Most of us have heard of the hormone Serotonin and its role in stabilizing our mood, feelings of well-being, and overall happiness. It also helps with sleeping, eating, and digestion. This hormone impacts our entire body. It enables brain cells and other nervous system cells to communicate with each other.
Most prescribed antidepressants today, are drugs that affect the serotonin transporter and serotonin receptors to help relieve major depression.
That’s how important serotonin is when it comes to how we feel. And how we feel has an enormous impact on how we handle everything in life, from our food choices, activity levels to how we communicate and treat others.
It feels good to feel good! And the better we feel the more we can positively impact those around us.
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) - is a precursor to serotonin. It is naturally produced in the body from the amino acid Tryptophan (you know, the Turkey Tryptophan, that makes you sleepy after Thanksgiving meal).
A great (scientifically proven) way to increase serotonin levels is by increasing 5-HTP. And the best part is that we don’t have to overeat Turkey to do so.
5-HTP is produced in supplement form from the seeds of an African plant knows as Griffonia simplicifolia . It is clinically proven to be well absorbed orally into the body with 70% of it reaching the bloodstream, from where it can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and effectively increase serotonin synthesis.
In other words, supplementing with 5-HTP increases your body’s production of Serotonin, making it a powerful aid for:
Depression
Anxiety
Sleep disorders
Weight Loss
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Migraine
*It is important to note that 5-HTP should not be taken alongside antidepressants, as the combination of the supplement with antidepressant medications can dramatically increase serotonin levels in the body, causing a potentially lethal condition known as serotonin syndrome. Due to the potential for negative medication interactions, make sure to always consult with your doctor before supplementing with 5-HTP.
-Your Coach
