5-htp:
Headache and Migraine

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)
Proven Headache Relief

We all suffer from headaches from time to time, but for some, the intensity and frequency significantly affects their quality of life. And for many, pain relievers do little in the way of helping. In fact, they may even make the problem worse.

As with fibromyalgia, persistent headaches appear to be the result of low serotonin levels. 5-HTP increases the level of serotonin, thereby correcting the biochemical defect that may be the underlying cause of headache pain.

There are two types of headaches: vascular and nonvascular.

Vascular headaches result from excessive dilation of blood vessels in the head. The pounding pain is the result of blood pumping through these vessels with each beat of the heart. Migraines are a form of vascular headache. The good news is that serotonin acts to constrict blood vessels and relieve pain. 5-HTP's effects on serotonin thus make it a valuable asset in preventing these types of headaches.

It has been found that the more serotonin present, the less vulnerable you are to pain. This may be accomplished by the fact that 5-HTP affects the levels of endorphins. Endorphins, which are chemically related to morphine, are the body's own natural pain relievers. Mounting evidence suggests that 5-HTP can boost endorphin levels by increasing serotonin, which regulates the production and release of endorphins.

A study on the effectiveness of 5-HTP in treating headaches involving 124 people that suffered from migraines resulted in a full 71% of those that were given 5-HTP reporting a significant improvement. 5-HTP tended to reduce the intensity and duration of the attacks.

Researchers at the University of Milan's Pain Research and Treatment Unit found that 77.4 to 93.5 percent of people with chronic daily headaches get better when they take 5-HTP. The study lasted two months, and results continued to improve the longer 5-HTP was taken.

Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations: Consume a whole-foods diet (whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds) Eliminate alcohol, caffeine, and sugar Identify and control food allergies Get regular exercise Perform a relaxation exercise (deep breathing, meditation, prayer, visualization, etc.) for ten to fifteen minutes each day Drink at least 48 ounces of water daily Cut out foods and drinks that contain histamine (such as chocolate, cheese, wine and beer), since histamine can trigger migraine headaches Suggested 5-HTP regime for headaches: 100 to 200 mg three times daily Improvement may be over the course of months Source: 5-HTP The Natural Way to Overcome Depression, Obesity, and Insomnia by Micael Murray, N.D.

Over forty-five million Americans get chronic, recurring headaches. Sixteen to eighteen million of these get migraines. $50 billion dollars is lost by industry each year due to headache.

For many, the suffering is intense, chronic and debilitating. It may also be preventable.

5-HTP is not a miracle cure and may not work for everyone. But, for many it does. If you suffer from chronic headaches, consider taking the natural and proven remedy of 5-HTP supplementation.

5-HTP is Available Online ...from people that you trust!

*The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.