Human organs are controlled by the brain. To perform this task, brain requires a chemical called serotonin. Serotonin is created from 5-HTP or 5-hydroxytryptophan. And the way for individual to have 5-HTP is by eating high-protein foods containing tryptophan. So there are at least 3 stages to go through before serotonin forming in the brain.
5-HTP supplement
Eating high-protein foods with tryptophan is the requirement for obtaining normal 5-HTP levels. However, 5-HTP supplement is also available to help people with low 5-HTP and low serotonin. The supplement is derived from the seeds of West African tree named Griffonia simplicifolia.
5-HTP supplement increases serotonin levels in the brain. As a result, brain has ability to control organs performances and regulate mood, sleep also hunger. More specifically, taking 5-HTP supplement can cure depression, anxiety, insomnia, headaches and food cravings.
5-HTP truth for weight loss
Can 5-HTP help individuals to lose weight? There’s no direct link between 5-HTP and weight loss, but in fact, many people have managed to lose their weight successfully after taking 5-HTP supplement.
It’s suspected that 5-HTP results in synergistic actions that lead to weight loss. For example, depression often becomes a triggering factor of obesity. When the depression can be relieved by the consumption of 5-HTP supplement, the next stage that occurs is weight loss.
5-HTP dosage for weight loss
There’s no specific dosage that applies to everyone. However, alternative health practitioners don’t recommend the use of more than 100mg of 5-HTP in a day. One 5-HTP capsule is available in 50mg amounts. If a person wants to lose weight, he or she needs to take 5-HTP an hour before a regular meal on an empty stomach.
5-HTP supplement can help weight loss, but remember that there’s no replacement for healthy diet, regular exercise and positive mind.