Antidepressant drugs are as controversial as they are popular. And, boy, are they popular. The first ones were discovered purely by chance in the 1950s, amid suggestions that these drugs could make anyone – not just depressed people – feel better. An idea both intriguing and unsettling – if Prozac gives you an up even when you’re not down, why wouldn’t you be tempted to take it? However, the latest research suggests that while the drugs may benefit severely depressed people, they have a “nonexistent to negligible” impact on people with milder, run-of-the-mill blues. What’s more, between the side effects and dependency, what once was a rosy picture has now darkened.

Fortunately, when if comes to the blues and other mood disorders, natural, effective and less toxic alternatives to chemical antidepressants do exist. One of these is 5-HTP, a precursor to serotonin (the feel good hormone) found in the seeds of Griffonia, a plant originally from West Africa. Read on.

The trap of chemical antidepressants
Since the arrival of “pills of happiness”, like Prozac, the definition of depression has expanded considerably and the number of diagnoses and treatments against it have exploded. The World Health Organisation has made depression “the disease of the 21st century”, thus enabling health professionals to prescribe antidepressants for the slightest hint of the blues in their patients. Never mind that we now know that these psychotropic drugs, most of which act on levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter playing a central role in the regulation of mood, are in most cases ineffective and even dangerous. Large studies have shown that the effects of antidepressants on mild depression are similar to those of a placebo.They are effective only in cases of severe depressions, which are 100 times rarer.

Side effects of chemical antidepressants
Although the positive effects of antidepressants are far from proven, their adverse effects are particularly numerous and well documented: suicidal tendencies, increased violent behaviours, psychotic crises, strokes, glaucoma, sexual dysfunction. The list goes on. In France, there are some estimates of 3,000 to 4,000 suicides per year associated with antidepressants. In the United States, 11 antidepressants have been listed among the drugs that trigger the most violence, including crime and sexual abuse. Finally, antidepressants have addictive effects for millions of users who, after having undergone treatment, have enormous difficulties in regaining their psychic balance.

Depression, anxiety, insomnia and the role of serotonin
Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in many physiological functions such as sleep, appetite, memory, learning, temperature regulation, libido, cardiovascular function, muscle contraction or endocrine regulation. It also promotes the feelings of well-being, calmness, personal safety and confidence. It strengthens the ability to relax and concentrate. Contrary to what the laboratories have tried to make believe, it is not enough to take a drug stimulating the production of serotonin to cure depression. But it is true that depressed people do see an improvement in their symptoms when they produce more serotonin. It is also known that the human capacity to synthesise serotonin is reduced during periods of stress and diminishes as a result of ageing. Therefore many people suffering from depression, anxiety, headaches and insomnia will notice a decrease in these depressive symptoms by increasing their levels of serotonin in the brain.

Stimulate your serotonin naturally with Griffonia
To naturally stimulate serotonin in your brain, I advise using 5-HTP, a precursor nutrient of serotonin found in Griffonia, a plant originally from Africa. Unlike chemical antidepressants that artificially retain the serotonin produced in the brain, 5-HTP helps the body to manufacture more. Several studies have proven the effectiveness of this natural nutrient to restore serotonin levels and help improve general mood, depression, anxiety, insomnia, appetite control and chronic headaches. Regarding weight control, it has been found that the use of 5-HTP promotes the feeling of satiety after eating. In addition to its effectiveness on disorders related to a serotonin deficiency, 5-HTP has the advantage, compared to antidepressants, of having far fewer side effects (digestive disorders, even allergies).

Check other drug interactions
However, if you are currently undergoing antidepressant therapy to raise serotonin levels, you should seek medical advice before taking 5-HTP. Similarly, there is an interaction with carbidopa, a drug used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

You can find out more about 5-HTP nutritional supplements and lots more advice how to overcome low mood and anxiety by doing the Foodwise “Energy and Mood” plan at: https://www.foodwise.life/program/energy-mood