Serotonin Supplements

The brain transmits its signals to its dedicated centers which registers emotions and thoughts and to the rest of the organs with the help of neurotransmitters. Serotonin or 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine) is one of the important neurotransmitters which along with others such as, noradrenaline and dopamine, maintains the brain and other organs in touch. Serotonin supplement contains tryptophan, 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan). Specialized gut cells store as much as 80-90% of the serotonin present in our body. Here, it is important for the working of the gut muscles during digestion. If the gut does not agree with what you eat, this chemical is instrumental in inducing diarrhea or vomiting in order to get rid of it. 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 health problems like fatigue and obesity. These conditions can be treated with the help of serotonin supplements. It is believed that the consumption of serotonin, in the form of supplements, helps in the mood and sleep cycle regulation.

Choosing a 5-HTP Supplement
How does serotonin affect your mood? It is believed that poor eating habits and today's stressful lifestyle are the causes of deficiency of serotonin in the body. Its low levels, which in some cases leads to mood swings and depression, can be reversed by consuming supplements. This increases the levels of serotonin in the brain cells which in turn, improves the quality of communication between the brain and the rest of the organs. Brain signals become strong and durable, leading one to experience the happy and euphoric state.

Is it Safe?
Is it safe to take serotonin supplements? A severe and uncommon condition referred to as serotonin syndrome is one of the side effects associated with abnormally high levels of serotonin in the body. However, this condition has not yet been observed due to consumption of serotonin supplements containing tryptophan. So, according to experts, "Yes" it is safe to consume this supplement in the dosages advised. However, if you are pregnant or are taking other medicines, it is important to take medical advice before trying it.

How Does it Work?
The blood-brain barrier is a mechanism which protects the brain from foreign substances. Normally, it prevents serotonin (5-HT) from entering the brain and the Central Nervous System (CNS). However, it allows tryptophan (5-HTP), an essential amino acid, and the precursor of serotonin, along with other nutrients to enter the CNS, where it is used in the synthesis of serotonin. In nerve tissues, combined action of enzyme aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase and vitamin B6 changes (decarboxylation) tryptophan into serotonin. These chemicals are also responsible for producing serotonin using same reaction in liver cells. Seeds of an African plant, Griffonia simpicifolia are used to derive 5-HTP which goes into these supplements. Trials aimed at finding the safe and effective dose of 5-HTP have used 100mg-300mg of 5-HTP.

Sources of 5-HTP Supplements
There are foods high in serotonin which can help to increase its level in the gut. However, when it comes to increasing its levels in the CNS, consumption of food high in tryptophan is necessary. The human body uses L-tryptophan or tryptophan, commonly found in the dietary proteins to produce 5-HTP which in turn,is used for serotonin manufacture. The amount of 5-HTP produced, in this fashion, is not sufficient, and that is where supplements come into the picture. Besides the food items mentioned above, there are many other foods high in tryptophan.

Natural Sources of Serotonin
Foods Rich in Serotonin		Foods Rich in L-Tryptophan
Walnuts Kiwis Pineapples Sour cherries	Tomatoes Bananas Plums Dark chocolate	Milk High quality eggs Nuts Yogurt	Wild fish Turkey Cheese Meat

Uses of Serotonin Supplements
Some of the uses of serotonin supplements:

• It is believed that the low serotonin levels are responsible for craving for the food. Ingesting these supplements, half an hour before the meal can neutralize the brain's carbohydrate satiety center.
• Serotonin supplements can effectively fight obesity.
• The consumption of tobacco, alcohol and caffeine increases serotonin levels in the body. Withdrawal of these substances, causes serotonin levels to drop, which leads to anxiety and cravings. Consuming these supplements can restore serotonin levels and help in coping with the symptoms of withdrawal.
• These supplements can successfully relieve PMS sufferers from pain, mood swings and irritability that are associated with menstruation. The menstrual hormones lower the serotonin levels in the body, which can be replenished with the help of these supplements.
• 5-HTP when taken with foods rich in carbohydrate and exercise program can lower blood pressure.
• Though there is hardly any data to back the claims that 5-HTP can reduce panic attacks, studies shows that 5-HT which is the precursor of 5-HTP has promising results.
• Studies shows that serotonin supplement when taken in combination with the prescription antidepressants is beneficial to both unipolar and bipolar patients in tackling depression.
• Studies shows that 5-HTP consumption causes rise in the levels of melatonin within the body. It is believed that it helps in inducing regular sleep pattern.

It is important that you consult a medical professional before starting on these supplements. However, you must remember that exercising and having enough sleep is also necessary for this supplement to be fully effective. There are many companies in the market offering serotonin supplements and not all of them are reliable when it comes to its quality. It is advisable, if at all your doctor prescribes it to you, that you buy these supplements from a reliable source and stick to the dosages advised as it is a strong sedative.