Re: metabolic blood test?] - L5 HTP

[Guest guest]

chronic bone pain sounds like fibromyalgia. I read an interesting

article (I think by Dr. Wong) about l-tryptophan greatly alleviating

the symptoms of fibromyalgia (which could be due to an inability in

the body to break proteins down to the amino acids, like protease

deficiency). Here's something recently posted on lymestrategies, I

don't know where she cut this from, so sorry about not being able to

give you the source but there are references at the bottom:

I have bought 5-HTP at Walmart. But I find it less expensive at

http://www.totaldiscountvitamins.com/Default.asp where you get free

shipping with $85.00 plus purchase.

Serotonin Deficiency Syndrome

Depression

Obesity

Alcoholism

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Anxiety disorders, including panic

Fibromyalgia

Insomnia

Migraine headaches

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Aggressive or violent tendencies

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What do these seemingly unrelated conditions have in common?

They all may be caused by a deficiency of serotonin in the brain,

according to a substantial body of medical research conducted over

the past several decades. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that carries

vital signals between brain cells, is involved in numerous central

nervous system actions, such as the regulation of mood, sleep and

appetite. Poor diet, lack of exercise, use of harmful substances such

as caffeine or alcohol, and ongoing physical and emotional stress can

depress the levels of serotonin your body makes, resulting in the

range of serious problems mentioned above, or what is collectively

known as serotonin deficiency syndrome.

Out of the ten or so major neurotransmitters in the brain, serotonin

is the one researchers and scientists are most concerned with in the

onset and the treatment of these various medical and psychiatric

problems. Many studies have been focused on how it affects behavior,

mood, aggression, appetite control, pain transmission, sexual

behavior, and many more of our traits, activities and functions. In

the past few decades, these intensive research programs by both

pharmaceutical companies and universities have led to the development

of many powerful serotonin-active medications. Most well known of

these drugs are Prozac, a popular antidepressant which enhances the

mood-regulating activity of serotonin, and Redux, an appetite

suppressant that controls eating by delivering a dose of serotonin to

the appetite control centers in the brain. Other serotonin-altering

drugs relieve anxiety, enhance sleep, and ease muscular and skeletal

pain.

Unfortunately, these drugs come with troublesome side effects that

are well documented and can be severe. Redux, and its partner,

Pondimin, prescribed as the fen-phen combination, were recently

removed from the market after doctors discovered that they caused

permanent damage to the heart valves in as many as one third of the

people who took them.

But there is another way, a natural way, to increase levels of

serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is produced inside the body from

tryptophan, an amino acid found in many foods. You may be aware of

how eating a large turkey dinner or drinking a cup of warm milk has a

calming and sedating effect on the body. Both turkey and milk have

plentiful amounts of the amino acid, tryptophan. Yet tryptophan,

after being ingested, must first be converted into 5-hydroxy-L-

tryptophan, or L-5-HTP, before itâ?Ts final conversion into serotonin.

But what ever happened to Tryptophan? READ VERY CAREFULLY - Editor

Tom OBrien, NC

The amino acid tryptophan, once a popular supplement for relaxation

and sleep-enhancement, was removed from the market in 1989 after its

mistaken association with a number of deaths. (Later it was

determined that a contaminated batch from a single manufacturer in

Japan had been responsible, but tryptophan was never released back

onto the market.)

Editor's Note " The Commission of Health of the FDA reapproved L-

Tryptophan back in March 2001 for public consumption but the powerful

interests of the pharmaceutical cartel ensure no Medical or Science

Journalists covered the story. It is completely legal to market L-

Trytophan today).

**********************************************************************

********************

The following ad copy is from a 5-HTP supplier but good educational

material - Tom OBrien, NC

Fortunately for us, L-5-HTP supplements are readily available, and

much more effective. Compared with L-tryptophan, L-5-HTP is one step

closer to serotonin in the body's manufacturing process. In addition,

far more L-5-HTP is converted to serotonin (70% versus 1-3% for

tryptophan) making dietary L-5-HTP far more efficient than L-

tryptophan at boosting serotonin levels in the brain. And because it

is extracted naturally from an African herb (Griffonia

simplicifolia), L-5-HTP is inherently safer than a synthetically

produced compound like L-tryptophan.

L-5-HTP

A Natural Alternative to Prozac

60 - 100 mg Capsules

In Europe, L-5-HTP has been used for decades as an approved treatment

for depression, sleep problems and other medical complaints. It is

just now starting to sweep America. There is substantial scientific

evidence to support the contention that L-5-HTP is a safe, natural

way to boost brain serotonin levels. Detailed clinical trials have

shown L-5-HTP to produce results equal to or better than standard

synthetic drugs used in the treatment of problems arising from

serotonin deficiency syndrome, including depression.

L-5-HTP and Depression

As research mounted during the 1970s and â?~80s L-5-HTP was

increasingly regarded as a potentially valuable antidepressant with

few side effects. Results of dozens of studies have shown L-5-HTP to

be just as effective as the established drugs; the SSRIâ?Ts such as

Prozac, the MAO inhibitors and the tricyclic antidepressants. The

advantages of L-5-HTP lie in the fact that L-5-HTP is better

tolerated and associated with fewer and much milder side effects, the

most common being digestive distress, and it usually went away with

continued use of the supplement.

L-5-HTP and Fibromyalgia

Over the past 25 years, Dr. Federigo Sicuteri at the University of

Florence in Italy, has treated many patients for fibromyalgia with L-

5-HTP and has accumulated a tremendous amount of evidence of its

success. In a published report, he notes, " In our experience, as well

as that of other pain specialists, L-5-HTP can largely improve the

painful picture of primary fibromyalgia. " A double-blind study from

the rheumatology unit of a prominent Milan hospital involved 50

patients, divided into two groups. The group that received L-5-HTP

(100 mg per day) showed significant improvement in their symptoms,

while the placebo group experienced virtually no improvement.

Improvements with many symptoms were noted; number of painful areas,

morning stiffness, sleep patterns, anxiety and fatigue. In a similar,

second study, patients who took 100 mg of L-5-HTP three times daily

reported initial results in several days, with maximum results at 30

days, and the benefits of the treatment continuing at that level

through the rest of the 90 day trial. L-5-HTP also produces excellent

results as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), due in

large measure to its improvement of sleep quality and mood.

L-5-HTP and Weight Loss

L-5-HTP can play an important role in its ability to help people lose

weight. A 1992 placebo-controlled, double-blind study reported

excellent results treating obesity using 900 mg L-5-HTP daily.

Participants taking L-5-HTP lost 3-5 times as much weight as those

who were taking a placebo.

One important function of serotonin is to signal the brain when the

body has ingested a sufficient amount of food, creating a feeling of

satisfaction and fullness. With depressed levels of serotonin, it

takes longer for the brain to recognize this satisfied feeling, and

you are likely to eat more. Because L-5-HTP increases serotonin, and

because serotonin makes you feel like youâ?Tve eaten enough, taking L-

5-HTP can reduce your appetite. And because increased levels of

serotonin can improve your mood and raise your energy level, it may

be much easier to stick to a diet as well as commit to an exercise

plan, which contributes to further weight loss.

L-5-HTP and Migraines

Clinical research shows that L-5-HTP is as effective as

pharmaceutical drugs in reducing symptoms of migraine headaches,

presumably because of its serotonin-boosting properties. According to

researchers at the University of Milanâ?Ts Pain Research and

Treatment Unit, anywhere from 77.4 to 93.5 percent of people with

chronic daily headaches get better when they take L-5-HTP. This study

lasted two months and results continued to improve the longer the

patients took L-5-HTP.

L-5-HTP and Insomnia

First reported during the early 1970s in studies by Dr. J.

Wyatt, at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, ., and

Dr. Zarcona at Stanford University, L-5-HTP is proving to be

a much more effective alternative for dealing with sleep problems in

a safe and natural way. According to the studies, the advantage of L-

5-HTP lies in its ability to improve sleep quality by increasing the

length of time spent in both REM sleep and in deep sleep, without

increasing total sleep time. The higher the dose, the more time spent

in REM. By shifting the balance of the sleep cycle, L-5-HTP makes

sleep more restful and rejuvenating. In addition, L-5-HTP has also

been reported in numerous double-blind clinical studies, to decrease

the time required to get to sleep and to decrease the number of

awakenings.

How much is usually taken?

In a controlled trial, L-5-HTP (300 mg per day) was shown to be

effective in reducing many symptoms of fibromyalgia, including pain,

morning stiffness, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. Migraine attacks

were reduced in frequency, severity, and duration in 90% of those

taking 400 mg per day of L-5-HTP in a well-controlled trial. Larger

doses of L-5-HTP (600 mg per day) were found to be as effective as

prescription medications for reducing migraine headache attacks in

adults in two double blind studies. Children who suffered from

migraines and had problems sleeping responded well to a daily dose of

L-5-HTP equal to 20 mg for every 10 lbs of body weight in a

controlled study. For depression, 300 mg per day is often effective.

A single 100 mg nighttime dose of L-5-HTP was sufficient to improve

the duration and depth of sleep in one placebo-controlled study.

Appetite reduction and weight loss (averaging 11 lbs in twelve weeks)

has occurred with doses of 600â? " 900 mg daily. Vitamin B6, niacin,

and magnesium help convert L-5-HTP to serotonin.

Side Effects or Interactions

L-5-HTP causes mild gastrointestinal disturbances in some people.

These side effects include mild nausea, heartburn, flatulence,

feelings of fullness, and rumbling sensations. Check with your health

care provider before taking L-5-HTP if you have high blood pressure

or diabetes, are pregnant or nursing, are taking antidepressant

drugs, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or selective

serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). L-5-HTP may add to the effects

of St. 's wort.

**********************************************************************

***********************

REFERENCES:

Caruso I, Sarzi Puttini P, Cazzola M, Azzolini V. Double-blind study

of 5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in the treatment of primary

fibromyalgia syndrome. J Int Med Res 1990;18:201â? " 09.

De Benedittis G, Massei R. 5-HT precursors in migraines: A double-

blind cross-over study with 5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo. Clin

J Pain 1986;3:123â? " 29.

Titus F, Davalos A, Alom J, Codina A. 5-hydroxytryptophan versus

methysergide in the prophylaxis of migraine. Eur Neurol

1986;25:327â? " 29.

Mathew NT. 5-hydroxytryptophan in the prophylaxis of migraine.

Headache 1978;18:111â? " 13.

De Giorgis G, Miletto R, Iannuccelli M, Camuffo M, Scerni S. Headache

in association with sleep disorders in children: A psychodiagnostic

evaluation and controlled clinical studyâ? " L-5-HTP versus placebo.

Drugs Exptl Clin Res 1987;13:425.

Byerley WF, Judd LL, Reimherr FW, Grosser BI. L-5-HTP: A review of

its antidepressant efficacy and adverse effects . J Clin

Psychopharmacol 1987;7:127â? " 37

Poldinger W, Calanchini B, Schwarz W. A functional-dimensional

approach to depression: Serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in

a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan and fluvoxamine. Psychopathology

1991;24:53â? " 81.

Ceci F, Cangiano C, Cairella M, et al. The effects of oral 5-

hydroxytryptophan administration on feeding behavior in obese adult

female subjects. J Neural Transmission 1989;76:109â? " 17.

Cangiano C, Ceci F, Cascino A, et al. Eating behavior and adherence

to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-

hydroxytryptophan. Am J Clin Nutr 1992;56:863â? " 67.

--- In , Helen Wang <dingyung49@...>

wrote:

>

> Hi,

>

> Lately I went to an immunolosist due to chronic bone

pain/hives. He did blood test on me. One of it is a sort of

metabolic testing. Doctor presented to me my metabolic health map

chart. My patterns of metabolic function are mostly imbalances. I

do not understand at all the charts like total abnormal relationships

chart/Normal but inverted type/integrated type. All those showed

imbalance. I did little research most metabolic test is through

urine test. I need to pay $140.00 inorder to get my answer for my

nutrition balance. Does anybody knows about this? Wonder how

accurate the test was. Does it worth to pay $140.00 to find out? My

pain and hives are getting out of my daily life and driving me nuts.

Thanks if anybody knows about it. Helen

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

If you like, take a look at www.canlyme.com - it has a list of

symptoms of lyme disease, which is often undiagnosed for years,

especially if people don't get the rash when the tick bites. I'm

just wondering if the " hives " you are referring to is an atypical

lyme rash, which can flare up years after the tick bite (and even

when your body is getting healthier). Mine was painful and felt

prickly, crawly, etc. which is atypical. It could account for the

bone aches as well, which is often a symptom in children especially

but happens to adults as well.

--- In , Helen Wang <dingyung49@...>

wrote:

>

>

>

> Thanks. I have been taking L-5HTP 100mg for a while. It did help

me sleep better.

> Not sure I have FM. My bone, muscle, vessels all fare up and in

pain and make me so tired get throu a day. I am thinking about DMSO,

which seems helping relief pain. I wonder are there any doctor in

our group can explain one of my blood test, which is below normal

range...I guess it is some sort of autoimmuse disorder.

>

> Complement C3, Seruim 79 low mg/dl Adult range 90-180

> Complement C4 Seruim 9 " range

9-36

>

> Not sure how can I help this level up. My doctor did not explain

to me and just suggested me getting allergy shot. My allergy is not

bad at all just my hives bother me. search internet, allergy shot

seems not helping much about hive. Helen

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Igenix lab in California has a pretty good test. There is also the

Bowen Q-ribb that uses a darkfield microscope to see the lyme

spirochetes in the fluid - so if they say you have it, you do.

Interestingly, they tested a bunch of people with alzheimer's on the

Q-ribb and found lyme in all of them. Same thing for MS. Makes some

think it is an epidemic.

If you'd like a dietary approach to treating it, I highly recommend

the salt/c protocol, which you can read about on the

www.lymephotos.com website and there is a discussion group

called lymestrategies that supports people using that protocol.

It's also been written up in the Townsend Letter (well, kind of, Marc

talked with the researcher who wrote an article and he had some

information in there about how sensitive the lyme spirochete is to

small fluctuations of salinity).

> >

> >

> >

> > Thanks. I have been taking L-5HTP 100mg for a while. It did help

> me sleep better.

> > Not sure I have FM. My bone, muscle, vessels all fare up and in

> pain and make me so tired get throu a day. I am thinking about

DMSO,

> which seems helping relief pain. I wonder are there any doctor in

> our group can explain one of my blood test, which is below normal

> range...I guess it is some sort of autoimmuse disorder.

> >

> > Complement C3, Seruim 79 low mg/dl Adult range 90-180

> > Complement C4 Seruim 9 " range

> 9-36

> >

> > Not sure how can I help this level up. My doctor did not explain

> to me and just suggested me getting allergy shot. My allergy is not

> bad at all just my hives bother me. search internet, allergy shot

> seems not helping much about hive. Helen

> >

> >

> >