Less depression and other symptoms thanks to 5-HTP?

Can you reduce depressive symptoms and anxiety with a 5-HTP supplement? Yes, in theory, yes. However, mental symptoms are complex and very individual. The same goes for supplements and other drugs; not everyone reacts exactly the same to everything. Some supplements are known to contribute to better mental health – such as 5-HTP. Below, we tell you everything you need to know about reducing depression and other symptoms with 5-HTP.

A depression means that you have a continuously depressed mood for several weeks at a time that does not go away on its own. You don’t feel like doing anything, no longer become cheerful and may even have thoughts of death. The chance of experiencing depression is 5%. How severe it is, how long it lasts and what causes it varies greatly between individuals. So does the solution. Generally, the best treatments are therapy, antidepressants and lifestyle changes.

A very important disclaimer before you read on: the word supplement literally means “complementary. And that’s how you should view its use. Supplements such as 5-HTP are never a substitute for therapies and medical treatments for depression and anxiety. Certainly not for serious symptoms such as depression and anxiety disorders. Are you experiencing symptoms? Then definitely consult your doctor and seek professional help. Also discuss with your doctor the use of supplements if you want to work on your depression or anxiety. Also know that you cannot combine some supplements with medications such as antidepressants. This is because sometimes they act on the same brain areas – and that can have unpleasant negative effects.

5-HTP is short for 5-hydroxytryptophan. The compound occurs in nature, in the plant Griffonia simplicifolia, but also in your own body. In fact, your body also produces it itself via tryptophan. You usually get this tryptophan through food. It is found, for example, in bananas, cheese, bread, lentils and almonds. Tryptophan is a so-called essential amino acid. This means that your body does not produce it itself, but you have to get it through your diet. Once it is in, your body converts the tryptophan into 5-HTP. It can then be converted back into serotonin and melatonin – hormones involved in your mood and sleep, among other things.

5-HTP in depression

5-HTP is able to improve your mood and sleep and reduce anxiety symptoms. This is because it increases the production of the happy hormone serotonin. You could say that a 5-HTP supplement takes a shortcut to improved mood. In some studies, it works as well as a doctor-prescribed antidepressant.

The 5-HTP capsules in our shop are enriched with passionflower. Passionflower is obtained from the Passiflora plant and has a calming effect. It can thus reduce stress and anxiety.

Thus, 5-HTP increases your serotonin levels. Serotonin is involved in more bodily processes besides your mood. In your appetite, for example. Serotonin allows you to feel feel satiated longer which of course helps you lose weight because you simply eat less.

Your sleep is also affected by serotonin. This is because it can be converted into melatonin. And that, in turn, is the hormone that makes you doze off at night.

Furthermore, 5-HTP is a fine booster

Other supplements besides 5-HTP that may work for depression and mental symptoms include medicinal mushrooms. Mushrooms such as Reishi and Lion’s Mane are known to keep or even make your brain healthy. Other supplements that can provide relief from depressed moods include Ashwaganda and vitamin D. But mind-altering drugs can also help, such as kratom and magic truffles and magic mushrooms. Microdosing with magic truffles and magic mushrooms may in fact help with mental symptoms, as well as improve your focus.

Again, the same advice applies as for a 5-HTP supplement: if you suspect you have depression, consult with your doctor about its use first.

By the way, you can improve your mood even without a supplement. Find people, listen to nice music, talk to your psychologist, take a nice walk and take good care of yourself. Break bad habits and replace them with healthy ones. As long as the basics, are good!