Serotonin: The Happy Chemical
What is serotonin?
Serotonin is an important chemical and neurotransmitter often called the “happy chemical.” It has a wide variety of functions in the body, but is believed to regulate mood, sleep, and appetite. The body normally contains anywhere between 10–12 mg of serotonin.
While most people produce enough serotonin, there is significant evidence to suggest that people who suffer from even a slight imbalance in serotonin levels may experience negative mood states, poor-quality sleep, stronger-than-normal appetite, and increased food cravings.
What is 5-HTP?
Also known as oxitriptan, 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a natural occurring amino acid that works in the brain to increase the production of serotonin Basically, 5-HTP is the raw material that your body needs to produce serotonin.
What are the benefits of taking 5-HTP?
- Boost your mood*
Many researchers and doctors believe low levels of serotonin are directly linked to mood-related health challenges. Taking a supplement with 5-HTP can boost your mood by increasing serotonin levels in your body.* 5-HTP supplements may help your body to better regulate your mood, leaving you with a happier, healthier outlook.*
- Help you lose weight*
This isn’t a diet craze! Studies have found that 5-HTP counteracts hunger-inducing hormones, which helps you to feel fuller.* We all know those pesky hunger pains can lead to late-night binging and overeating, which is why 5-HTP may be able to help you feel fuller and aid in suppressing your appetite.* In addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise, 5-HTP might just be the secret weapon you need to help you lose weight.*
- Promote sleep*
5-HTP produces serotonin, which can then be converted to melatonin, a hormone naturally found in the body that regulates sleep. It is widely believed melatonin supplements can help you have a better night’s sleep, so taking 5-HTP is a no brainer.* You’ll be well on your way to a peaceful sleep.
- Stress management*
Stress is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm your life. 5-HTP works its magic by helping manage cortisol levels in the body.* Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and is one of the important hormones released during a fight or flight response. The more cortisol produced in the body, the more stressed you will feel. Therefore, getting some extra support in managing the levels of cortisol within your body may help you to better manage stress.*
What makes QOL’s PureBalance Serotonin different from other 5-HTP supplements?
At Quality of Life, we only use clinically backed ingredients in our products. Our PureBalance™ Serotonin is an all-natural formula that helps your body create the serotonin you may be missing, which could help you lose weight by reducing food cravings and mildly suppressing your appetite, and boost your mood.* The first of five essential ingredients in PureBalance Serotonin is 5-HTP. As we’ve outlined here in this post, clinical research has shown that oral 5-HTP effectively increases the body’s ability to produce serotonin. *
Another key ingredient in PureBalance Serotonin is rhodiola rosea, a rare class of herbs that help the body adapt to stress.* Meanwhile, l-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, has been clinically shown to prevent over-stimulation and produce a state of relaxed alertness by producing calming alpha brain waves.*
Relora®, an extract of the bark from Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense, is also included in the PureBalance Serotonin formula to help reduce stress and stress-related eating.*
Rounding out the list of powerhouse ingredients is Vitamin D, which is best known for being essential for healthy bones.* However, Vitamin D insufficiency can cause a slew of health issues only one of which being brittle bones. Did you know it can also affect your mood? Several studies have suggested your mood is affected by changing levels of vitamin D3, which may also affect serotonin levels in the brain.*
Together, these 5 ingredients work to create a comprehensive formula that can help your body to reach a proper balance of serotonin, which is of course important for positive mood states, good quality sleep, and a normal appetite.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
