Serotonin Supplements Reviews for Mood and Losing Weight

Interest in using Serotonin supplements continues to grow as the effects of this neurotransmitter are better understood.

Serotonin is known for its roles in regulating autonomic functions like digestion, memory, sleep, libido, and maintaining desirable moods. In many cases of clinical depression, Serotonin levels are found to be low.

And while scientists are still not sure if low Serotonin causes depression, or if Serotonin levels are low because of depression, there is evidence that symptoms of depression can be improved by increasing Serotonin levels.

Serotonin is a chemical compound produced inside the body from the amino acid 5-Hydroxytrptophan (5-HTP). 5-HTP is a natural byproduct that comes from the breakdown of L-Tryptophan, one of the 9 essential amino acids.

Your body uses Serotonin for a variety of important purposes, on biological and psychological levels. Taking a daily Serotonin supplement can ensure that levels of this brain chemical and hormone are stable so that stress, obesity, sleep disorders and mood disruptions are kept under control.

Serotonin Boosters

Mood Supplements

Mood

Sleep

Weight Loss

How It Works:

• Increases Serotonin levels in the brain
• Enhances mood and alleviates stress
• Improves sleep and regulates appetite

Dosage:

Varies depending on supplement

Safety:

Varies depending on supplement

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Serotonin Supplements

There are no foods you can eat that contain bioavailable doses of Serotonin itself.

However, even if there were foods that contain Serotonin, it would not be able to enter the brain, as Serotonin cannot cross over the barrier separating the blood from the brain (blood-brain barrier).

Any Serotonin in the brain has to be manufactured in the brain from the nutrients that you provide your body.

When you consume foods that are rich in protein and the amino acid L-Tryptophan, you supply your body with more of the building blocks it needs to make this neurotransmitter.

Tryptophan is broken down in the liver by the enzyme Tryptophan hydroxylase into 5-HTP and other metabolites. The 5-HTP travels through the bloodstream from the liver, crosses over the blood-brain barrier, enters the brain tissue, and is converted into Serotonin. Proper levels of Serotonin in the system means that your body will regulate sleep, digestion, and mood more effectively.

To raise your levels of this neurochemical, one can then supplement with either L-Tryptophan or 5-HTP directly. Both are considered effective, though they take different lengths of time to be active and there may be some differences in the mild side effects they produce.

Because it must first be converted into 5-HTP, L-Tryptophan takes a longer amount of time to be converted into Serotonin. There are also rate-limiting factors that mean it reaches your brain at a slower speed. This can be a good feature for those users who are interested in taking a supplement to help normalize and regulate Serotonin levels all day long.

5-HTP, on the other hand, does not experience the same rate limiting factors and is converted into Serotonin much sooner after ingestion. It is viewed as being more powerful which may make it better suited to individuals with Serotonin deficiencies or mood disorders.

Your doctor can help you make a decision as to which is better for your needs. Some supplements, such as Onnit’s New Mood, combine a dosage of 5-HTP and L-Tryptophan to give both short-term as well as more sustained production of Serotonin.

Other Ways to Increase Serotonin Levels

Serotonin boosting supplements are not the only way to raise levels of this neurotransmitter. There are a number of lifestyle changes that you can make to support healthy brain chemistry balance.

One of the best ways to support higher levels of Serotonin is by eating a healthy diet that includes good sources of L-Tryptophan. Foods that are rich in Tryptophan include:

• Turkey and other fowl
• Other lean cuts of meat
• Tofu and other soybean products
• Whole grain foods, rich in vitamin B6
• Salmon and tuna
• Various dairy products, rich in vitamin D

Living a healthy life needs to involve daily physical activity. Almost all health professionals recommend at least 45 minutes of semi-strenuous physical activity every day. You simply need to move your body enough to make yourself perspire, daily.

This alone has been repetitively shown to lessen depression, and weight, at least as well as popular drug therapy approaches. It can also lead to metabolic changes in your body that may raise Serotonin and endorphin production.

Serotonin Supplements for Depression and Anxiety

Millions of people suffer from various symptoms of depression and many of these millions are taking some form of antidepressant medications. There are different classes of antidepressant medications.

The most prescribed of these are the Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) and the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).

MAOIs and SSRIs work by affecting inner-brain Dopamine and Serotonin levels. However, no single drug has been created that effectively treats all depressed people equally.

Almost all depressed people show low Serotonin levels. For this reason, many people want to use supplements that boost Serotonin production to increase their natural levels. There is also great demand for supplements that can be used over long a duration and may carry less risk of side effects compared to synthetic drugs.

If you fall into this category, taking Serotonin-boosting supplements like 5-HTP may or may not work for you. Some studies have demonstrated that Griffonia simplicifolia extract (the main source of 5-HTP supplements) can be equally effective in reducing symptoms of depression compared to prescription medication.

However, it is important to speak to your doctor before using any type of supplement. You should not take supplements to increase Serotonin if you are already taking other medications that may be elevating your Serotonin levels.

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, do not delay seeking out medical advice from a licensed physician to assist you in understanding treatment options.

Taking Natural Serotonin Supplements for Weight Loss

If you are considering using a Serotonin supplement like 5-HTP in order to lose weight, here is what you need to know. Weight gain is often associated with depression; obesity and mood disorders come hand in hand many times.

A lack of Serotonin can cause some of the following symptoms:

• Sleep disorders
• Chronic fatigue
• Weakness
• Irritability
• Sadness
• Increased appetite

When fatigued, individuals are significantly less likely to be proactively engaged in regular physical activity. Lacking physical activity is heavily correlated with weight gain and obesity. Weight gain and obesity are very often correlated with depression, which is almost always correlated with low Serotonin levels.

As a result, many believe that increasing Serotonin levels will not only help them feel better and experience less depression, it will help them live a more active lifestyle.

Research tells us that the chemicals Dopamine and Serotonin are intimately tied to our perceptions of hunger. When Dopamine levels are high, we experience greater hunger and food cravings. When Serotonin levels are high, we feel less of a need to eat and satiety is higher.

Serotonin supplements can act as appetite suppressants to help control hunger cravings and make it easier to follow a healthy diet. Clinical trials have shown that 50 mg of 5-HTP taken prior to a meal can result in less food being consumed.

In another study, taking 600 – 900 mg of 5-HTP daily resulted in average weight loss of 11 pounds in 12 weeks. This dosage is significantly higher than what is recommended for long-term daily use though. It is best to consult with a physician before using such a high dosage to make sure you are healthy enough. Medical supervision may be advised to prevent side effects.

Conclusion

Along with Dopamine and Norepinephrine, Serotonin is known as one of the “feel-good” neurotransmitters. When Serotonin levels are out of balance, various physiological and psychological symptoms and conditions may result.

By implementing healthy dietary choices, exercising every day, and exploring the realm of Serotonin supplements, you may be able to effectively reduce your weight, enhance your mood, and begin living a more contented, energetic life.

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