Netherlands' Research Indicates 5HTP Benefits Anxiety Symptoms

5htp benefits those suffering from a host of problems, including
depression, fibromyalgia, and insomnia. Now anxiety symptoms can also
be tackled with this natural supplement, according to research studies
conducted in the Netherlands.What It Is
A naturally occurring amino
acid used by the body to manufacture the neurotransmitter serotonin,
5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5htp, is essential for normal nerve and brain
function to occur. Serotonin is responsible for regulating sleep,
mood, and the perception of pain. Low serotonin levels have been
linked to the symptoms of depression, fibromyalgia, insomnia, and
anxiety.Where It Comes From
5htp is typically extracted from the seeds
of the West African Griffonia simplicifolia plant. A similar amino
acid, tryptophan, is more difficult for the body to use efficiently,
and is many times less effective as a supplement than 5htp. Small
amounts of 5htp can be found naturally occurring in foods such as
eggs, fish, nuts, and seeds, but in order to experience maximum 5htp
benefits, taking a supplement is recommended.What It
Does
Anti-depressant medications such as selective serotonin re-uptake
inhibitors, or SSRIs, effect serotonin levels by slowing the pace at
which the brain uses available serotonin. These medications
artificially manipulate of the brain's physiological regulatory
system, and do not cause an actual increase in serotonin production.
They are also associated with numerous unwanted side effects,
including nausea and vomiting, inability to orgasm, weight gain, dry
mouth, diarrhea, insomnia, heart palpitations, tremors, and
agitation.By comparison, 5htp provides the brain with more of the
necessary material to manufacture serotonin, without disruption to
normal metabolic processes and without the serious side effects of
SSRIs. 5htp allows the brain to naturally increases serotonin levels,
with minimal side effects. When side effects do occur, they are
usually limited to mild gastrointestinal complaints.5htp For Anxiety
A
study conducted in the Netherlands made a strong case for the use of
5htp supplements to treat the symptoms of anxiety. The subjects in the
study suffered from two types of anxiety, panic attacks and
generalized anxiety. Panic attacks often include feelings of intense
fear, rapid breathing (known as hyperventilation), increased heart
rate, tingling sensations, sweating and nausea. Generalized anxiety is
frequently characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worrying, muscle
aches, restlessness, insomnia, and irritability, among other
symptoms.During the study, the subjects each took 300 mg of 5htp daily
over the course of 12 weeks, during which their anxiety levels were
repeatedly tested and recorded. By the end of the study, the vast
majority of the subjects showed significant improvement in anxiety
symptoms, and those who had been previously experiencing panic attacks
reported their occurrence to have decreased dramatically while taking
5htp supplements.Some research has shown that people with anxiety
disorders may have very sensitive serotonin receptors which
hyper-react to bursts of serotonin production which would not normally
result in feelings of anxiety. Therefore, when a person experiencing
an anxiety disorder takes 5htp or an SSRI, the extra serotonin
produced may initially aggravate the anxiety. However, with continued
stimulation, these receptors eventually become less sensitive, and
anxiety levels start to decline.Most people using 5htp for anxiety
take between 50 and 300 mg daily. Some people obtain more favorable
results while taking a lower dose, so it's advisable to start with 50
mg and add more over time if necessary. For maximum absorption, 5htp
should be taken with or shortly before a meal, with a full glass of
water. Avoid taking more than 200 mg of 5htp at a time. 5htp may not
be medically appropriate for everyone, and should not be taken by
those using anti-Parkinson's or prescription antidepressant
medications. Consulting a health care professional before beginning a
5htp regimen is advised.