We all want to look and feel our best, which is why each day we strive to eat right, exercise, and keep a positive attitude!
Keeping a healthy lifestyle will reduce your stress levels and help you find more happiness in your everyday routine. But what if there was a way to continuously promote that good mood we all enjoy so much, on a regular basis? Well, you might be able to do just that by adding a 5-HTP supplement to your day.
If you find yourself wondering about 5-HTP and which brand of supplement you should take, you’ve certainly come to the right place! In this post we’re going to outline:
- What 5-HTP is
- Benefits of taking 5-HTP
- Our recommendations for 5-HTP supplements
What Is 5-HTP?
The chemical with the funny name
5-HTP stands for 5 hydroxytryptophan, and is a chemical that is derived from the amino acid tryptophan, which humans get from food. You might have heard of tryptophan before, it’s the one that might make you feel a little sleepy after eating too much Thanksgiving turkey--as turkey is a great source of protein. Tryptophan is the building block of 5-HTP, which is eventually converted by the body to serotonin--the happy chemical. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that relays information between brain cells, and its levels can have an effect on mood, pain, sleep, and anxiety.
Although the body cannot create tryptophan, food isn’t the only way we can boost our levels. Many people choose to include a supplement such as 5-HTP (made from the seeds of the plant Griffonia simplicifolia) in order to enjoy the benefits of increased serotonin levels.
Key takeaways:
- 5-HTP is created from the amino acid tryptophan and eventually is converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin.
- The body cannot create tryptophan, so we must get it from food and supplements.
- 5-HTP supplements can affect serotonin levels and offer some beneficial results.
Why Should You Include 5-HTP in Your Lifestyle?
Some of the key benefits of adding 5-HTP into your routine.
Serotonin is known as the happy chemical— for good reason, since its levels can have a direct effect on our mood —5-HTP supplements have been rising in popularity. But what are some of the benefits of adding this supplement to your routine?
First, 5-HTP can help with depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that our serotonin levels can have an impact on our mood and perspective.
People that suffer from conditions such as depression or anxiety may be able to find some help from their symptoms by adding a 5-HTP supplement. Boosting serotonin production could help offer some relief.
5-HTP supplements may also be beneficial for insomnia. We all know how hard it is to get good sleep sometimes, but for those that suffer from chronic insomnia, 5-HTP may be the answer.
Because 5-HTP increases serotonin levels, and serotonin converts to melatonin— the hormone that controls the sleep/wake cycle —it may be able to help induce sleep.
Additionally, 5-HTP can help relieve pain from fibromyalgia and headaches. With conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic migraines, you typically find low levels of serotonin in the body.
5-HTP may be able to increase those levels, and help alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and anxiety.
Best 5-HTP Supplements You Can Take
Our recommendations for 5-HTP supplements to help you feel your best
Dr. Emil Nutrition 5-HTP Plus
For a powerful dose of 5-HTP, turn to Dr. Emil Nutrition’s 5-HTP Plus. It’s packed with 200mg of 5-HTP that includes serotonin synthesizers SAMe and L Tryptophan. This formula also includes higher levels of vitamin B6, which is essential to convert 5-HTP to serotonin. The supplements will also help you develop a healthier brain and heart.
These all-natural capsules are designed to help boost your mood, provide help for anxiety, and even assist in helping you get some restful sleep. 5-HTP Plus is free of both hormones and gluten, and there are no harmful additives.
You don’t take our word for it, though! This supplement is getting rave reviews on Amazon, with over 17,000 five star ratings.
“Since starting this supplement, my overall mood has benefited tremendously. It only took several days to start to notice meaningful results. I'm happier, less stressed and my sleep quality has improved a ton.I really love that this product not only improves mood but really does act as a very powerful sleeping aid, without the groggy, hungover feeling you get from taking Melatonin or OTC sleep products.” -Amazon Review
There are plenty of other reviews available as well, both on Amazon and right here on our website, if you want to see what more people are saying about 5-HTP supplements.
Nested Naturals 5-HTP
If you’re looking to maintain healthy serotonin levels, then why not give Nested Naturals 5-HTP a try? These capsules are vegan, gluten-free, and third party tested, and deliver 100mg of 5-HTP to help boost your mood and keep a healthy and consistent serotonin level. In addition to promoting a balanced mood, these once a day supplements will also help support relaxation, and offer a little bit of calm in a hectic and stressful world. The 5-HTP in each capsule can also assist with additional melatonin production, and help you achieve a better level of sleep.
“I have been trying to get away from taking medication as much for my insomnia and anxiety. This has been a great addition to my more natural approach.” - Nested Naturals Review
Vimerson Health 5-HTP Mood Support Supplement
With these 5-HTP supplements from Vimerson Health, you can get your daily dose of both serotonin and calcium! Why not kill two birds with one stone? Take two capsules, and you’ll get 200mg of 5-HTP and 328mg of calcium.
These supplements are non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy free. Not only do they offer stress support, they also act as a very calming sleep aid.
“I have been taking 5-HTP for several months and can tell a big difference in my mood regulation and depression. This Vimerson Health 5-HTP was very fresh when delivered. There is no bad aroma or aftertaste.” - Amazon Review
Now 5-HTP
If you’re looking for a bang for your buck with your 5-HTP supplement, you can’t go wrong with Now 5-HTP. Each capsule has 100mg of 5-HTP designed to help promote serotonin production and enhance your mood.
There are 120 vegan capsules in each bottle, which costs around $15. Get a great mood boost and help find rejuvenating sleep with these 5-HTP capsules, and don’t break the bank doing it.
“My mood is a 10 all day. I also fall asleep much faster and sleep more soundly… I've literally never felt better. Improved focus and clarity at work and increased energy.” - Amazon Review
Double Wood Supplements 5-HTP Liquid Drops
Double Wood Supplements took a step outside of the box approach with their 5-HTP mood and sleep supplements. These drops were the first of their kind, and are over 99% 5-HTP, so the recommended dose is considerably lower— 50 mg.
One bottle contains two months worth of servings. This liquid supplement is made and manufactured in the U.S.A, non-GMO, and gluten free.
“I like that the liquid allows me to choose a dose that's right for me. During times of high stress, I can increase my dose if I want, and during calmer days, I can take a small maintenance dose.” - Amazon Review
Metabolic Maintenance 5-HTP Dietary Supplement
Naturally derived from Griffonia seeds and gluten free, Metabolic Maintenance’s 5-HTP supplements are definitely worth mentioning. These pills are sold in both 100mg and 50mg doses, so you can pick which one would be best for you.
Only pure, active ingredients are present in these supplements, so you won’t have to worry about artificial or added flavors. You also won’t have to worry about an allergic reaction— these supplements are gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut free, and tree nut free. They’ve also been third-party tested.
“This supplement was recommended by my doctor. I could not believe the difference it made in my mood. I take two a day, one in the morning and one at night and I make sure I never miss because it changes my mood immediately.” - Amazon Review
As you can see, there are a plethora of 5-HTP supplements available on the market right now. Lots of people have noticed the positive impact these serotonin-boosters have had on their lives, so why not give one a try?
Consider adding one of the above options to your daily routine, and you may start to notice the benefits that come with maintaining a healthy level of serotonin.
Whether you need help finding good sleep, need to add more calm to your life, or simply enjoy those good mood feelings, a 5-HTP supplement could be the solution!
You should consult a licensed health care professional before starting any supplement, dietary, or exercise program, especially if you are pregnant or have any pre-existing injuries or medical conditions.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
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