Natural Cure For Anxiety:
5-HTP

One very popular natural cure for anxiety is 5-HTP, short for 5-Hydroxytryptophan. It is marketed in several countries as a dietary supplement for suppressing appetite, as a sleep aid and antidepressant.

But it has been proven to be very useful in conditions that show a deficit of serotonin, such as depression and as a natural anxiety cure.

It is also used for insomnia, obesity, fibromyalgia and chronic tension headaches.

Many practitioners of alternative medicines will recommend 5-HTP in place of common SSRI's or MAOI's because it is believed to have the same effect.

But the advantage is that it doesn't disturb the brain's procedures as many medications do.

How To Take 5-HTP

Even though amounts of this natural remedy can be found in turkey and dairy products, it's more commonly taken as a supplement and sold over-the-counter in many pharmacies.

It basically is believed to cause the brain's serotonin-producing neurons to increase the production of serotonin in the body.

Sometimes practitioners will recommend it to be taken along with an inhibitor so as not to cause an elevated level of serotonin in the body. With that said, always best to check with your doctor before trying it.

Does 5-HTP have any side effects?

You shouldn't take this if you have stopped using a MAOI less than 2 weeks prior. You should also avoid this drug if you have a carcinoid tumor, heart disease, coronary artery spasm, hypertension or any other cardiovascular diseases.

You also don't want to take 5-HTP at the same time you are taking an SSRI, MAOI or Tricyclics, this will increase your risk of side effects.

There has been other side effects reported as well: a scleroderma-like skin condition, appetite loss, vomiting, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, nausea, pupil dilation, loss of muscle coordination, blurred vision, sensitive reflexes, and cardiac dysrhythmias.

I hope that this information has been helpful in understanding 5-HTP. This is only one natural cure for anxiety among many, if you would like to read more about the other options out there, click here.

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