Anti-Depression Foods

The active ingredient of the 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) supplement is an amino acid that is an intermediate between tryptophan and serotonin. Widely available over the counter in vitamin departments, it is often used to treat symptoms of depression, but also used to treat fibromyalgia and tension headaches. While effectiveness has not been established for other uses, there is promise of it being useful in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, obesity, premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, and sleep disorders. It was first introduced in the US in 1994 as an alternative to L-tryptophan, for which is still primarily used. It had been available in Europe for decades as a treatment for depression and insomnia.

As an amino acid, your body produces 5-HTP on it’s own from tryptophan. A diet rich in the anti-depression foods, particularly from the protein group will eventually replace any need for this supplement, but if you suffer from depression due to low serotonin levels, 5-HTP may be the right first step to getting up to speed. In most cases it should only be considered a short term solution. It’s effect may be the most immediate of the anti-depression supplements and some observers have compared it in effectiveness to the prescription anti-depressant Prozac. You should always consult your physician before beginning use of 5-HTP, particularly if you are being taking any prescription drugs at the same time. It may be unsafe to take during pregnancy or with several other conditions. Users can experience some side effects such as headaches or nausea.

The reputation of 5-HTP in overcoming depression is well established and many users rave about how different they feel, often after only a few hours. A typical user for depression may begin by taking it a couple of times a day and adjust dosage according to your moods change. With the right dietary improvements over several weeks/months, you should find the need for the supplement to lesson until it’s no longer needed at all. A significant percentage of users do not experience mood improvements on 5-HTP. In that case, you want to consider one of the other anti-depression supplements, such as St. John’s Wort or SAM-e, which work differently.

For more information on the anti-depression supplements, see the main article here.