Health Insights

It is impossible to talk about better sleep without talking about physical and mental wellness; both are important for coping with stress and enjoying life. But it's also impossible to talk about wellness without amino acids; after all, they are the main building blocks of proteins and play an important role in synthesizing neurotransmitters and hormones.  One of the most sought-after amino acid supplements is 5-HTP capsules.

Some amino acids occur naturally in the human body; these are called non-essential amino acids. Other amino acids are not produced by the body and must be taken through diet or supplements; these are essential amino acids.

Sometimes, even the non-essential amino acid stores in the body get depleted, and if you are not getting enough through diet, your health is compromised. Doctors may recommend amino acid-rich diets or supplements to top up depleted stores. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see people, especially highly training athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and patients with certain illnesses supplementing with amino acids.

Check Out Portions Master 5-HTP Capsules

What is 5-HTP?

5-HTP is short for 5-Hydroxytryptophan, aka Oxitriptan. It is a non-essential amino acid, a chemical by-product of L-tryptophan. It is a chemical precursor and also useful in the synthesis of serotonin by body cells.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found in the gut, central nervous system, skin, and tongue. It is also stored in platelets and released during vasoconstriction and agitation.

Serotonin is an important chemical messenger that helps nerve cells communicate. Serotonin, together with anandamide, are collectively known as 'happiness' hormones.

Low serotonin levels are associated with depression, insomnia, anxiety, weight gain, and several other health issues. Consequently, increasing serotonin levels in your body may benefit your health in various ways.

For the above reasons, 5-HTP is also produced commercially from Griffonia Simplicifolia and sold over the counter worldwide.

What Are The Benefits Of Using 5-HTP Capsules?

1.   Supplementing With 5-HTP Capsules Can Serve As A Sleep Aid.

The serotonin-producing effects of 5-HTP are useful against insomnia. The body converts serotonin to melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Science shows, melatonin levels in the body are high in the evening, before you sleep, and low when you wake up in the morning.

5-HTP, when combined with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), is said to help fall asleep faster and for longer. It's also said to improve your sleep quality. That is because GABA promotes relaxation, and when combined with 5-HTP, it's synergistic. 5-HTP also helps reduce migraines and depression, leading to improved mood.

2.  5-HTP Can Be An Antidepressant.

A few studies show that ingesting 5-HTP could relieve symptoms of depression[1]. Indeed, clinical studies show the chemical may even be as effective as certain antidepressant prescriptions in some people.

In most of the studies, 150-800mg 5HTP doses were taken daily. But in a few cases, higher daily doses were used. In any case, using 5-HTP to manage depression led to better results than when the participants were treated to a placebo.

3.  Using 5-HTP Capsules Can Reduce The Frequency Of Migraines

You won't feel comfortable, let alone fall asleep with a throbbing headache. The definite causes of migraines are still a matter of debate, but some researchers say low serotonin levels are to blame. Migraines are accompanied by disturbed vision and nausea, in most cases.

Clinical studies show that supplementing with 5-HTP reduces migraines' frequency by up to 70 % compared to a placebo[2]. The chemical increases serotonin levels and triggers vasoconstriction to decrease excess blood flow, reducing the headache.

4.   5-HTP May Reduce Pain And Fibromyalgia Symptoms

5-HTP may also be effective against fibromyalgia symptoms, including bone pain and muscle weakness, by increasing serotonin levels.

5.   5-HTP When Combined With Other Supplements Could Reduce Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol cravings can be debilitating; sometimes resulting in depression, sleeplessness, and lack of energy.  Clinical studies show that combining 5-HTP, L-glutamine, and D-phenylalanine can alleviate alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including migraines, lack of sleep, and anxiety.

6.   Combining 5-HTP Capsules With Exercise And Diet Can Increase Weight Loss.

Some weight loss exercises and diet regimens do not include hormones to help you feel fuller. Rather, some diets can increase 'hunger' hormones, resulting in unwanted overeating. Developing healthy eating habits doesn't have to be frustrating. Weight loss can happen more efficiently.  For more help, check out the post:  How To Change Eating Habits Permanently With 7 Effective Tips

How can 5-HTP help with weight loss? 5-HTP is said to be an effective weight loss supplement because it leads to feelings of fullness, thereby suppressing hunger pangs. Studies show that supplementing with 5-HTP leads to the consumption of fewer calories per day. Burning more calories than you consume is key to weight loss.  Also, 5-HTP inhibits excess calorie intake from carbs, thus leading to better blood sugar levels.

7.   5-HTP May Help In Treatment For Opioid Withdrawal

Studies show that 5-HTP may also help those recovering from opioids addiction feel less pain. In a study, heroin addicts were treated to 200mg 5-HTP together with L-glutamine, tyrosine, and phosphatidylcholine daily for a week. They reported feeling less nausea, diarrhea, restlessness, anxious and pain in their muscles.

Other possible benefits of 5-HTP supplements include reducing ADHD and shaking in people with Parkinson's. However, research is still ongoing on this front, and it's best to ask your doctor before supplementing with 5-HTP to help with your health issues.

How Effective Can 5-HTP Capsules Be?

In some cases, studies concerning the effectiveness of 5-HTP are limited, as explained above. However, around the world, many people are supplementing with 5-HTP, and for good reasons. Anecdotal reports point to its effectiveness as an antidepressant and sleep aid. Also, unlike human-made antidepressant and sleep medications, 5-HTP is a natural chemical. It will not lead to dependency or changes in your brain's chemical composition for the worse.

5-HTP is a by-product of L-tryptophan, but while L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid taken through diet, 5-HTP is not found in foods and can only be obtained through supplements.  Portions Master all-natural 5-HTP capsules can be used to enhance mood, reduce hunger pangs, and help establish healthy sleep patterns, or help with various health issues.

Portion master specializes in unique, scientifically validated products and supplements that help achieve and maintain a lean lifestyle.

About Portions Master 5-HTP

Portions Master 5-HTP Capsules are a completely pure African Griffonia Simplicifolia extract providing 60 servings per bottle of 100mg 5-HTP to improve mood, sleep, and suppress appetite.

Advantages of Portions Master 5-HTP Capsules include:

• It can improve serotonin levels in your body
• Improves sleep patterns leading to a relaxed mind and better mood
• Helpful in making you feel refreshed after a night of quality sleep
• It is non-GMO
• It can alleviate anxiety and migraines
• Can help with weight loss by suppressing 'hunger' hormones

5-HTP supplementation instructions

Always match 5-HTP dosages to your necessary needs and in accordance with your doctor's recommendations, when necessary.

Portions Master 5-HTP Capsules are not intended for pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, or individuals taking any prescription medication including anti-depressants. Reduce dose if drowsiness occurs. Avoid driving or performing other potentially dangerous tasks while taking this formula. If you have questions about the advisability of taking this product, consult a physician prior to use.

Possible 5-HTP supplement side-effects

Some people have reported experiences of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain when supplementing with 5-HTP. Of course, these adverse effects are dependent on doses taken; overdosing on 5-HTP could be worse.

To reduce the side effects of 5-HTP supplementation, experts recommend starting with a 50-100mg dose twice daily and then increasing appropriately as your body gets used to it.

Also, keep in mind that some medications enhance serotonin production and, when used in combination with 5-HTP, may cause serotonin levels to get dangerously high. This is often referred to as serotonin syndrome and may be fatal.  Always exercise caution and consult your physician.

Avoid combining 5-HTP with the following medications:

• Cough medicines
• Prescription pain-relieving meds
• Antidepressant medications

Also, since 5-HTP boosts sleep, combining it with prescription sedatives may cause you to sleep too much. Therefore, avoid mixing the supplement with meds like Ambien, Ativan, and Klonopin.

Stay away from 5-HTP when pregnant or breastfeeding, too. While there's not enough evidence on how 5-HTP affects pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

Lastly, seek your doctor's advice before using 5-HTP supplements. Your doctor may be able to recommend the best dosage depending on your chemical and physical characteristics and health issues. They may also recommend that you stay away from the supplement if you are already under certain medications or supplements.

References:

• 5-HTP for depression
• 5-HTP affects on migraines