Serotonin Supplements

The brain transmits its signals to its dedicated centers, which registers emotions and thoughts, with the help of neurotransmitters. Serotonin is one of the important neurotransmitters and along with noradrenaline and dopamine neurotransmitter maintains the brain and other organs connected. Its deficiency may lead to conditions such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, hypersomnia or insomnia and impaired cognitive functions. The decrease in the levels of serotonin may also cause disorders like firobyalgia, fatigue and obesity. These conditions can be treated with the help of serotonin supplements. The use of serotonin supplements all over the world is on the rise. It is also believed that the serotonin supplements may help in the mood and sleep cycle regulation.

Choosing a Serotonin Supplement
It is believed that poor eating habits and today's stressful lifestyle may be the cause for deficiency of serotonin. The ingestion of serotinin supplements increases the levels of serotonin in the brain cells. Is it safe to take serotonin supplements? A severe and uncommon condition referred to as serotonin sydrome is one of the side effects of serotonin supplements. However, this condition has not yet been observed due to consumption of serotonin supplements containing 5-HTP. If you are pregnant or are taking medications, it is important to take medical advice before choosing a serotonin supplement.

Serotonin: What are Serotonin Supplements?
Serotonin supplements contain 5-HTP (5-hydroxyTryptophan). 5-HTP is also called tryptophan. The blood-brain barrier is a mechanism which protects the brain from harmful substances. It prevents serotonin from entering the brain and the central nervous system. However, it allows tryptophan, which is the precursor of serotonin, along with other nutrients to enter central nervous system, where it is used in synthesis of serotonin. 5-HTP present in serotonin supplements is derived from the seeds of an African vegetable, Griffonia simpicifolia. Trials aimed at finding the safe and effective dose of 5-HTP have used 100mg- 300mg of 5-HTP.

Natural Serotonin Supplements
The human body uses L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid, commonly found in the dietary proteins to manufacture 5-HTP. However the amount of 5-HTP produced is not sufficient. L-tryptophan, also referred as tryptophan, can be found in the food items such as milk, eggs and meat. Besides the food items mentioned above, there are many other foods high in tryptophan, which we consume in our day to day lives.

Uses of Serotonin Supplement
Some of the uses of serotonin supplement can be listed as under:

• It is believed that the low serotonin levels are responsible for the craving for food. Ingesting serotonin supplements, half an hour before the meal can neutralize the brain's carbohydrate satiety center and thus, increase the craving for different types of carbohydrates.
• Serotonin supplements can effectively fight obesity.
• The consumption of tobacco, alcohol and caffeine etc increase serotonin level in the body. Withdrawal of these substances, causes serotonin levels to drop, which leads to anxiety and cravings. Ingesting serotonin supplements can restore serotonin levels and help in coping with the symptoms of withdrawal.
• Serotonin supplements can successfully relieve PMS sufferers from pain, mood swing and irritability that are associated with menstruation. The menstruation hormones lower serotonin level in the body, which can be replenished with the help of serotonin supplements.
• It is also useful in alleviating stress attacks because of its soothing effect, thus encouraging restful sleep.

It is important that you consult a medical professional before you start consuming serotonin supplements. There are many companies in the market offering serotonin supplements and not all of them are reliable. It is advisable that you purchase your serotonin supplements from a reliable source.