Mood Change Medicine
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Low Tryptophan = Low Serotonin. Does Low Serotonin = Depression?
There’s a major controversy over whether or not depression is caused by low tryptophan and it’s consequence—low serotonin. Some researchers assert that there’s no support for the hypothesis that depression is caused by lowered serotonin. What does the science say about the causes of depression . . . Continue reading
Tryptophan for Sleep: Not as Simple as Popping a Pill
Without tryptophan there would be no melatonin, the backbone of the biology of sleep. But tryptophan’s role in sleep might be more about how it is affected by things like diet, light exposure and gut health than it is about the tryptophan itself. Continue reading
Tryptophan: Interactions with Drugs & Supplements
Tryptophan can interact with drugs and supplements that cause sedation, increasing the sedative effect. Taking tryptophan with any of these drugs, substances or supplements might cause excessive sleepiness and negatively impact the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. Continue reading
How Safe are Tryptophan Supplements?
People have been taking tryptophan in supplements for over five decades with just occasional modest, short-lived side-effects.
Tryptophan is not addictive and does not appear to cause tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, or rebound insomnia like sleep drugs. When used short-term, it’s likely a safer alternative to pharmaceutical sleep aids. Continue reading
Are Tryptophan Supplements Effective for Anxiety & Depression?
Tryptophan deficiency has been linked to depression in some people. Not all tryptophan deficiencies are the result of inadequate intake. A deficiency can be caused by problems like absorption issues. Other treatments that are more effective for anxiety and depression include talk therapy, biofeedback, mindfulness and other supplements like . . . Continue reading
Are Tryptophan Supplements Effective for Insomnia?
Given that dietary tryptophan play such a pivotal role in sleep, it might make sense that taking tryptophan supplements should improve sleep. But it’s just not as simple as popping a pill. Continue reading
Tryptophan and Its Alternatives for Depression, Anxiety & Sleep
Tryptophan plays a pivotal role in the gut-brain axis, a two-way biochemical conversation between our brains and bellies that helps determine the production of melatonin and serotonin, key brain chemicals that affect sleep and mood. Optimizing the biology of mood and sleep includes optimizing factors that impact tryptophan nutrition. Continue reading
Bewildering Array of CBD Products
Different formulations taken at different doses can have very different effects in the body. Full-spectrum CBD products contain all the naturally-occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant, including THC. “Broad spectrum” or “wide spectrum” CBD products may also contain these components but without the THC. Continue reading
CBD: Is there a sweet spot for dosing?
Researchers found a sweet spot for dosing—higher or lower doses aren’t as effective as those in the middle of the dosage range. But this may not hold true for full-spectrum products that contain both CBD, THC and other constituents in the cannabis plant. Continue reading
Is CBD Addictive?
Because CBD was not found be mind-altering or to present potential for abuse or dependence, a World Health Organization Committee on Drug Dependence recommended that CBD be removed from international drug control. Continue reading
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