9. 5-HTP Supplements
Another supplement that can help you manage fibromyalgia symptoms is 5-HTP or 5-hydroxytryptophan. 5-HTP is an amino acid naturally produced by the body and used to make serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that transmits messages from the brain to the rest of the body via the nervous system.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Therefore, helping the body by taking 5-HTP supplements can help produce serotonin and reduce anxiety, depression, and insomnia, which are common symptoms of fibromyalgia. People with fibromyalgia have been found to be more likely to have naturally low serotonin levels. Therefore, some types of antidepressant medications are prescribed to people with fibromyalgia, due to their ability to help increase serotonin production.
5-HTP supplementation has been shown to significantly reduce pain intensity and the number of tender points in fibromyalgia patients. The same study also found that 100 mg of 5-HTP three times daily helped improve insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, and muscle stiffness after 30 days.
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