What is the Medical Definition of L-Tryptophan

According to top medical L-tryptophan information, L-tryptophan is an amino acid that is required for nitrogen balance in adults and for normal growth in babies. Because it is an essential amino acid omega-3, this simply means that the human body cannot produce it – L-tryptophan can be gotten through one’s diet.

The human body uses L-tryptophan to produce serotonin and niacin. Serotonin is known to help promote a stable mood and healthy sleeping pattern, which is why it is used as a natural antidepressant.

The body will need to have enough of the following in order for L-tryptophan contained in one’s diet to be converted into niacin:

•    Vitamin B6
•    Iron
•    Riboflavin

L-tryptophan can be found in the following foods:

•    Tofu
•    Cheese
•    Fish
•    Nuts
•    Peanuts
•    Chicken
•    Eggs
•    Soy
•    Turkey
•    Sesame seeds
•    Nuts
•    Milk
•    Peanut butter

L-tryptophan is also available as supplements, but it is important to understand that before you take L-tryptophan as a natural antidepressant or for treating insomnia and also what is the best form of meditation for anxiety and depression, you will need to first consult with your physician – this way you can avoid L-tryptophan side effects.

Side Effects of L-Tryptophan Supplements

L-tryptophan side effects include the following:

•    Abdominal pains (tummy upset)
•    Nausea
•    Vomiting
•    Diarrhea
•    Muscular problem
•    Heartburn
•    Drowsiness
•    Sexual problems

If you are pregnant or in the process of getting pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding, you need to consult your health care provider before you take L-tryptophan supplements.

L-tryptophan supplements are used by most people as a natural antidepressant, but according to reliable L-tryptophan information, combining L-tryptophan with certain types of medications can trigger L-tryptophan side effects. Taking L-tryptophan with the following can cause interactions:

•    Antidepressants
•    Benzodiazepines
•    Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (popularly known as MAOI’s)
•    Meperidine (Demerol)
•    Phenothiazine Drugs,
•    Triptans,
•    Tramadol/Acetaminophen (Ultracet) or Tramadol (ER, Rybix, Ryzolt, ODT, Ultram)
•    St. John’s Wort

There is also a pretty strong concern that L-tryptophan may also lead to a serious side effect popularly referred to as “Eosinophilia Myalgia Syndrome” (EMS). This condition involves abnormalities of the blood abnormalities and muscle tenderness.

L-Tryptophan as an Intoxicant

It is certainly no secret that most people are dependant on drugs in order to get through the day. Some use recreational drugs like ecstasy in order to get high for artistic purposes or just for the fun of it. L-tryptophan is not an intoxicant and pills that are sold as L-tryptophan MDMA or L-tryptophan ecstasy do not offer any intoxicating effect. Many supposed L-tryptophan ecstasy or L-tryptophan MDMA pills are only street drugs concocted by people who are only out to make a buck at the risk of other people’s lives.

Some L-tryptophan MDMA or L-tryptophan ecstasy branded pills that give a sort of distinct and intoxicating effect are simply 5-HTP pills in alarmingly high dosages – it can only give this effect to very few people. Taking 5-HTP supplements in high doses without the supervision of a doctor can trigger side effects.