5 HTP

5- Hydroxytryptophan is a chemical produced by the body and a natural by-product of an amino acid known as tryptophan. As its full name is a bit of a mouthful, most people shorten it to just 5-HTP!

The main role of 5-HTP is to boost the production of the chemical serotonin in both the brain and the central nervous system. You may have heard it being referred to as the ‘happiness hormone’; that’s because serotonin is known for being a great mood stabilizer and simulating the parts of your brain which make you feel sleepy or awake

Having too much or too little serotonin in your body can have various negative effects, from decreasing your libido to weakening your bones. That’s why it’s crucial that you always consult your doctor before taking a supplement to check if you actually need it and, if so, in what dose.

Put simply, 5-HTP allows the brain and the nervous system to transform L-tryptophan – an essential amino acid responsible for making a range of proteins and neurotransmitters – into the so-called ‘feel good’ chemical serotonin.

Tryptophan is sourced directly through our diet in things like fish, seeds and eggs. If you can’t get enough of it through your food, it will likely mean there’s less of it available in your body to be turned into serotonin.

It’s not possible to boost your 5-HTP levels through food. Thankfully, there is an herbal supplement rich in it sourced from a plant called the Griffonia simplicifolia which is native to Africa.

Support your mood – Many studies have shown that 5-HTP can have some success in this area.  That’s because an imbalance of serotonin is directly linked to your mood and overall feelings of contentment and calm.

Make you sleep better – While 5-HTP helps the body produce serotonin, serotonin itself is linked to the creation of melatonin. Melatonin is hugely important when it comes to sleep regulation, with levels typically rising in the evenings to trigger your brain to feel sleepy and then dropping in the mornings to allow you to wake up.