Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in your joints. The inflammation may affect the joint lining or the cartilage, depending on the type of arthritis. 5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, is a substance that may provide relief from symptoms associated with arthritis, such as depression and insomnia, although there is no scientific evidence indicating that 5-HTP is an effective treatment for this condition. Consult your doctor before taking 5-HTP to treat any medical condition.
Arthritis
Arthritis affects joints where two or more bones meet. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, usually occurs as the result of trauma or cartilage degeneration. It most commonly affects your weight-bearing joints including your knees, spine and hips. Rheumatoid arthritis is less common than osteoarthritis. This autoimmune disease tends to develop slowly with age and can cause deformity within the joints. Both conditions can cause chronic pain and soreness. Over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs are the most common forms of medical treatment. 5-HTP is not a standard or customary method of treating arthritis.
5-HTP
Your body naturally produces 5-HTP from tryptophan in your diet. Foods that contain tryptophan include milk, turkey, turnips, sunflower seeds and potatoes. After converting the tryptophan into the chemical 5-HTP, your body then converts it into serotonin, an important brain chemical necessary for relaying signals between brain cells. 5-HTP is also available as a nutritional supplement. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some studies suggest that 5-HTP may play a role in treating insomnia and depression, although more research is necessary to confirm these potential benefits.
Benefits
Although there is no evidence that suggests 5-HTP can help reduce the pain or inflammation due to arthritis, some studies do indicate that it may ease the insomnia and depression that can occur in people with chronic illness, notes the UMMC. Chronic pain is a common cause of depression that can result in sleep disturbances and feelings of discouragement.
Precautions
Consult your doctor if the pain of arthritis causes depression or insomnia, rather than treating these symptoms with unproven remedies, such as 5-HTP. Although 5-HTP is a natural substance in your body, taking supplements may cause mild side effects, such as nausea, feelings of fullness, flatulence and heartburn. As with any nutritional supplement, avoid taking 5-HTP is you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have liver disease.
Member Comments