5 HTP is a type of amino acid that occurs naturally. It is impossible to get this nutrient from dietary sources but it can be obtained from Griffonia Simplicifolia seeds. Griffonia Simplicifolia is an African plant. The body also produces 5 HTP from L-tryptophan, a type of essential amino acid which plays an important role in serotonin synthesis. 5 HTP is one of the components required for the synthesis process.
5 HTP has been identified as an effective dietary supplement that can be used to treat conditions that are brought on by low serotonin. Its primary function is to boost serotonin levels in a patient’s brain.
WHEN IS IT USED?
This supplement has proved effective for treating depression, sleep disorders, and anxiety. It is also used to suppress appetite, achieve weight loss and manage fibromyalgia.
5 HTP DOSAGE
This supplement is available in the form of vegetarian or gelatin capsules. The recommended 5 HTP dosage varies depending on the specific condition that is being treated. Note: The dosages listed here are only suggestions. Please consult with your doctor before trying 5 HTP or any supplement. Ask your doctor for the correct dosage for you and it is recommended that you stay under your doctor’s supervision if you decide to start taking supplements or begin a fitness program.
5 HTP WEIGHT LOSS DOSAGE
Several clinical trials have revealed that this supplement has a positive outcome on weight loss. It helps patients to lose weight by suppressing their appetite. The supplement also helps to relieve insomnia, which has been associated with weight gain. It also helps to fight depression that can lead to emotional eating. Some people tend to eat more when they experience sadness or loneliness.
Do you find it hard to lose weight? Have you exhausted yourself in exercising for months but you’re still unsatisfied with the results? Why don’t you try taking 5 HTP supplements? There are studies and anecdotes saying that this type of supplement can help people lose weight fast. The key for the most part is understanding the 5 HTP weight loss dosage that will work for you.
First of all, let’s take a closer look at 5 HTP and how it can aid your efforts in weight loss.
WHAT IS 5 HTP?
5 HTP is a compound that is converted into serotonin in the brain. It is a naturally occurring chemical which is also commercially derived from the plant called Griffonia simplicifolia which is found in West Africa.
5 HTP supplementation increases the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is believed to be responsible for maintaining mood balance. Simply put, low levels of the neurotransmitter in the brain can make you lethargic, sad and irritable. By taking a 5 HTP supplement, you can increase serotonin levels in the brain which would make you happy and energetic.
Serotonin is also known to regulate our sleep and appetite. This explains why it has been suggested that you can lose weight with 5 HTP, as increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain can control your appetite and help you lose weight in the long run. When you’re not craving for food as much as you do, it is more likely that you’ll be able to lose weight fast.
5 HTP WEIGHT LOSS STUDY
There have been studies that have backed up claims about the effectiveness of 5 HTP supplements in suppressing appetite and helping people lose weight.
One study looked into the effects of oral 5 HTP on the feeding behavior of 19 obese women. The study lasted for six months, with the participants varying in ages from 30 to 44 years old. At the end of the study, it was found that there was 38 percent reduction in calories resulting in weight loss of the participants.
Another study focused on the eating behavior and obedience to dietary prescriptions of obese adults who were given 5 HTP supplements. There were 20 participants in the study and all of them were obese women whose ages ranged from 30 to 44 years.
At the end of the 12 week trial, it was revealed that 900 mg supplementation of 5 HTP was associated with greater weight loss compared to a placebo. The researchers noted that the subjects ate less and this contributed to their weight loss.
There’s also a test that looked into the effects of 5 HTP tablets on the food intake of non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. The study involved 25 overweight adults whose ages ranged from 30 to 64 years. After the two-week study the researchers noted that 750 milligrams of daily supplementation in overweight men and women led to less food intake and contributed to minor weight loss.
In Italy, researchers put a group of obese adults who were prone to overeating on a 1,200 calorie diet. Half of them were given 300 milligrams of 5 HTP 30 minutes before each meal, while half of them took a placebo. After the 12 week trial period, those who took 5 HTP lost an average of 7.2 pounds while those who took a placebo lost only four pounds.
5 HTP FOR WEIGHT LOSS
If you’re wondering how to take 5 HTP for weight loss, this next section will tell you about the suggested 5HTP weight loss dosage.
5 HTP dosage for weight loss would range from 50 to 300 milligrams per day, taken one to three times a day. For starters, 50 milligrams taken three times a day is believed to be the 5 HTP best weight loss dosage. Ideally, you should take the tablet before meals and with water. After two weeks, you can increase the dosage to 100 milligrams taken three times a day.
There is no specific 5htp dosage for weight loss. Most physicians recommend that patients take a maximum of 100 mg in 24 hours. If you are trying to lose weight, it is advisable to use this supplement at least an hour or two before you eat. It works better when it is taken on an empty stomach.
It is evident that 5 HTP can be very effective and helpful but it should not be used to replace a healthy diet. To enjoy the benefits offered by this supplement, you have to make sure you are eating a healthy diet. This is particularly important for those who are trying to lose weight. The supplement will help your body to function better but you have to exercise and eat healthy to make it easier to achieve weight loss and maintain the results.
5 HTP DOSAGE FOR DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
Do you always feel hopeless and helpless? Do you worry a lot? Then you may be suffering from depression and anxiety disorder. Did you know that there’s a supplement called 5 HTP that you can turn to? In this article, you’ll learn how this supplement can help you as well as the right 5 HTP dosage for depression and anxiety.
But first, how do you know that you are suffering from depression and anxiety disorder? Perhaps you’re just worrisome lately because you’re going through a difficult stage in your life. Or you’re only anxious due to work-related stress. Let’s take a closer look at these two common mental health problems.
DEPRESSION
We all go through phases in life when we feel sad. For instance, it’s normal to feel sad after you lost a loved one. But if the sadness and emptiness has taken hold of your life to the point that you can’t move on from such state, then you may have depression.
There are various signs and symptoms of depression that you should be wary of. One of these signs is the feeling of hopelessness and helplessness. It’s the feeling that you are in a black hole, and that things won’t get better, and there’s nothing that you can do to improve your situation.
Depression can lead to loss of interest in daily activities, as well as changes in appetite or weight. You could either put more pounds, or lose a lot of weight when you’re depressed. It’s also hard to sleep when you’re in a state of depression, and you’re always irritable, lethargic, and reckless. There are also physical symptoms like headaches, aching muscles, back pain, and stomach pain.
ANXIETY
It’s also normal to get anxious or nervous from time to time. If you’re having a job interview, it’s natural that you may feel tensed. You may also be worried if your company is being merged with another firm, since your job may be affected.
But when anxiety becomes too frequent and forceful that it has taken over your life, then you may be suffering from anxiety disorder.
Like depression, there are tell-tale signs that you may have anxiety disorder. One is that you have difficulties in sleeping. You also have irrational fears, and you’re always conscious about yourself—from the way you talk to the way you dress.
You’re also prone to panic attacks, or a sudden or gripping feeling of fear that can last for several minutes. Making things worse are physical symptoms of panic attacks like breathing problems, sweating, dizziness, chest pains, tingling and numb hands.
There are other physical symptoms of anxiety disorders as well, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) characterized by cramping, bloating, stomachaches, and diarrhea.
CAN 5HTP HELP?
Now you wonder– how can 5 HTP supplement treat depression and anxiety disorder?
5 HTP or 5-hydroxytryptophan is a chemical compound that is actually produced in our bodies from the amino acid called tryptophan. It is commercially produced from a plant called Griffonia simplicfolia, which is indigenous in Africa.
It is said to increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates our mood and behavior.
There are many 5 HTP benefits such as:
- Improved mood
- Weight Loss
- Sound sleep
- Treatment of migraines
- Treatment of premenstrual syndrome
- Treatment of fibromyalgia
- Treatment of depression and anxiety
For depression, most people will get great results with between 20 and 50 mg a day. But it is possible to take more than 100 mg. Patients who require small doses of this supplement should mix one capsule with water and take it on an empty stomach. If your condition requires more than 100 mg, it is advisable to take it under medical supervision. Always consult your Doctor before taking any nutritional supplement!
SIDE EFFECTS
If you do not take the right 5 HTP dose, you may develop some side effects. Some of the side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Heartburn
Gastrointestinal problems are common because of the effect of serotonin on your digestive system. There have not been any long term studies to date and for this reason, you should not take this supplement for extended periods. It is important to inform your doctor if you have certain conditions to determine if it is safe for you to take the supplement. These conditions include:
- Pregnancy
- Edema
- Allergies
- Anorexia
- Lupus
- Cancer
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Sickle cell anemia
- Lung disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Breastfeeding
The supplement can also interact with certain medications. If you are on anti-depressants, you should consult your doctor before using 5 HTP. Some drugs can either increase serotonin production or intensify its effects once it is produced in the brain. When this happens, you may suffer from serotonin toxicity.
It is not recommended for children because there have not been any studies carried out to determine its effects on them.
Precaution is advised because even though this is a natural supplement, some people may still react to it. The supplement can affect your cardiovascular system and insulin levels and for this reason, diabetic patients are advised to use it with caution.
BENEFITS
In spite of the potential side effects, taking the right 5 HTP dosage can offer some great benefits. This supplement offers antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help to get rid of free radicals that are considered responsible for various conditions such as cancer development. Research demonstrates that 5 HTP can actually offer more antioxidants compared to vitamin C.
For those who suffer from anxiety, this supplement can reduce your symptoms significantly. Serotonin helps to improve your moods and this can reduce depression. The best time to use 5 HTP depends on when your symptoms occur.
The kind of work that you are involved in will also determine the precise time you take the supplement. In general, you should take half a 50 mg capsule two times a day. Take the supplement in the morning and at midday. You can then choose whether you need additional dosages based on the severity of your symptoms.
This supplement is widely used to treat moderate or mild depression. Most people who use it report a noticeable change in their symptoms. For patients who suffer from mild depression, a 50 mg capsule is adequate if it is taken daily.
On the other hand, if you have moderate depression, you can reduce your symptoms with between 100 and 200 mg of 5 HTP. But it is important to note that your risk of developing side effects increases significantly when you use higher doses of this supplement.
The dosage used will vary from one patient to another and their specific condition. It is necessary to work with a medical professional to identify an appropriate dose. This will allow you to enjoy the benefits without any of the side effects.
A doctor will review your condition and determine if there is anything that can interfere with the supplement’s function. This is a natural product but precaution is still necessary because each person reacts differently to supplements.
It may be necessary to experiment with the dose with a physician’s supervision to find a suitable one. Start with the lowest dose and then increase it if you do not get satisfactory results. But this should only be gradually and with your doctor’s consent to prevent complications. Always consult your doctor before taking any supplement and you should stay under a doctor’s supervision.