In recent years, some people have chosen to buy 5-HTP online to use for depression and anxiety rather than traditional prescription medications.
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a natural supplement, derived from the Griffonia simplicifolia plant.
Buying 5-HTP supplements online is an alternative method people use for lifting Serotonin levels and improving overall mood.
Whether or not 5-HTP is strong enough on its own to be used for anxiety and depression is still being researched.
However, the potential for fewer side effects and the affordable cost of 5-HTP supplements over prescription antidepressants make it an attractive alternative. This article will discuss guidelines to buy 5-HTP online, how it works in the body, who may benefit most from 5-HTP supplements, and the potential side effects of use.
Mood
Sleep
Weight Loss- Increases Serotonin levels in the brain
- Enhances mood and alleviates stress
- Improves sleep and regulates appetite
Buying 5-HTP Supplements Online
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Depending on where you live in the world, buying 5-HTP online can be quite easy, as there are many reputable sources available.
However, regulations differ in each country regarding the sale of 5-HTP.
Some countries consider 5-HTP to be a health supplement, and it can be easy to buy 5-HTP either online or in health stores in these places.
However, in other countries the regulations are different, and 5-HTP may only be available with a prescription. And in some countries, sale of 5-HTP is not legal, and it may be very difficult or impossible to buy 5-HTP legally online and import it.
Once you have determined if you can buy 5-HTP online in your country, it is important to do your research on suppliers. The safety, purity, or strength of herbs and supplements is often not regulated. Therefore effects may vary between products, and it is important to choose a safe, reputable supplier and product.
You should try to only buy supplements from GMP certified suppliers (this certification should be available on certified company’s websites, or should be provided if asked for). Research any potential suppliers and products you are interested in. Read reviews of companies and products online to determine what other users have experienced and their recommendations.
The following links give detailed information on how and where to buy 5-HTP in various countries:
Where 5-HTP Comes From
In the body, 5-HTP is a compound which is naturally created from the breakdown of the amino acid Tryptophan.
People routinely ingest Tryptophan in many common staple foods like poultry, red meat, eggs, fish, beans, and nuts. Tryptophan from the diet or supplements is broken down in the liver into 5-HTP and other metabolites.
It is also possible to find 5-HTP from herbal plant sources. The Griffonia simplicifolia plant is a leafy shrub native to Africa.
The plant is non-toxic, and has been consumed as a folk medicine for as many as thousands of years. The seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia naturally contain high levels of 5-HTP – up to 20% 5-HTP by weight.
5-HTP extracts are drawn from these seeds, which can be crushed and made into a bitter tea, swallowed as powder, or made into capsules. Once inside the body, this form of 5-HTP is identical to that which the body produces. 5-HTP supplements are bioavailable, and can immediately cross the blood brain barrier.
How 5-HTP Works To Increase Serotonin
5-HTP’s primary method of action revolves around the neurotransmitter Serotonin. Once it is consumed, 5-HTP passes through the liver and then is delivered to the brain, where it acts as the direct pre-cursor for Serotonin.
This neurotransmitter is involved in the regulation of mood. Serotonin manages and diffuses chemical stress reactions, promoting a calm, relaxed mental state.
Serotonin in higher quantities may produce emotions of extreme peacefulness, contentedness, and even euphoria. It has been hypothesized that deficiencies in Serotonin may lead to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Furthermore, 5-HTP also converts into the hormone Melatonin in the brain. This compound is the brain’s signal for regulating the sleep/wake cycle (circadian rhythm). For this reason, 5-HTP levels are often tied to sound sleep. Many people buy 5-HTP to use for insomnia.
Top 5-HTP Supplements
Who May Benefit Most From 5-HTP?
Most people have moments of stress or even light anxiety on any given day. Even if 5-HTP is not used for severe mood disorders, some people use it as a daily supplement as it may produce a noticeable lift to mood.
Some people are not able to generate enough Serotonin from daily food sources to properly deal with everyday stress. As Serotonin itself is not bioavailable and cannot cross the blood brain barrier, it cannot be supplemented directly. So, a 5-HTP supplement may help those with mild Serotonin deficiencies or imbalances.
Even for some people who do have a clinical diagnosis of anxiety or depression, prescription medications may be too powerful, or not give the desired results.
These drugs, such as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) often create spikes in the concentration of neurotransmitters like Serotonin. This can create mood swings and strong withdrawal symptoms when drug intake is ceased.
5-HTP is often gentler than these medications. 5-HTP supplements supply the raw materials the body needs to make more Serotonin, which may eliminate the problem of hormone fatigue.
5-HTP has been rated by the Natural Medicines database as Possibly Effective for improving the symptoms of depression. Clinical research studies have shown that 5-HTP may be as effective as some traditional prescription antidepressants (i.e. fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, imipramine) for improving the symptoms of depression.
5-HTP also has a few non-mood related benefits. In addition to having mood regulating effects, Serotonin plays a role in digestion. Serotonin controls peristalsis (rhythmic muscle contractions) in the gut, regulating the intestinal movement of food.
Many people with long term digestive issues such as acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) use 5-HTP supplements for their conditions.
Research has shown that 5-HTP may also work to suppress appetite and decrease weight in obese individuals. For this reason, some people buy 5-HTP online to assist with weight loss and fitness goals. It is a common appetite suppressant found in diet pills.
Research on the effects of 5-HTP for conditions like anxiety, digestive disorders, and obesity is limited, and more research is still needed. At this time, the FDA has not approved 5-HTP as a drug for the prevention or treatment of any condition.
Buying 5-HTP with Other Nootropic Supplements
You can often buy 5-HTP stacked with other supplements for additional mood enhancement. Adding 5-HTP to a B vitamin complex, especially vitamins B3 (Niacin) and B6 (Pyridoxine), may amplify stress relieving qualities.
Combining 5-HTP with natural Tryptophan may also amplify the production of Serotonin.
The popular product New Mood by Onnit Labs features 5-HTP along with many organic herbs known to promote states of calm, such as Valerian Root and Chamomile.
For more advanced stress relief, many nootropics enthusiasts buy 5-HTP in combination with a powerful anxiolytic compound, such as L-Theanine. Supplements like this bring the body’s natural GABA stress relief mechanisms into the equation, harmonizing with 5-HTP’s Serotonin calming effects.
Side Effects of 5-HTP
As with any natural supplement, it’s important to stay within recommended dosage guidelines to reduce the risk of side effects. The following dosage is only a guideline, and personalized dosages should be discussed with your doctor.
Between 40 – 100 mg 5-HTP per day, most users will experience a gentle mood lift, often with no side effects. Mild side effects have been reported by some users though, including nausea, heartburn, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
It is very important to avoid mixing 5-HTP with prescription antidepressants such as SSRIs or MAOIs. This combination may lead to Serotonin Syndrome, an over-abundance of Serotonin in the body. Serotonin Syndrome include irregular heartbeat, brain fog, and excessive sweating. In severe cases, if left untreated, Serotonin Syndrome may be fatal.
As with all new supplements, before you buy 5-HTP online it is important to speak with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to prescribe the best dosage for your needs and sensitivities, and determine if there may be negative interactions with any medications you are currently taking.
L-Tryptophan
L-Theanine
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