Treating Low Serotonin in Fibromyalgia with Supplements
While there are no supplements of serotonin available, taking supplements of the building blocks of serotonin can help in increasing serotonin levels:
- 5-hydroxy tryptophan (5-HTP) – our body makes 5-HTP from tryptophan which is then used to produce serotonin. 5-HTP supplement is easily absorbed into the brain and converted into serotonin. This is a more efficient supplement for serotonin support as compared to L-tryptophan. It is effective in treating depression, sleeping problems, anxiety and binge-eating.
- L-tryptophan – L-tryptophan is required for our body to produce 5-HTP which is then converted to serotonin hence increasing serotonin levels. It is effective in treating insomnia, less severe depression and ideal for those who cannot tolerate 5-HTP.
- S-adenosyl methionine (SAM-e) – SAM-e is a chemical that is required in the synthesis of serotonin and also needed in many other reactions in our body. It is a supplement which has been widely used to treat depression.
Keeping serotonin levels where they are supposed to be will help quite a bit when it comes to managing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, it is also important to note that too much serotonin can be dangerous as it can result in serotonin syndrome. You should not consume more than 1 serotonin booster at any one time. Discuss with your doctor before taking any of these supplements.
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