5-HTP is readily available as an extract from the seeds of Griffonia Simplicifolia (a West African plant ) -Note that since 5-HTP cannot be patented, drug companies have no interest in promoting this natural compound.
The typical recommendation is 50-100mg 5-HTP three times / day spaced apart - Start with 50mg and build up to minimize side effects.
(Some supporting studies used doses of 5-HTP in the range of 300-900mg /day - for reducing pain in migraines, fibromyalgia, reducing appetite and promoting sleep).
If after 4 weeks at 100 mg 5-HTP three times /day the desired results are not achieved, then increase the dosage to 200 mg three times / day.
(Up to 300 mg 5-HTP three times /day has been well tolerated. However, do not exceed 900 mg per day. Mild nausea is sometimes reported at higher doses, but is generally temporary).
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For most problems: |
5-HTP can be taken any time of day. |
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For weight loss: |
To act as a natural appetite suppressant and reduce the craving for carbohydrates, take 5-HTP on an empty stomach 20-30 minutes before each meal. |
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For insomnia: |
Take 100 to 300 mg 5-HTP, 30-45 minutes before retiring. Start with the lower dose for 3 days, then consider increasing the dose if results are unsatisfactory. |
Conversion enzymes require B3, B6 and B12 - Take a daily B-complex supplement -either of:
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) - "The energy vitamin"
Minor gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea - Human studies at doses of 400mg /day of 5-HTP find no serious side effects, and only about 20% incidence of mild, transitory side effects.
Animal studies show the first signs of 5-HTP toxicity at ~1000mg (scaled for human bodyweight), with diarrhea a common side effect. Death is first noted in dogs around the human equivalent of 10,000 mg.
Studies at 800-900mg /day in humans have never been found life threatening or otherwise having serious side-effects. Many mild side effects at these dosages have been found, but after the dosage is decreased, they go away.
Nutritional Support for Brain and Nervous System |
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What |
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"Green Drink" |
Supplies B vitamins for brain and nervous system function |
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Vitamin B Complex (especially Vitamins B3, B6 and B12) andmagnesium; St John's Wort, Tyrosine (poultry, almonds, avocados, bananas dairy products, lima beans, pumpkin, seeds sesame seeds), Ginger, Marine Oil and Flax Seed Oil |
B3 and B6 aid SEROTONIN synthesis. However, note that Vitamin B6 taken in doses > 5mg causes 5-HTP to be converted into SEROTONINbefore it passes into the brain - Since SEROTONIN does not pass the blood-brain barrier as easily as 5-HTP does, this effect is undesirable. |
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6-8 glasses per day with 1/4 tsp sea or Himalayan salt per qt. |
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Ginkgo Biloba |
To improve brain circulation (E.g. Dr. Schulze's Brain Circulation Improver) |
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Tryptophan-rich foods Protein: turkey, chicken, fish, pheasant, partridge, cottage cheese, eggs, nuts, milk, cheese. Non-Protein: bananas, wheat germ, avocados, and the legumes (beans, peas, pulses, soy) |
Naturally boost SEROTONIN levels. Tryptophan is such a large molecule, other more easily absorbed amino acids in protein actively compete with it to cross the blood-brain barrier. In order to divert them, and encourage the uptake of tryptophan it is helpful to eat starchy foods, such as brown rice, whole meal bread, oatmeal and jacket potatoes, alongside the protein foods. |
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ALSO Reduce caffeine and alcohol and OMIT aspartame, sucralose and soda from your diet |
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