November 29, 2023
Since sleep is the foundation to good health and something so many of us struggle with. I want to introduce you today to 5-HTP.
Low levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin are thought to contribute to a wide range of mental and physical health problems. Such as depression, insomnia and obesity. Serotonin contributes to a positive mood and can improve memory/learning. It also affects digestion, sleep, and sexual desire. One potential way to support your body’s synthesis of serotonin is by taking a 5-HTP supplement before bed.
5-HTP (which stands for 5-hydroxytryptophan) is a precursor to the neurotransmitter Serotonin. It is made from the amino acid Tryptophan. Tryptophan first gets converted into 5-HTP via the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase, and then 5-HTP gets converted into Serotonin via the enzyme L-amino acid decarboxylase.
What is 5-HTP used for? To help treat symptoms and conditions such as:
- Sleep Disorders / Insomnia
- Mood-Related Issues (depression and anxiety)
- Headaches and Migraines
- Obesity and Overeating
- Pain, including from Fibromyalgia and PMS or PMDD
- ADHD Symptoms
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
Serotonin promotes feelings of well-being, calmness, personal security, relaxation, confidence and concentration. And 5-HTP primarily works by increasing synthesis of Serotonin, your “feel good” neurotransmitter.
Since Serotonin itself cannot be taken in supplement form as it can’t cross the blood-brain barrier, taking 5-HTP is a way to provide the body with the resources it needs to make more of its own.
5-HTP doesn’t work like sleep-inducing medications, which can make you feel very drowsy, but it can help you to feel more relaxed, which will allow you to fall asleep more easily.
It has been found that 5-HTP works especially well for combating insomnia when taken alongside GABA, which also has a calming effects. This combination can decrease the time needed to fall asleep and increase the time you stay asleep.
This is why we love DFH NeuroCalm for people that are GABA and Serotonin deficient as it combats both! If you’re struggling with sleep and your mood isn’t ideal, give DFH NeuroCalm a try. We recommend taking this 30-60 minutes before bed. You could also pair this with a Magnesium Bis-Glycinate for added support.
