As a Registered Holistic Nutritionist a big part of my job is educating the public. There are a ton of supplements out there, from Antibiotics - Zinc and everything in between. Literally hundreds of new preparations are marketed each year. The tricky part comes in the literature from the manufactures. Everything from the manufactures backing up their claims for these supplements, ranges from common promotional tales to good scientific research. If you have any questions about specific supplements please email me  and I will do my best to give you the straight facts on the pros and cons of each supplement.

A supplement that I have been researching lately is 5 HTP, 5-Hydroxytryptophan. This is a mood balancing herb. Actually it's from the Griffonia plant. It increases serotonin levels in the brain. Oh happy days are here again.

5 HTP has been known to be good for:

Appetite control

Pain control

Inflammation

Migraines

Depression- watch out for this one. 5HTP has side effects

Insomnia

Some of the side effects are: Nausa, constipation, gas, drowsiness and decreased sex drive. 5HTP is not recommended for those taking MAOI's (Monoamine Oxidase Ihibitors- Hardcore antidepressants) and SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor- antidepressants). It is important to check with your current meds and supplements to see if 5HTP would be a good fit. This supplement is not for everyone. 5HTP can be purchased on it's own as well as it can be found in different compounds. It can be in capsule form as well as powdered form. If anyone is currently taking 5 htp I would love to hear your opinion on this supplement.    

As well if anyone has any questions about 5HTP or any other supplements, please just email me. At Rachelle Wood Nutrition we believe in educating our clients not medicating.