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What might 5-HTP be able to do for you?

What might 5-HTP be able to do for you?

Posted by Henry Maitland on 10th Aug 2018

It’s likely something you’ve heard of, but how much do you know about Serotonin?

You might know a lot – you might not. But Serotonin and the levels you have of it within your body can have a big impact on your day-to-day living.

In a nutshell, Serotonin is a chemical produced by nerve cells. The effects of increased or decreased Serotonin levels can impact across a broad spectrum of areas.

‘But hang on,’ we hear you ask, ‘this blog is about 5-HTP – right?’

It certainly is, and 5-HTP plays a major role in synthesising and transmitting Serotonin around the body. That means that by adding it to your diet, you can start to better realise the benefits of increased Serotonin levels.

What is 5-HTP?

5-HTP – or 5-Hydroxytryptophan to give it its full name – is the amino acid precursor to Serotonin that easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Its impact is felt in the brain and the central nervous system therefore.

In a commercial context, 5-HTP is generally produced from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia – a climbing shrub native to parts of central and western Africa.5-HTP and Serotonin5-HTP comes into its own in the context of Serotonin. By supporting the release and synthesis of Serotonin, adding 5-HTP to your diet as a Serotonin supplement can help to support conditions of both a physical and psychological nature.

Therefore, by adding 5-HTP to your day, there’s a chance to boost the Serotonin levels in your body and change things for the better. Here are some areas it can impact.

Weight loss

If you’re trying to lose or manage weight, 5-HTP can help increase feelings of fullness. It can help suppress appetite and allow you to avoid the production of the hormones that make you feel hungry when you’re trying to cut down on your food intake. 5-HTP is therefore a solid option as a weight loss supplement.

Depression

Serotonin is generally seen as a mood enhancer, so using 5-HTP as a natural remedy for depression could be a good move.

Migraines

If you suffer with migraines, you’ll likely be keen to try anything that can help tackle their impact. Research has indicated that there could be a strong link between migraine sufferers and low serotonin levels.

Therefore, if you are unfortunate enough to frequently suffer from migraines, 5-HTP could help to boost your serotonin levels and prevent their formulation.

Sleeping Problems

A good night’s sleep is key to general well-being, and many of those who suffer with interrupted sleep or insomnia are likely keen to find natural sleep remedies to help them drift off easily at night.

Serotonin can be converted into Melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep.

This means that as well as Serotonin, 5-HTP can increase the production of Melatonin and act as a sleep aid. This hormone rises in the evening to help you rest and fall asleep, before falling away in the morning to help you wake up and get on with your day.

Adding 5-HTP to your Day

Evolution Organics stocks 5-HTP capsules from suppliers such as Nutri Advanced and Bulletproof – two of our trusted suppliers.

So take a look and see if 5-HTP is for you. It could make a real difference to your day-to-day life.