One of the largest roadblocks a person will face on their way to a healthier body is a nagging appetite. Exercise and healthier groceries can do you a world of good, but when that seemingly insatiable desire for food is close by at any moment, all it takes is a small trigger to set off an indulgent binge or midnight snack. Fortunately, with medicine’s ever evolving repertoire of products designed to make the weight loss journey a simpler one, tools exist to combat those cravings for superfluous eating!
5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP as we can thankfully refer to is as, is a naturally occurring chemical produced in the body as it secretes serotonin, a hormone responsible for regulating your mood as well as your appetite. By taking supplements of this chemical compound, patients are able to suppress their cravings and even increase their mood by stimulating the production of serotonin in their bodies. Read on for a brief overview of the revolutionary weight loss medicine and for a little help in deciding whether or not it’s the right choice for you!
How Does it Work?
Of course, it makes sense you’d want to know how this foreign product will work once ingested. However, fact of the matter is, the product isn’t foreign at all! Like we mentioned before, 5-HTP is a natural appetite suppressant that is present in the body and is even produced in various plants.
5-HTP supplements access the brain from the bloodstream and increase the levels of serotonin. As these levels increase in the brain, appetite is naturally curbed and hunger diminishes.
Is it Safe?
Since it’s naturally occurring, 5-HTP is safe for short-term use for up to 2 or 3 months. However, the supplement isn’t fit to be used by just anyone. It’s recommended that those with gastrointestinal issues consult with their physicians as added 5-HTP can result in abdominal pain as well as nausea and vomiting. The supplement should also be avoided by those pregnant or breastfeeding as well as those taking antidepressants.
As is common with most medicines and supplements, a talk with your doctor is recommended to ensure you’re the right fit for this particular appetite suppressant.
What Should I Look For?
When it comes to actually securing a bottle of the supplement yourself, it’s important to find a brand that offers no additives, filler, or binders. Try to scout out a bottle that specifically mentions pure 5-HTP or “griffonia simplicifolia extract” on its label.
You can never be too careful when it comes to the quality of the supplement either. Impurities or contaminants in 5-HTP supplements have been known to cause a myriad of troublesome health issues so always be sure to speak to your doctor about brands they trust.
Conclusion
There’s no hiding the fact that 5-HTP is immensely helpful for those looking to shed those pounds that stand in the way between them and their dream body. Despite that however, due diligence and research will always be essential in making sure you find the right supplement and medicine regimen for your body. Keep these pieces of information in mind and do a little more research and start paving the way towards your health goals with the right supplementation in hand.
