| The fast-paced nature of modern life is | | | | fibromyalgia and migraine headaches. Finally, given |
| characterized by constant demands and personal | | | | its ability to help produce serotonin, which make |
| challenges. As we try to earn a living or take care | | | | the body feel full and content, 5-HTP is often |
| of a family, the resulting stress can often feel | | | | used as a weight loss supplement. Also, 5-HTP is |
| insurmountable. While many can hide their feelings | | | | a precursor, or is involved in the natural |
| from family and co-workers, this stress is often | | | | production of melatonin. |
| characterized by an ongoing sense of anxiety and | | | | Melatonin |
| inability to sleep. Then, as we get tired or more | | | | Melatonin, a hormone produced in the brain, is an |
| anxious, our ability to cope diminishes. | | | | important part of the cycle of sleeping and |
| Most of us don't realize there is a problem until | | | | waking up. In this role, Melatonin produces the |
| relationships begin to suffer or performance at | | | | feeling of sleepiness that sets upon us when night |
| work slips. At this point, many turn to either | | | | falls. The reason that we normally fall asleep is |
| alcohol or prescription drugs as a way to escape | | | | due to the timing of our circadian rhythms, or |
| from the stress. Alternatives to dealing with this | | | | biological processes that regulate bodily function. |
| stress and anxiety in a productive way are often | | | | Early in the evening, the pineal gland begins to |
| difficult to consider in the midst of such crisis. | | | | secrete melatonin with its peak production hitting |
| Unfortunately, self-medicating often makes the | | | | half way through the night. Then, it begins to |
| problem worse and may become addictive. | | | | taper off towards morning. Taking melatonin as a |
| Fortunately, there are a variety of natural | | | | supplement before bedtime accelerates natural |
| methods for addressing the ongoing challenges of | | | | production so that this peak is reached earlier. |
| life. The first step essential to reducing stress and | | | | This helps those with insomnia fall asleep and stay |
| anxiety is to take a hard look at what is causing | | | | asleep. In several properly documented studies, |
| the angst. The issue might be around life at work, | | | | melatonin was given to test subjects as an |
| or maybe a personal relationship is suffering. Once | | | | alternative to a class of sedatives called |
| you've identified the root cause, then take a hard | | | | benzodiazepines. Common prescription drug brands |
| look at which obligations are really essential versus | | | | in this group are Xanax, Tafil, Ativan, and Valium - |
| those that you may perceive to be important. | | | | many of which can become addictive. In several |
| Perhaps your social schedule is too intense or too | | | | cases, the participants using melatonin were able |
| much time is spent at the office. Even after | | | | to stop taking the drugs while still maintaining |
| you've completed a fair life evaluation, it is often | | | | healthy sleep habits. This makes a powerful case |
| tough to implement the changes you know are | | | | for herbal supplements vs. prescription drugs. |
| necessary. This is where herbal supplements for | | | | These same studies discovered that those with a |
| stress and anxiety can play a role. | | | | history of seizures experienced more frequent |
| Natural herbal supplements can help you relax or | | | | incidents when taking melatonin. As such, those |
| deal with social anxiety without the harsh and | | | | who have ever had seizures should not take this |
| unwanted side effects associated with alcohol or | | | | supplement. Also, melatonin is best used when a |
| drugs. In general, they can enhance your ability to | | | | full night's rest can be enjoyed. Those who cannot |
| relax or get the sleep essential to making real | | | | enjoy a full night's sleep should not take this |
| change. However, few know where to start or | | | | supplement because it is so effective and will |
| which supplements actually work. Our brains | | | | cause drowsiness. |
| produce a variety of hormones and chemicals in | | | | Remember that melatonin and 5-HTP should be |
| order to regulate essential functions such as sleep | | | | used in conjunction with a healthy diet, exercise |
| and relaxation. This brings us to the role of 5-HTP | | | | and with the knowledge of your doctor. In |
| and Melatonin - two essential herbal supplements | | | | addition, you should not mix supplements with |
| for stress and anxiety. | | | | each other or prescription drugs. Even thought the |
| 5-HTP | | | | supplements we've discussed are natural |
| While the processes are complex, 5-HTP or | | | | alternatives to medication for anxiety disorders, |
| 5-hydroxytryptophan is an amino acid required for | | | | they are very effective and should be taken in |
| the production of serotonin. Studies have shown | | | | the proper dosages. |
| that low levels of serotonin can lead to | | | | Everyone wants to be able to balance life's |
| depression, insomnia, irritability and anxiety. | | | | obligations. This is entirely possible while also taking |
| Therefore, supplementing with 5-HTP can help | | | | care of personal well-being and happiness. Leading |
| alleviate these symptoms and is particularly useful | | | | a productive existence and a low-stress life are |
| as a holistic treatment for stress. If you are | | | | actually complimentary and can be a reality for |
| debating the effectiveness of herbal supplements | | | | anyone. If you can first identify the aspects of life |
| vs. prescription drugs, consider that 5HTP works | | | | that are causing you emotional discomfort, then |
| in a manner similar to SSRI's. (selective serotonin | | | | you can begin to make meaningful changes. |
| reuptake inhibitors) Common prescription SSRI's | | | | Getting a full night of sleep or reducing the |
| and anti anxiety disorder medications include drugs | | | | amount of stress you feel in a given situation |
| like Zoloft and Prozac. In fact, one study | | | | may be the first step you take. It is very possible |
| demonstrated that 5-HTP was as effective in | | | | that one of these herbal supplements for stress |
| treating anxiety and depression as the SSRI | | | | and anxiety will help. Don't delay another day - |
| Fluvoxamine. As an added bonus, 5HTP has been | | | | you owe it to yourself to live the best life you |
| shown to help reduce the pain associated with | | | | can. |