More than 19 million American adults have some type of anxiety disorder (according to the National Institutes of Health). In general, twice as many women suffer from anxiety disorders as men. When we refer to these conditions, this can mean anything from mild occasional anxiety to severe chronic anxiety. Conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorder and panic attacks are also considered anxiety related problems.

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All these conditions have been associated with low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. This is the internal chemistry that controls our moods, and when the levels in the body drop, we can be subjected to anxiety, panic attacks, depression, or insomnia.

The research makes it clear that low serotonin results when tryptophan levels in the body are depleted. Tryptophan is the raw material that the brain uses to make serotonin. These low levels can cause anxiety; this link has been confirmed in studies over the past 15 years.

If you have anxiety, you may be experiencing the effects of low serotonin. In that case, the goal is to normalize these levels. Raising serotonin levels by using a tryptophan supplement can be an effective strategy to counter anxiety.


Tryptophan and Quitting Smoking

One of the major obstacles when people try to stop smoking is the anxiety that results from nicotine withdrawal. A study at the Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle , WA found that giving patients tryptophan lowered their anxiety and also helped them quit smoking.

For scientific details and research citations about the tryptophan/serotonin connection to anxiety click on [ Anxiety Research ]

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There are two possible approaches to raise serotonin levels - a regular daily program or using tryptophan as needed.

The Daily Program - For more persistent or severe anxiety:

Buy a large size Tryptophan and get a Tri-Phos-B for half price. [Buy]

Tryptophan - as needed: The fast-acting nature of tryptophan makes it useful whenever you are experiencing anxiety. Tryptophan is absorbed quickly and raises serotonin levels within half an hour, so it can be used on an as needed basis.

Pre-dosing to avoid anxiety : If you anticipate being in a situation that you recognize as anxiety producing, consider taking tryptophan at least 30 minutes in advance with Tri-Phos-B and 2 caps of All Basic (an amino acid supplement, see below).

Buy a large size Tryptophan and get a Tri-Phos-B for half price. [Buy]


Additional Nutritional Support - The following products are of particular importance because they provide the wide range of nutrients that are required for complete and full utilization of tryptophan. These are especially recommended for people that are older, have digestive problems - and may have trouble absorbing nutrients from food - and people under high stress or on low protein diets.

Cautions If You Are on Certain Types of Medication

If you are taking certain types of medication, you should consult your physician before taking tryptophan. These medications include anti-depressants (particularly SSRIs), anti-anxiety drugs, tricyclic drugs, MAO Inhibitors, some sleep medications, certain Parkinson's medications, or amphetamines. Tryptophan may interact unfavorably with medications, particularly those used for mood conditions such as depression or anxiety.

Serotonin Syndrome

Some medications, especially anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs, can raise serotonin levels in the body. The addition of tryptophan while taking these medications could possibly raise serotonin to a dangerous level. This is called Serotonin Syndrome. The symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome can resemble the symptoms of low tryptophan. If you are taking medication in combination with tryptophan and you develop any type of adverse symptoms, contact your physician immediately. It is important not to increase the dosage of either the medication or the tryptophan, as that could raise serotonin levels even higher.

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Classic symptoms of anxiety include a sense of uneasiness, apprehension, restlessness, or tension. These symptoms may be accompanied by a racing heartbeat or depression.

We've noticed that people can become accustomed to anxiety - they may take it for granted and come to consider it normal. In other cases, when anxiety occurs only periodically, it's assumed that it's not a problem. Yet the insidious effects of anxiety can rob us of our ability to enjoy life and respond to its challenges. It tends to color everything, dulling our vitality and sparkle. Fortunately, the research is clear: it doesn't have to be this way. Our clinical experience confirms that tryptophan enhances mood, relaxation, and sleep.

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. Tri-Phos-B - Contains the B vitamins required to convert tryptophan to serotonin.

. All-Basic - A multi amino acid formula that helps with stress, energy and mental function.

. AntiOx - A scientifically balanced blend of anti-oxidants nutrients that protects against the effects of stress and helps the body use amino acids.

. OcuDyne II - An exceptional multi-vitamin and mineral formula rich in anti-oxidants.

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D Baldwin and S Rudge. "The role of serotonin in depression and anxiety." International Clinical Psychopharmacology . January 1995 Supplement, Vol 4: pages 41-45.

C Bell and others. "Tryptophan depletion and its implications for psychiatry." The British Journal of Psychiatry . May 1,2001 ; Vol 78: pages 399-405.

CJ Bell and DJ Nutt. "Serotonin and panic." The British Journal of Psychiatry . June 1998; Vol 172: pages 465-471.

TC Birdsall. "5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor." Alternative Medicine Review . August 1998; Vol 3, No 4: pages 271-280.

DJ Bowen and others. "Tryptophan and high-carbohydrate diets as adjuncts to smoking cessation therapy." Journal of Behavioral Medicine . April 1991; Vol 14, No 2: pages 97-110

JH Juhl. "Fibromyalgia and the serotonin pathway." Alternative Medicine Review . October 1998; Vol 3, No 5: pages 367-375

RS Kahn and others. "Effect of a serotonin precursor and uptake inhibitor in anxiety disorders; a double-blind comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan, clomipramine and placebo." International Clinical Psychopharmacology . January 1987; Vol 2, No 1: pages 33-45.

DJ Nutt and others. "Mechanisms of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the treatment of psychiatric disorders." European Neuropsychopharmacology . July 9, 1999 Supplement, Vol 3: pages 581-586.

JG Reilly and others. "Rapid depletion of plasma tryptophan: a review of studies and experimental methodology." Journal of Psychopharmacology ( Oxford ) . 1997; Vol 11, No 4: pages 381-392.

K Schruers and others. "Acute L-5-hydroxytryptophan administration inhibits carbon dioxide-induced panic in panic disorder patients." Psychiatry Research . Dec 30, 2002 ; Vol 113, No 3: pages 237-243.

K Schruers and others. "Effects of tryptophan depletion on carbon dioxide provoked panic in panic disorder patients." Psychiatry Research . April 10, 2002 ; Vol 92, No 3: pages 179-187.

MK Spillmann and others. "Tryptophan depletion in SSRI-recovered depressed outpatients." Psychopharmacology ( Berlin ) . May 2001; Vol 155, No 2: pages 123-127.

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Our moods and sleep are regulated by powerful brain chemistry, particularly serotonin, one of our most important neurotransmitters. Low serotonin levels have been identified as a cause of depression in hundreds of research studies. Serotonin is made in the brain from tryptophan, an essential amino acid. Tryptophan is the raw material the brain requires to make serotonin.

Tryptophan is a component of most proteins. Unfortunately, stress can deplete tryptophan. A number of other factors can also lead to tryptophan deficiencies, which in turn result in low levels of serotonin.

Extensive research has shown that tryptophan supplements raise serotonin levels. By using a nutritional supplement, we are simply providing the raw material the body needs to produce serotonin. Raising serotonin is a vital step in addressing depression, anxiety, PMS mood swings, and insomnia. The ability of tryptophan to support the body's production of this absolutely critical neurotransmitter is what makes tryptophan such an important, sought-after nutritional product.

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