subject: 5htp Benefits Fibromyalgia Sufferers, Studies Indicate [print this page] 5HTP benefits those suffering from many conditions, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Now fibromyalgia patients are joining the ranks of those experiencing symptom relief by taking this powerful natural dietary supplement. Mounting evidence shows it's quite possible that L-5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5HTP, can improve the symptoms of those suffering from the chronic pain and lack of energy associated with fibromyalgia syndrome.
Those with fibromyalgia typically exhibit a number of common symptoms. These include painful sensations spread over large areas of the body and an achy stiffness and pressure-sensitive tenderness in multiple locations, lasting three months or more. Fibromyalgia patients also widely report chronically low energy levels, poor sleep patterns, and digestive disturbances. Frequent headaches, facial discomfort, and neck and shoulder stiffness are also commonly observed. Other known symptoms include increased sensitivity to stimuli like smells, sounds, and light, feelings of tingling or numbness in the feet and hands, joint swelling, dry skin, periods of dizziness, and chest pain. People with fibromyalgia also tend to be prone to depression and anxiety.
A number of research articles have appeared in the Journal of International Medical Research on the relationship between an improvement in fibromyalgia and 5HTP regimens. One study indicated that 5HTP had a significant positive impact on many fibromyalgia symptoms. A second reported that almost half of the fibromyalgia sufferers studied experienced measurable symptom improvement when taking 5HTP.
5HTP benefits fibromyalgia patients in numerous ways, including providing relief from pain, insomnia, and depression. It has also been found to reduce carbohydrate cravings and aid in weight loss, which can be a boon to many fibromyalgia sufferers. Obesity often goes hand-in-hand with fibromyalgia because of lessened physical activity.
5HTP is usually produced from Griffonia plant seeds. It's an amino acid which our bodies can transform into serotonin with ease. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for controlling mood and hunger. It's transformed into melatonin, which regulates sleep, in the pineal gland of the brain. A similar amino acid, tryptophan, is more difficult for the body to use efficiently, and is many times less effective as a supplement than 5HTP.
The correlation between insufficient serotonin and fibromyalgia is apparently powerful. Although more studies are needed to draw a firm conclusion, many have suggested that fibromyalgia is in and of itself basically the result of insufficient serotonin production. There is a growing body of evidence pointing to the fact that an increased amount of serotonin in the brain leads to an improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms. The most standard amount of 5HTP used to address fibromyalgia is 300 mg daily, normally taken with a full glass of water at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Seeking a medical professional's advice before beginning a 5HTP regimen is highly recommended. 5HTP should be avoided when prescription anti-depressants and anti-Parkinson's drugs are being taken.
