5-HTP and weight loss

By Weight Loss Consultant • Related • Filed Under

5-HTP has become a popular choice for some weight loss programs. It is being used to reduce cravings and to help control the appetite. So what is 5-HTP? It is a substance that is derived from an essential amino acid called tryptophan. Many people have heard about tryptophan due to scientists finding its presence in turkey. Researchers found several years ago that the presence of this amino acid is one reason that people feel so sleepy and full after eating Thanksgiving dinner!

Tryptophan breaks down into this substance which is called 5-HTP. This is a metabolic precursor to serotonin which is a neurotransmitter in the brain. Serotonin is one of the substances that is responsible for regulating a person’s mood, sleep patterns, hunger and cravings. Research has been done which showed that people with problems such as insomnia, mood swings, PMS, depression, fibromyalgia, even chronic pain have low levels of serotonin in their bloodstreams and their brain.

Other research has been done that showed the binge eating and cravings for carbohydrates go hand in hand with low serotonin levels. These levels can be due to weight loss programs which consist of low carbohydrate fair which do not account for this. Foods that are high in carbohydrates trigger serotonin production. So, if the body is deprived of serotonin, it will crave carbohydrates to correct the imbalance.

These cravings can sabotage a diet program in progress. They also can lead to someone being overweight or obese if this is not corrected. This is why some medications that promote increased serotonin levels in the brain are used for weight loss programs.

Therefore it stands to reason that adding 5-HTP as a food supplement to a weight loss program would be helpful in decreasing the person’s appetite as well as helping them to control cravings that might occur. This substance also helps to promote regular sleeping habits. It has been proven that people who sleep well have better eating habits and tend to eat much less late at night. Late night eating is responsible for weight gain as this food does not have time to be metabolized due to inactivity.

5-HTP also helps to elevate people’s moods. Medical journals have reported that 5-HTP has been successful in elevating the mood in people with depression and panic disorder. So it is now being used as a supplement for depression, PMS, and other mood disorders. People who are depressed tend to eat more than people who are happy. So 5-HTP can help dieters in this respect as well.

There are some concerns about the dosage of 5-HTP that can be taken safely per day. The concern is that if too much serotonin is produced it can cause problems when dumped into the peripheral circulatory system. If excess serotonin is consistently found here it can lead to the development of circulatory disease. It is recommended therefore that people interested in taking this supplement keep their dosage at 100 milligrams per day to alleviate this problem.

Due to this people that have cardiovascular or heart disease should not take 5-HTP. Other contraindications for this supplement would be people with respiratory disease, alcoholism, liver disease, AIDS, Parkinson’s, autoimmune disorders, sickle cell anemia, and the elderly should not take 5-HTP.

5-HTP should not be taken in conjunction with medications that are considered anti-depressants or SSRI’s. Alcohol should not be consumed while taking 5-HTP. 5-HTP can increase the effects of both alcohol and anti-depressant medications.

Persons who have chronic illnesses or take medications on a regular basis should consult with their physician or healthcare professional prior to taking this supplement or starting any type of weight loss program.

Related information

Post a Response