Healthista’s latest information video series covers natural highs – today, Nutrition Director Rick Hay explains why taking 5HTP is important to help you sleep better
Over the past decade we have developed a vast understanding of what the body needs to function optimally. Nutrients, minerals and vitamins have a key role to play in the way we feel mentally and there are a number of supplements and superfoods that can act as natural highs to boost mood, energy, improve sleep and give us a sense of well being. One of those is 5HTP.
Rick Hay, Healthista’s Nutrition Director says: ‘If you’re having trouble sleeping, it can be harder to focus the next day, 5-HTP could help you with this.
‘The role of 5-HTP is to work in the body on the neurotransmitter serotonin, this is your feel good chemical neurotransmitter that can improve a number of factors such as, mood, sleep and focus.
‘When serotonin is released in the body it can give you a feeling of calm and in result reduce stress and anxiety. This hormone also regulates the ability to learn, improve memory and some serotonin changes into melatonin which is your sleep hormone.
‘Serotonin influences the sleep wake cycle by helping the body make the hormone melatonin in the presence of darkness which triggers its production. Both serotonin and melatonin are critical to sleep and a well-functioning bio clock and melatonin is an essential sleep hormone.
I recommend supplementing with it at night, 100-300mg with a glass of water 30 minutes before bed.
You don’t need 5-HTP if you are on anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication.’
Rick recommends: BioCare 5-HTP 50mg, £19.95 for 60 capsules
More in Healthista’s Natural Highs series:
Got depression? Here’s why taking omega 3s could help
Got low energy? Here’s why a probiotic could help
Rick Hay is an Anti-Ageing and Fitness Nutritionist with many years clinical experience in nutrition, naturopathy, botanical medicine and iridology. He specializes in obesity treatment and weight management. He writes a regular Natural Health and Fitness Blog for Healthista. Find out more at rickhay.co.uk. Follow Rick on Twitter @rickhayuk
Rick Hays book the Anti Ageing Food and Fitness Plan is available to buy on Amazon.
More from Rick Hay:
Anti Ageing Fitness Plan: Week 6
5 foods to keep your body young
5 foods to eat when you’re frantic
10 pre-exercise snacks that WON’T ruin your diet
FOOD is seven a day the new five a day?
HOW TO Choose a protein powder
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