StreSS, Anxiety, And inSomniA - Dr. Michael Murray

Stress, anxiety, and insomniaChief among these factors are cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse, a high sugarintake, too much protein, blood sugar disturbances (hypoglycemia and diabetes),and various nutrient deficiencies. All of these factors have one thingin common – they lower serotonin levels by impairing the conversion oftryptophan to serotonin. A health-promoting lifestyle and diet go a long waytowards restoring optimal serotonin levels and relieving depression. But, inthe interim, natural agents like 5-HTP, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), orlavender extract can provide the boost in mood needed to help make importantchanges in diet and lifestyle easier to accomplish. Both natural agents arediscussed below and a program for weaning off of SSRIs is given on page 84.5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)5-HTP is the direct building block for serotonin. It exerts significant advantagesover L-tryptophan. While only 3% of an oral dose of L-tryptophanis converted to serotonin, more than 70% of an oral dose of 5-HTP isconverted to serotonin. In addition to increasing serotonin levels, 5-HTPcauses an increase in endorphin levels. Numerous double-blind studieshave shown that 5-HTP is equal to SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants interms of effectiveness, but is less expensive, better tolerated, and associated42, 43with fewer and much milder side effects.In many studies of depression, researchers use a rating scale called theHamilton Depression Scale (HDS). The HDS score is determined by havingthe test subject complete a series of questions in which he or she rates theseverity of symptoms on a numerical basis, as follows:1 – present but mild 3 – severe2 – moderate 4 – very severeSymptoms assessed by the HDS include depression, feelings of guilt, insomnia,gastrointestinal symptoms, and other bodily symptoms of depression(e.g., headaches, muscle aches, heart palpitations), and anxiety. The HDSis popular in research because it provides a good assessment of the overall78