5HTP and Seratonin levals

[Oceana55]

I know what a lot of you have said about being afraid to go off induction. I'm having the same thing. My carb cravings stopped almost immediately which blew me away. I'm going into my fifth week and while I've managed to eat strawberries, blueberries and one apple without triggering a major carb fallout, though I've chosen to stay away from the starches. I did slip once when feeling like I was starving while on a shopping trip and though I did eat a raisin scone, managed to dodge the much worse things.
Also, yes Sookie I was getting irritable, depressed, tired a lot. I was waiting and waiting for the energy thing to kick in and it just didn't seem to be happening for me. I thought there might be a serotonin issue so I started taking 5htp (I've used it before and its helped a lot) and it seems to be helping.

[Sookie]

Re: Newbies and Mentors Meet Here

I know what a lot of you have said about being afraid to go off induction. I'm having the same thing. My carb cravings stopped almost immediately which blew me away. I'm going into my fifth week and while I've managed to eat strawberries, blueberries and one apple without triggering a major carb fallout, though I've chosen to stay away from the starches. I did slip once when feeling like I was starving while on a shopping trip and though I did eat a raisin scone, managed to dodge the much worse things.
Also, yes Sookie I was getting irritable, depressed, tired a lot. I was waiting and waiting for the energy thing to kick in and it just didn't seem to be happening for me. I thought there might be a serotonin issue so I started taking 5htp (I've used it before and its helped a lot) and it seems to be helping.

I'm curious about this 5htp you mention. Since I'm all about anything that will boost my energy levels without repercusions, I'd like to know more. Please?

[Oceana55]

Re: Newbies and Mentors Meet Here

What I know from online research is that it is related to serotonin, but whereas SSRI's keep the serotonin that you have in circulation so it works for you, some people are low in serotonin in the first place and 5htp increases production. As carbs are related to serotonin production, I thought that perhaps cutting so far back on carbs could have an effect on my serotonin levels, particularly given how crappy I was feeling.
I did some more research about this and discovered that there were people who were having problems with depression and low energy levels when doing Atkins. Dr. Atkins does recommend 5htp in his book if you are dealing with ??...I can't remember if it was depression or low energy or both.
Anyway, there have been a lot of studies done and it helps with blood sugar levels, depression, insomnia and raises your serotonin levels rather than just doing the re-uptake thing that SSRI's do. I used 5HTP before for a few months and it worked great for my depression and insomnia so I figured I would try it again in the hopes that these problems would be addressed while doing Atkins. It seems to be working. I take 100mg three times a day, once in the morning, in the afternoon and before I go to bed.
Hope this helps.

[imagood1]

Staying on plan while out and about

I'm going into my fifth week and while I've managed to eat strawberries, blueberries and one apple without triggering a major carb fallout, though I've chosen to stay away from the starches. I did slip once when feeling like I was starving while on a shopping trip and though I did eat a raisin scone, managed to dodge the much worse things.

You say you are on extended induction -- that is a continuence of 20 carbs per day from the acceptable food list. Fruits are not part of extended induction. Rung 1 is 5 additional net carbs of vegetables from the acceptable vegetable list. Rung 2 is dairy, Rung 3 nuts.....If you are up on the berry rung you should change your information...apples are further up on the fruit rung past berries.

When you go shopping take a baggie of veggies or other acceptable food such as 1 ounce of cheese -- when you are up to the nut rung take 1 ounce of almonds or another nut on the acceptable list --that way you won't have an excuse to eat a raisin scone.

[pluorvee]

Re: 5HTP and Seratonin levals

5htp does work...just be careful. My job is mental health. Anything that messes with your brain needs to be used with care.

[msanjelpie]

Re: 5HTP and Seratonin levals

There is 5-HTP in the diet patch that I wear for reduction in food intake.

Also in the patch are Fucus Vesiculosus, Guarana, Zinc Pyruvate, DHEA, Yerba Mate, Flaxseed Oil, Lecithin, L-Carnitine, and Zinc Citrate.

5-HTP: The Natural Way to Boost Serotonin and Overcome Depression, Obesity, and Insomnia

[alegnahas3]

Re: 5HTP and Seratonin levals

I've never heard of this before. I read up on it and it says to consult your physician before taking if you are already on an anti-depressant med. Has anyone's dr worked with them to start taking this while on depression meds?