” from my MLM that was reported to have mood-boosting benefits. IT HELPED ME SO MUCH! I now use a different “sticker”, and therefore found an oral method of supplementing 5-HTP.
What is 5-HTP?
You’ve probably heard of Tryptophan, the sleep-inducing amino acid that is in your turkey dinner on Thanksgiving. Tryptophan is one of the ESSENTIAL amino acids (building blocks of protein that our body can’t produce on its own, and therefore must be obtained from diet or supplements). Tryptophan is a natural mood regulator and Tryptophan supplements have a long history of use for treating depression and anxiety and also for enhancing sleep.
So what does tryptophan have to do with 5-HTP?
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a chemical by-product of L-tryptophan. 5-HTP can also be extracted from the seed pods of a West-African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia.
What does 5-HTP do in the body?
5-HTP works in the brain and central nervous system by increasing the production of the chemical serotonin.
Since 5-HTP increases the synthesis of serotonin, it is useful for several problems where serotonin is believed to play an important role including depression, insomnia, and obesity.
What does serotonin do in the body?
Serotonin affects mood, sleep, appetite, memory and learning, body temperature regulation, sexual appetite, pain sensation, cardiovascular function, muscle contraction, and endocrine regulation.
Serotonin production declines with age, and at any age its abundance can be lowered even further by stress.
5-HTP supplements can, therefore, be useful for depression, anxiety, insomnia, migraine and tension headaches, fibromyalgia, sugar cravings, obesity, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), seizure disorder, and Parkinson’s disease.
As with any supplements, you should talk to your doctor before adding 5-HTP to your regime.
What if I want to boost my mood without supplements?
Natural sources of tryptophan include cage-free eggs, spiralina, wild-caught salmon and cod, cage-free poultry, organic dairy products, sesame seeds, cashews, walnuts, grass-fed beef and lamb, whole grain oats, brown rice, quinoa, corn, beans, potatoes, and bananas.
Eat Well and Stay Happy!
P.S. To see the 5-HTP containing “sticker” mentioned at the beginning of this e-mail, click here. To see other 5-HTP supplements from my amazon affiliate link, click here.
P.P.S. You might also want to check out my articles on maca and magnesium for mood improvement.
Marcy Vogler is a lifestyle makeover coach, personal trainer, and mother of three. Marcy is passionate about helping women make over their lives from the inside out. To learn more about the courses Marcy offers, check out our parter website at www.thegoodlife4u.club. For daily inspiration, join Marcy’s Facebook Group: Love Your Day, Love Your Life.
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