Low serotonin has a number of root causes which can be different for each person. If you do have low serotonin levels you always want to figure and address why it’s low. This can take time to figure out and resolve so you want to be using either tryptophan or 5-HTP (and sometimes both) to boost your serotonin levels and get symptom relief quickly. This helps with the worry, overwhelm, anxiety, insomnia, carb cravings, TMJ, irritability, PMS, anger, OCD, low mood and ruminations right away. It also helps with the worry and overwhelm triggered by sometimes complex and challenging root causes.
Here is a list of some of the many factors that may cause low serotonin for you:
- stress and adrenal dysfunction (high cortisol affects your sex hormone and neurotransmitter production, inlcuding serotonin)
- eating junk food and sugar (a Western diet “of processed or fried foods, refined grains, sugary products, and beer was associated with a higher odds of mood disorders”
- consuming caffeine (which reduces zinc and B vitamins, needed to make serotonin)
- not consuming enough quality animal protein (amino acids are the building blocks of our neurotransmitters, and grass fed red meat provides zinc, iron and omega-3s – all needed to make serotonin)
- low stomach acid (meaning you can’t digest the protein you’re consuming)
- gluten issues (leading to low serotonin and other nutritional deficiencies such as low iron, low vitamin D etc.)
- low vitamin D (“Brain serotonin is synthesized from tryptophan by tryptophan hydroxylase 2, which is activated by vitamin D hormone”)
- low iron/ferritin levels (iron is a cofactor for making serotonin)
- dysbiosis and microbiome imbalances (we make so much serotonin in the gut)
- candida (in one study short exposure to serotonin resulted in antifungal activity)
- liver issues (affecting how you process xenoestrogens)
- low bile production (affecting how you digest the healthy fats you’re eating)
- sex hormone imbalances (serotonin and estrogen are very closely linked and women make less serotonin than men. In one study, tryptophan improved the low serotonin PMS symptoms)
- thyroid imbalance (“it is postulated that one mechanism, among others, through which exogenous thyroid hormones may exert their modulatory effects in affective illness is via an increase in serotonergic neurotransmission”)
- histamine imbalances (in one study “Acute LPS-induced inflammation increases CNS histamine and decreases CNS serotonin)”
- the birth control pill (which lowers zinc and vitamin B6, both of which are needed for serotonin production)
- statins (leading to cholesterol that is too low)
- mold exposure/mycotoxins/mold poisoning
- heavy metal toxicity such as lead (and tryptophan and ascorbic acid can help ease the anxiety)
- Lyme disease and other co-infections (serotonin was found to be low in cerebrospinal fluid in patients with post-Lyme disease syndrome i.e. chronic Lyme)
- collagen consumption (in susceptible folks this can lower serotonin levels)
- seasonal allergies (“Cytokines may lead to a mood disturbance via the expression of the IDO enzyme, which shifts the synthesis of tryptophan from serotonin to kynurenine. The resultant acute tryptophan depletion results in decreased brain serotonin”)
- genetics (one example is the MTHFR polymorphism)
- low zinc, low vitamin B6 (and other B vitamins), low selenium, low magnesium etc. – all needed to make serotonin
- oxalates (which can bind to zinc and deplete it)
- a high copper diet (nut flours on Paleo diets can be problematic), copper IUD, copper pipes etc. (which can cause low zinc)
- lack of nature (forest bathing reduces cortisol which affects serotonin production)
- lack of exercise
- lack of sunshine (like in the winter when serotonin declines)
When I posted some of this list on Facebook earlier this week, there was a great deal of interest, hence this blog. I’ve included one relevant link for each one so you can read further on the topic.
When I posted it I also asked this: “Have you figured out your root cause/s that are contributing to your low serotonin levels? And has tryptophan or 5-HTP helped while you’re figuring it all out?”
Leanne has mold, dysbiosis, Lyme, low vitamin D, bile issues and more
Leanne responded and gave me the go ahead to share especially if this helps someone else (I appreciate that!) She shared she has identified these root causes:
Mold. Dysbiosis. Possible Lyme/co-infections. Low vitamin D. Bile and motility issues. Liver issues. Stress. Low HCL. Those are the ones I’m aware of. And taking each and every day to work on them. It takes time to heal
I agree it takes time to heal and can be a longer journey for some folks, especially when there are a number of underlying factors. She is in a good frame of mind, saying pragmatically, it takes time to heal. This confirms her serotonin levels are robust i.e. she is not in a state of overwhelm and worry. Sure enough, when I asked if tryptophan or 5-HTP has been helping this was her response:
5-HTP and GABA calm initially helped me in my first round of going through this back in 2015. Then I discovered l-tryptophan about a year ago and that seemed to be a better help over 5-HTP.
Since I’ve just identified that histamine is an issue and started a low histamine diet this past week I noticed less of a need for l-tryptophan as I did before. My body is calming down significantly. And my digestion is working a little better.
But I still have to address mold, SIBO, candida, parasites and possibly Lyme and underlying hidden viruses.
So I know these amino acids will play a key part in supporting me as I dive deeper into addressing them all.
It’s wonderful the amino acids have helped her so much and they will most likely continue to help. A quick comment on her preference for tryptophan over 5-HTP – some folks do better on one vs the other.
Regarding the histamine issues/root cause, it’s good that she is now addressing this. Already she needs less tryptophan (for now). Things may fluctuate in the future again as she peels away the onion layers of root causes. She may find she needs tryptophan again or a higher dose or needs to get back on the GABA.
As you can see she has been working on her health for some time. This is not unusual. Slow and steady is just fine, especially when there is so much going on.
The amino acids are intended for short-term use while diet and underlying root causes are addressed. But when the list is long this is a common reason for the ongoing need for serotonin support. Keep in mind, your list may be a short one and may be quick to resolve. And not everyone has the same root causes.
Resources if you are new to using tryptophan or 5-HTP as supplements
If you are new to using tryptophan or 5-HTP as supplements, here is the Amino Acids Mood Questionnaire from The Antianxiety Food Solution (you can see all the low serotonin symptoms).
If you suspect low levels of serotonin or any of the neurotransmitters and do not yet have my book, The Antianxiety Food Solution – How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood, and End Cravings, I highly recommend getting it and reading it before jumping in and using amino acids on your own so you are knowledgeable. And be sure to share it with the team you or your loved one is working with.
There is an entire chapter on the amino acids and they are discussed throughout the book in the sections on gut health, blood sugar control, sugar cravings, self-medicating with alcohol and more.
The book doesn’t include product names (per the publisher’s request) so this blog, The Antianxiety Food Solution Amino Acid and Pyroluria Supplements, lists the amino acids that I use with my individual clients and those in my group programs.
If you are a practitioner, join us in The Balancing Neurotransmitters: the Fundamentals program. This is also a paid online/virtual program with an opportunity to interact with me and other practitioners who are also using the amino acids.
Have you figured out your root cause/s that are contributing to your low serotonin levels? And does this give you a better understanding of your own issues?
Do you have any other root causes I may have missed? (when I posted this list on Facebook, a few people pointed out I had missed a few. I’ll update the list and continue to add as we discover new connections).
Has tryptophan and/or 5-HTP helped you feel less overwhelmed and worried while you’re figuring it all out?
Have you adjusted doses of tryptophan and/or 5-HTP as things change and root causes are addressed/resolved?
If you’re a practitioner, do you have anything to add and do your clients/patients find this useful?
If you have questions please share them here too.
Hi Trudy, thank you so much for this post. It actually couldn’t come at a more perfect time. I feel that this message was sent directly for me 🙂
I recently had a panic attack (2 weeks ago) and haven’t been feeling like myself since. I’m currrently experiencing social anxiety and uncomfortable leaving my home or going to far away from it or places where I know and feel “secure”.
My doctor started me on 5htp (1-4 pills nightly around 300mg)+ gaba + Xanax (0,25 mg only if absolutely necessary).
I was wondering how long it takes to feel any changes from the 5htp. Tbh, I felt a bit sluggish, tired, brain foggy from it during the day. How do I know if I’m taking too much or not enough? How long will it take to a see a difference in it?
Also, I had some blood work done recently and my iron levels are EXTREMELY low. I often wondered if this played a role in my fatigue and recent anxiety.
Thank you for all you do to bring awareness on this and happy mental health month!
Erica
So glad this has come at a perfect time for you! If 5-HTP or tryptophan is what is needed i.e. it is low serotonin causing the panic attacks/anxiety and the person has the ideal dose for their needs the results are immediate. I have clients start with 50mg 5-HTP and increase from there. Too much can leave you feeling sluggish/tired/foggy the next day.
GABA offers results as quickly – again only if it’s low GABA as the cause, the right dose of GABA and used sublingually/opened on to the tongue.
For the social anxiety/uncomfortable leaving home we address pyroluria – the same nutrients help to make serotonin. And we can see improvements in a week to 2 weeks. More on Pyroluria here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/pyroluria-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
I encourage you to educate yourself on the harmful effects of benzodiazepines. There are a subset of individuals (about 30%) who do have a very difficult time tapering More on this here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/world-benzodiazepine-awareness-day-say-no-benzodiazepines-anxiety/
Do explore all that I offer on this blog and in my book – the amino acids and other anxiety nutrition solutions like real whole food, quality animal protein, fermented foods, organic produce, health fats, gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc. “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/ It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet.
And yes addressing low iron/ferritin is crucial
Thank you for your response Trudy! Sometimes I feel the quick relief from the gaba but haven’t felt anything great from the 5htp which I’ve been taking for over a week now.
Are tryptophan and 5thp the same thing? Am I able to try them at the same time?
Since I do feel results from the gaba, should I try upping it a bit? I currently take I currently take two gummies of 50mg each.
Sorry for all the questions just trying to see what you’ve seen work for others.
Thank you again for everything!
P.S. I’m currently on your one-on-one client waiting list ;)) hoping it will open up soon.
Tryptophan is made in the intestines by the gut flora that consume fibre. So it’s consumption of fibre not animal products that can make the real difference. These microbes can killed off by antibiotics and can be replenished by probiotics.
Aaron
Yes to fiber, prebiotics and probiotics – they fall under the microbiome section but deserve their own entry. And so does antibiotics. SSRIs also disrupt the microbiome. I’ll add them when I make the next update
Respectfully consumption of animal products do also make a real difference for many folks.
In an interview with Prof Felice Jacka, Australian nutritional psychiatry researcher, we discussed the connection between red meat and mental health especially in women.
Dr. Jacka shared this: “One of the hypotheses that I had during the Ph.D. was that increased intake of animal foods would be toxic” and “would be associated with more mental disorders.”
This did not turn out to be the case. “In our study, out of every single dietary food grouping that I looked at including vegetables, fruits, salads, beans, etc the strongest correlate of mental health was red meat intake,” grass-fed red meat of course.
“Consistently, women who have less than the recommended intake of red meat seem to be in an increased risk for common mental disorders” (like anxiety and depression) “and bipolar disorder.
Women only need a small amount (a palm-sized serving) three or four times a week. These are pretty profound results, especially in this day and age where people are being cautioned to eat no red meat or to eat less.
This is mainly side cases to do with low B Vitamins, and low Omega 3’s. Low Vitamin B3 where our livers produce Vitamin B3 from serotonin so leading to low serotonin. And also B1 Theanine which is found in tea but destroyed by milk and hot water, low B1 results in racing thoughts and other mental dis-eases. And low B12 is well documented.
We don’t have to eat red meat it’s a stopgap fallacy that just keeps getting repeated as people don’t attend to learning about their own nutrition and health needs. Red meat leads to cardiovascular problems. We were herbivores before we became meat eaters and then grain eaters, both grains and meat havd caused so many problems for people even those who have adapted genetically to some degree. Also animal agriculture is destroying the planet and we want s healthy planet to live on. Something like 96% of animal and human biomass is that of humans and the animals we have tamed to eat, only 4% is wild animals and that’s not s healthy planet !
What can I use for feeling ‘on edge’ around people in particular?
Eric
I always start with addressing low serotonin with tryptophan or 5-HTP and low GABA with GABA (and then we dig deeper to find the root causes of low serotonin as listed on this blog and root causes of low GABA too.)
The best way to determine if someone may have low GABA/serotonin is to look at the low GABA/serotonin symptoms, rate them on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being worst, do a trial of the respective amino acid and rate the symptoms again right afterwards (in the next 2 to 30 minutes). Here are the symptoms https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
When being anxious/on edge around people we also look into and address address pyroluria – the same nutrients for pyroluria help to make serotonin. And we can see improvements in a week to 2 weeks. More on Pyroluria here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/pyroluria-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like real whole food, quality animal protein, fermented foods, organic produce, health fats, gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet. What is your diet like right now – gluten-free, sugar-free, caffeine-free, eating protein at breakfast for blood sugar control, real whole foods, grass-fed red meat, wild fish, fermented foods etc?
Thanks for your reply Trudy. I’m just wondering, what is the problem with gluten?
Eric
Gosh here are a few facts – no-one can digest gluten, it contributes to leaky gut and nutritional deficiencies (like zinc, tryptophan, iron, vitamin D etc), it can cause digestive problems (bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea), headaches, neurological issues, pain and mental health issues (it’s been implicated in anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, depression, bipolar and schizophrenia).
My book has an entire chapter on gluten – “The Antianxiety Food Solution” https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
I had an Ion profile done that showed high serotonin and noradrenaline, but very very very low trytophan and phenylalanine. How is this? Could it be due to my med (Mirtazapine, and before that Paxil?). My naturopath suggested Tryptophan and Tyrosine but I’m hesitant for to warnings of med interactions. Do you ever prescibe these alongside Mirtazapine? Also, Lithium Orotate?
I consume alot of protein via meat.
Cath
I don’t have an answer for you about the ion panel and would discuss with the practitioner who ordered it and even have them do a consult with the lab. I am curious to hear what their feedback is.
I follow the same guidelines for Mirtazapine as I do for SSRIs when it comes to tryptophan and 5-HTP (https://journals.lww.com/clinicalneuropharm/Abstract/2003/03000/Mirtazapine_Induced_Serotonin_Syndrome.2.aspx)
I have clients use tyrosine and lithium orotate when prescribed Mirtazapine and as always recommend they discuss with the prescribing doctor.
Avoid taking Tyrosine as a supplement as it increases brain plasticity unless you are using it for that and know what you are doing.
Cath
Where did you get an ion panel done at? Can you email me please?
But keep in mind that People with “cancer” has elevated serotonin, it is in fact what Dr Raymond Peat says about elevated Serotonin “A damage-induced inflammatory Mediator ” the best according to Ayurvedic is “Reserpine”, it has a powerful tranquilizing action !!!!!
Marten
I suspect you’re referring to carcinoid syndrome where plasma serotonin is typically high. “Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare and malignant neoplasms characterized by their potential to produce metabolically active substances with the capacity to bring about clinical syndromes. The clinical expression of serotonin-producing NETs is known as carcinoid syndrome (CS).” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010440X21000225
I’m not clear where Resperine fits in to this discussion
What is Resperine? Only way to lower high serotonin for cancer patients?
I tried 5-htp once and it made me anxious. Does that indicate anything in particular? Thanks.
Deb
5-HTP can do that when serotonin is not low, when too much is used or when cortisol is high. But I would have a client trial 5-HTP a few times to confirm. More here
https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/does-5-htp-make-you-wired-tired-and-affect-your-sleep-when-cortisol-is-high-yes-and-not-sure-and-no-5-htp-was-miraculous/
Some folks do better on tryptophan too. How much 5-HTP did you use and do you have low serotonin symptoms? And any of these root causes of low serotonin?
I have tried Gabba calm
a three occasions. All three times I have gotten a headache and it doesn’t seem to have the calming effect it’s know for. Have you heard of others having this experience?
Susan
It may be the small amount of tyrosine or other ingredients. A GABA-only product may work better
Hi Trudy: Are there any side effects to taking 5HTP. Also my daugther is taking fluoxitine 10mg for her anxiety. You state that it is not a good idea to take 5HTP if someone is taking SSRI and its impact on gut flora. Would be advisable for her to get off the SSRI and try 5HTP instead and how should we proceed. Thank you
Sheba
There can sometimes be digestive upset initially when using 5-HTP. I have clients work with the prescribing doctor to taper the SSRI. Being nutritionally stable before tapering makes a big difference.
Okay, I have the oposite- too high Seratonin and dopamine! WHY? Anyone know? Is my body not breaking these down or what?
How about genetics apart from the MHTFR? I read a few years ago (and I cant remember where,or by whome), that research was done that people have 3 different lengths of Serotonin chains. The people with the shortest are prone to mental health issues. It was very interesting
I’m working on my gut with my nutritionist.
I’ve had panic disorder since I was 12.I’m now 59 and have been on SNRI’s for 22 years. I’d like to be off them and on 5htp. But the Duloxetine is helping my Fibromyalgia pain
Ruth
The serotonin transporter polymorphism (5HTTLPR) and the monoamine oxidase A polymorphism (MAOA) also affect serotonin. If you find a link on the research you’re referring to please do share it.
When you’re ready, keep in mind that serotonin support helps with fibromyalgia and panic – more here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/fibromyalgia-tryptophan-5-htp-for-anxiety-depression-pain-and-insomnia/
Hi Trudy, can you give me some insight as to what causes the curious countenance of schizophrenics? It is a kind of “glazed” look that is related to digestion and foods eaten. It is also related to adrenochrome but are there other factors? Why would the facial muscles seem to change or something? It is hard to say exactly what is going on that make the person’s appearance look different, non natural.
I also wanted to mention that Elizabeth Rouscher said that the brain has to be characterized as a spherical antenna. It seems that there are electromagnetic frequencies above the electromagnetic spectrum that are received by the synapse. ie. The conglomerate of stars that make up the big dipper emit a nature similar to that of a bear. If we consider what we think as opposed to what we don’t think, there is a lot of sequencing that is going on. Cancer, the crab, goes sideways as it is approached, similar to bi-polarity or the b-field in electromagnetics. The chemical event at the synapse is also and electrical event which is also an electromagnetic event. An electromagnetic field will attract another electromagnetic field. Similarly, vectors emanated from constellations are received by the synapse and make up “normal” consciousness. If there is a re-uptake inhibitor / hallucinogens, the synapse fires aggressively at an uncontrolled frequency and receives “far out” frequencies from far away stars beyond the zodiacal houses. This is described as hallucinations but it is not, is is an overactive synaptic antenna that causes paranoia, anxiety, delusions of grandeur, need to control etc. Psychiatry attempts to describes consciousness by vectoring it.
Also, there is a need for secret societies to hide this information, ie. Orthomolecular Psychiatry, because classically hallucinogens, even natural hallucinogens occurring catabolically in the body, methoxytriptamine, bufotenin, or kryptopyrrole have been associated with demonic possession. This condition can exist marginally. Secrete societies, Pagans I’ll call them, who practice sorcery, are relegated to the spirits they have welcomed inside them since the brain is an antenna. The spirit possessed Pagans want to harvest souls to the lower territories and therefore obstruct this information from the public. They will take even the most vulnerable. Schizophrenics are relatively helpless people.
An example of this is Padre Pio who was schizoid and died in 1968 with stigmatas. He was constantly pestered by spirits.
This is a somewhat unusual post but I feel the information is sufficiently supported in the little time I took to write it. Far more information is available.
Sam
I don’t have any feedback for you about the countenance of schizophrenics other than to say it may be dietary related (for example we know gluten can be a trigger) and it may also be due to medication side-effects
Hi Trudy, I’ve been reading through your blog to learn more about what supplements are ideal for me. One of your posts from March 20019 says “Vitamin C 1000mg is used to negate the effects of any amino acid.” Does that mean if I take an amino acid supplement (such as tyrosine) at the same time as Vitamin C, the benefits are negated? Would love clarification on that and any clarification about how to optimize the timing. Thank you!
Mellen
That’s correct – an least an hour apart
Hi Trudy, I’m not sure if I’m posting my question in the right blog. My husband has been struggling with insomnia and a racing mind that he cannot control so he cannot sleep unless he takes a few sleeping pills which have unpleasant and potentially risky side effects. Could Gaba supplement help him sleep without sleeping pills? Is there a test that can be done to determine the Gaba level in a person? Is there a standard normal level to compare it to in order to determine if Gaba supplement could be effective in helping him with insomnia? How can we select a Gaba supplement brand that is manufactured with highest quality standards without any additives that could have negative effects on a person’s health? Is there a list of doctors (Holistic practitioners or MDs) that could be consulted for a person’s specific health condition in order to avoid causing a problem by looking at an isolated set of parameters? Any guidance you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Faribs
GABA can help if the insomnia and racing mind is caused by low GABA levels. The best way to determine if someone may have low GABA is to look at the low GABA symptoms, rate them on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being worst, do a trial of GABA and rate the symptoms again right afterwards (in the next 2 to 30 minutes). Here are the symptoms https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
I list GABA products I use with clients here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
My online GABA Quickstart group program is helpful when you have questions and need guidance (and moral support/encouragement). More here about the program and purchase info https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart/
Low serotonin can also be a factor in insomnia and racing mind and may need to be addressed too.
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like real whole food, quality animal protein, fermented foods, organic produce, health fats, gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet. What is his diet like right now – gluten-free, sugar-free, caffeine-free, eating protein at breakfast for blood sugar control, real whole foods, grass-fed red meat, wild fish, fermented foods etc?
Hi. I’ve tried taking tryptophan a couple times and felt my anxiety was worse and I had a harder time falling asleep on those nights. In your questionaire i relate the most to the low serotonin model. Also when taking it daily I got diarrhea. It could be coincidence, I have digestive issues but they seemed related. Am I doing something wrong or is it just not right for me?
Jessica
In instances like this we look at the dosing and product quality (what did you use?). Also some people do better on 5-HTP.
Hi Trudy
Been following a while now, just wondering what your opinion of taking gaba 1000mg or more? I’ve tried various dosages ( mine is now brand 500mg) – so basically I’m on 20mg escitalopram, I would love to get off it, but I’m too scared of the outcome . But I do look after my diet and health. I’ve been in remission for a while and then it always comes back and riding the struggle out is a nightmare. Would you also have any explanation for what I call brain jitters? Like I can feel my transmitters like electric feeling , something is either changing or not balancing. Doctors are just not interested and want you out the door quicker than you came in.
So if you could comment on possible top end dosage of gaba?
Do other clients tell you their head is electric/ foggy / low mood / when they r anxious?
Im in the UK and looking at the best place to order your book also.
Any comments would be appreciated x
Thanks
Nick
I can’t offer consulting via the blog but I have clients increase GABA based on symptom relief. Some folks do well on higher doses but it really varies by person. Keep in mind when used sublingually/opened less is often needed with better results.
Escitalopram is an SSRI i.e it works on serotonin and tolerance to psychiatric medications (and then subsequent tapering) can start to cause some of the symptoms you describe. They are commonly called brain zaps.
You can find my book on Amazon UK and Book depository
Hi,
I have been trying to get my depression and worry and anxiety under control without prescriptions. I have taken SSIDs and Zanax off and on for many years and they help, however I am so tired of how they pretty make me an unfeeling zombie. I notice they also affect me cognitively and my weight. I have not been taking them much lately. I have read your book and love it.
I have tried taking 1 100mg capsule of 5-htp daily multiple times and it works for a day or two and I feel better, but after 24-48 hours I start to get very irritable and angry.
Right now I have some issues in my life that are effecting me emotionally. I am extremely worried about a situation, can’t stop worrying about it, can’t control my worries about it, crying over it, feeling sick to my stomach, it is affecting my day everyday. This issue could affect my future in a major way and it involves someone else that i care about and the decision i have to make is going to hurt them and I have emense guilt and worry over it, but this is something that I have to make the decision to protect my future. The crazy thing is this decision doesn’t have to be done now it is a future event (unknown exactly when). Could happen tomorrow, could happen a few years from now, but it is controlling me and making it difficult to get through each day. Is there any amino acids that can control this emotional hell besides 5-htp?
Thank you, kindly
Christine
We use the different amino acids based on symptoms and I have folks do the questionnaire and we go from there. Reading this it could be a combination of all of them. Here are the symptoms https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like real whole food, quality animal protein, fermented foods, organic produce, health fats, gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet. What is your diet like right now – gluten-free, sugar-free, caffeine-free, eating protein at breakfast for blood sugar control, real whole foods, grass-fed red meat, wild fish, fermented foods etc?
My book does have an entire chapter on the amino acids and many folks do really well implementing on their own. My online GABA Quickstart group program is helpful when you have questions and need guidance (and moral support/encouragement). More here about the program and purchase info https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart/
Hi Trudy:
I purchased your book and took filled out the questionnaire. I decided I needed to supplement with 5-HTP and tryptophan because I have my worst symptoms upon waking (even in the middle of the night) and early in the day.
You suggest 50 to 150 mg of 5-HTP in waking and midmorning, and 500 to 1,500 mg if tryptophan midafternoon and at bedtime. I saw slight improvement at first. I’ve been following this protocol for 5 days and am not seeing an improvement.
Should I increase either one? I am taking 100 mg of 5-HTP because that is the size of the capsule, so I cannot increase it to 150. Should I increase the tryptophan to 1,000 before bedtime; they are in 500 mg capsules?
Thank you.
Annette
I can’t offer specific advice via the blog but can share I have my clients increase one at a time until they get get results especially when some improvement has been seen. Factors that can affect results – gluten intake, hormone fluctuations around your period, allergies, thyroid health and others listed in this blog.