Does 5-HTP help Depression? Science Says Yes!!

With symptoms that range from feelings of hopelessness and sadness to physical manifestations such as headaches, fatigue, and pain,Major Depressive Disorder affects over 14 million adult Americans in any given year. The toll is vast; as indicated by the latest statistics provided by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), depression clocks in as the leading cause of disability in the US among individuals aged 15 to 44.

Despite the fact that over 147 million anti-depressant prescriptions were written by US doctors in 2004 alone, many people opt out. Whether a matter of tolerance, side-effects, or a simple dislike of ‘medicating’ with pharmaceuticals, many individuals suffering with depression are choosing natural supplementation over pharmaceutical medication. One such popular supplement is 5-HTP.

Derived from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia, a shrub which is native to West and Central Africa, 5-HTP, or 5-Hydroxytryptophan, is a naturally-occurring amino acid, and a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Given its chemical composition, 5-HTP has been shown to increase serotonin levels, the deficit of which is believed to be the leading cause of depression.

Many clinical trials have supported the long-time belief that 5-HTP does, in fact, ease symptoms of depression. The first large-scale clinical trial, conducted in 1972, found that daily oral doses ranging from 50 to 300 mg resulted in significant improvement in 69 percent of study participants. The effects of treatment began to manifest within 2 weeks, and the side effects reported were minimal.

Several other trials have supported this inaugural study. One trial, designed to test the speed of onset when compared to standard antidepressant treatments found that, of the 59 patients with eight different types of depression, 32 patients showed significant improvement within 2 weeks. Standard anti-depressants typically take 4 or more weeks before effects are noted. In this study, 5-HTP was administered in dosages from 150 to 300 mg daily for 3 weeks. Another, similar study found that, after a 2 week treatment of 24 patients hospitalized for depression, 7 showed a marked improvement in symptoms. In addition, the researchers noted a 30 percent increase in 5-HTP levels, leading them to believe that supplementation with 5-HTP was, in fact, effective in raising serotonin levels.

Lastly, in a 1991, double-blind, multi-center study, conducted to compare the effects of 5-HTP treatment with those of standard SSRI treatments, researchers found that up to week 6 of treatment, patients reported a nearly equivocal efficacy response with a 50 percent improvement. At the end of the study, however, researchers found that the percentage was slightly greater for patients treated with 5-HTP. Apparently, 5-HTP was better tolerated and carried fewer side effects, than the anti-depressant Fluvoxamine.

In the end, I think we can safely assume that 5-HTP is a viable option for those suffering from depression. An added benefit: 5-HTP has also been shown to be an effective treatment for diabetes,migraines headaches, fibromyalgia, insomnia, and weight issues.

1. rVita: Alternative Medicine

2. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-numbers-count-mental-disorders-in-america.shtml#KesslerPrevalence

3. http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1811858,00.html

4. Poldinger W, et al. A functional-dimensional approach to depression: serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan and fluvoxamine. Psychopathology 1991;24:53-81.
5. Zmilacher K, et al. L-5-hydroxytryptophan alone and in combination with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor in the treatment of depression. Neuropsychobiology 1988;20:28-35.
6. van Praag H. Management of depression with serotonin precursors. Biol Psychiatry 1981;16:291-310.
7. Byerley W, et al. 5-hydroxytryptophan: a review of its antidepressant efficacy and adverse effects. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1987;7:127.

Post by Danielle Grilli: Content Director, rVita.com

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Natural Bedding

People choose Organic and Natural Bedding materials over the spread of proprietary synthetic and blended foams, fillers, and designer fabrics that abound in the marketplace for a variety of reasons. There are people who are chemically sensitive, and who just can’t handle synthetics – particularly when they off-gas; there are those who clearly notice and desire the preferred feel and cushioning of Natural and Organic bedding; and those who simply abhor synthetics of any sort and only buy Natural and Organic. Go Green

Sleep Health

Home is supposed to be our “safe haven” – the one place where we really should be able to regularly get deep rest and rejuvenation. Whether it is our busy routines, the hustle-bustle of commuting and running errands, or outdoor smog and pollution, we all need a clean, healthy, and peaceful environment where we can ‘unplug, renew, and recharge’. Proper rest and rejuvenation every night are well-known to be important keys to a healthy, fresh, and vital outlook for each new day.

Many of us take these issues for granted – as long as there is a home, a bed, and certain necessities, we don’t pay attention to details and focus our attention elsewhere. Given the importance of our health and sleep, however, it is worthwhile to be clearly aware of the details. We cannot afford to take for granted anything that affects our lives; and especially at our most vulnerable times.

Reasons to Choose Natural and Organic

Some of the reasons for choosing natural organic products:

• No petroleum products
• No off-gassing of potentially harmful chemicals
• Not treated with dangerous synthetic pesticides
• Not grown with synthetic fertilizers
• Not processed with toxic synthetic chemicals

• A more natural and comfortable feel
• Frequently cooler and fresher
• Bedding foams are more naturally supportive
• More likely to be naturally hypo-allergenic
• More likely to be naturally anti-microbial
• More likely to be naturally pest-free

Natural and Organic Products

Natural and Organic clothing fabrics may include cotton, hemp, silk, wool, and bamboo (usually blended with cotton or other fibers). Although each of them has its own qualities and characteristics, they are all excellent choices. Natural organic fabrics will also tend to be easier on the skin, and more breathable and pleasant to wear, because of their naturalness – unless you’re just out for a fashion statement!

Natural and organic bed sheets, pillows, and mattress toppers are top-of-the-bed items that are as essential as the clothes we wear, since we spend so many hours in intimate contact with our bedding materials. Available choices for sheets are cotton, hemp, silk, and bamboo blended with cotton. Longer “staples” or fibers, and higher thread count per inch tend to indicate softness in general, though many natural organic products feel so much better on the skin regardless of this. Organic Natural Mattress Toppers are normally 100% Natural Latex (see below), cotton, wool, bamboo, and combinations of these. Natural Bedding and Latex Toppers

Natural and organic mattresses are usually a premium item, and require careful evaluation – just as do latex toppers. New fire regulations now require extensive fire-testing of all mattresses, which has led most manufacturers to include some sort of fire barrier or fire retardant – and each has its pros and cons. However, it is also possible to build your own natural organic latex mattress and avoid all of this – but be aware of your choice; and, for heaven’s sake, don’t smoke in bed or have any other heat sources nearby. Latex Mattresses and Organic Wool Toppers

All sorts of latex mattresses are also available on the market nowadays, from 100% natural latex to 100% synthetic, with all wide range of blends between. And, even though a mattress or topper may be advertised as “Talalay Latex”, “Natural Latex”, or “Latex Foam”, these terms all have the potential to hide a synthetic blend since they don’t say “100% Natural”. And, just for the record, “Talalay” is actually a manufacturing process just like “Dunlop”; and use of this term tells you nothing about the composition of the foam itself.

Informed Consumer

Natural and Organic fabrics, bedding, and sleep surfaces are a smart choice, and a wise investment in well-being and quality of life. It isn’t necessary to witness or personally go through a medical crisis to know that it is better to stay healthy and vital – because nobody is the same afterward a crisis. Take the time to be aware of your lifestyle and your choices, and everything that affects you; and consciously make informed and wise choices for yourself and your loved ones. The investment of time and attention is well worth the benefit, as well as the choice for intentional living.