9. Take 5-HTP Supplements
Another supplement that can help you manage your fibromyalgia symptoms is 5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan. 5-HTP is an amino acid that’s naturally produced by the body and used to manufacture serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, that carries messages from the brain to the rest of the body via the nervous system.
Low levels of serotonin are linked to anxiety, depression and disturbed sleep. Therefore, supporting the body by taking 5-HTP supplements can support the production of serotonin and potentially reduce anxiety, depression and insomnia – common symptoms of fibromyalgia.
It’s been discovered that people with fibromyalgia are more likely to have naturally low levels of serotonin. Some types of anti-depressant drugs are therefore prescribed to those with fibromyalgia, due to their ability to help boost serotonin manufacture.
5-HTP supplements have shown to help significantly reduce the intensity of pain and the number of tender points in fibromyalgia patients. The same study also found that 100mg of 5-HTP three times a day helped to improve insomnia, fatigue, anxiety and muscle stiffness after 30 days.
