Cognition

Omega-3 and ADHD: Can a Simple Supplement Improve Attention in Some Youth?

Approximately 8.4 percent of American children develop attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. The fact that only 2.5 percent of adults suffer from the condition suggests many youths outgrow the condition in time. Even so, research hasn’t been able to pinpoint the cause of the condition. It is known that ADHD develops in children aged as young as three and it can be instigated by other mental disorders. New research has found a link between omega-3 and ADHD, suggesting the beneficial fatty acid may help treat children more effectively.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is marked by an inability to remain focused on a single task for any length of time. Children who suffer from the condition are often seen fidgeting or moving about tirelessly. Whether an adult or child, an individual with ADHD will have difficulty in concentrating on complex tasks. He or she will also be more easily distracted than others in the same age group. Some of the symptoms of ADHD include:

inability to pay close attention to assigned tasks
frequent mistakes that seem to be caused by carelessness
failing to listen to others
poor organizational and time management skills
failing to fulfill obligations
always active, or consistently moving about
running and engaged in horseplay at inappropriate times
habitually interrupting conversations

Diagnosing Treating ADHD

While there isn’t a specific test that’s designed to diagnose ADHD, doctors can determine whether an individual suffers from this condition by ruling other problems out. This process usually begins with conducting vision and hearing tests. The diagnosing physician will also try to rule out other conditions, including depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and learning disabilities. The doctor will look at a list of criteria for establishing ADHD and for determining the severity of the condition. This will involve asking the individual and the parents about past behavioral problems.

While there is currently no cure for ADHD, there are a number of treatments that are effective. Primarily, the individual will attend behavioral therapy sessions that are designed to teach them social skills and learning techniques. Stimulants may also be prescribed, because these medications can enhance attention and comprehension. Additionally, parents, teachers and school counselors will often be provided with educational materials to give them a better understanding of the challenges a child with ADHD faces.

New Research Links Omega-3 and ADHD

According to a new study that links omega-3 and ADHD, there may be a more natural way to improve attention in children with ADHD. The joint study was conducted by researchers at King’s College London and China Medical University in Taiwan. It focused on studying the effects omega-3 fatty acids found in fish may have on children suffering from ADHD. The researchers recruited 92 subjects for the study, aged six to 18 and all suffering from ADHD.

The participants in the study were divided into two groups for the 12-week study. During that time frame, the subjects in one group received regular, high doses of omega-3 supplements. The youths in the second group were given a placebo. Those children receiving the omega-3 supplement showed improved attention and vigilance once the omega-3 levels in their blood increased. However, the research also found that too much omega-3 in the blood caused more severe instances of impulsive behavior. This suggests that the best use of the data would be in closely monitoring an ADHD child’s omega-3 intake to ensure they receive a moderate level of the fatty acid.

Fatty acids are important in that they serve a number of functions in the body. They help create cell membranes, produce eicosanoids (signaling molecules) and help the body produce more energy. People with a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids are at a greater risk of developing ADHD, so these levels should be monitored in children who seem to be hyperactive.

What is Omega-3 and How Can You Add it to Your Diet?

Omega-3 fatty acids are most commonly found in fish oils, along with vitamins A and D. Although research on the benefits of omega-3 is varied, it has been commonly found that it does help to improve heart health. The two most common forms of omega-3 are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA is common in fish because it’s derived from the algae that makes up their diets. This particular type of omega-3 is beneficial in creating the compounds necessary to combat inflammation and unwanted blood clotting. DHA helps promote healthy sperm production, while also benefiting the retina of the eye. It also helps protect the cerebral cortex.

Some medical conditions that omega-3 fatty acids may benefit include:

multiple sclerosis
prostate cancer
post-partum depression
heart health
Alzheimer’s disease
healthy vision
epilepsy
fetal growth

Natural Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The best source of omega-3 fatty acids are oily, wild-caught fish, particularly white fish. Just a few of the fish that are high in omega-3 content include salmon, trout, anchovies, sardines, mackerel and herring.

Here are more ways to add omega-3 to your diet:

Dietary Supplements

If you’re concerned that you’re not getting enough omega-3’s through your dietary choices, you can take a high-quality supplement. This can ensure you’re getting access to omega-3’s even on days when you may not eat fish.

Eggs

While all eggs do contain omega-3 to some degree, certain types of eggs have a larger content of this fatty acid than others. Usually, those with higher omega-3 content will say so on the packaging, or it will be written directly on the shell.

Vegan-Friendly Choices

While fish and eggs are the top choices, vegans can get this beneficial compound without violating their dietary choices. Some vegetable-based options include flax seed, hemp seed, walnuts, chia seeds, fresh basil and spinach.

FDA Approves New Fish Oil Drug to Protect Against Heart Disease

Dec 30 by Ewcopywriting

Because heart disease is such a common cause of death, claiming a life every 37 seconds, finding more effective treatments is a primary concern in the medical community. New research has led to the discovery that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may serve as an effective supplemental treatment for reducing the risks of developing cardiovascular disease by lowering the levels of triglycerides, or fat cells, in the blood. As a result of this research, a new fish oil drug which works by keeping triglyceride levels in check was recently approved by the FDA as an adjunct treatment for heart disease. In approving the new fish oil drug, the FDA specified that it is especially effective in adults with elevated triglycerides, or levels reaching more than 150 milligrams per deciliter.

FDA Approves Fish Oil Drug to Help Reduce Heart Disease Risk

The new fish oil drug, called Vascepa, contains a potent omega-3 fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). While this compound is naturally found in fish oil, the FDA advises that for maximum effectiveness it should only be prescribed to patients with exceptionally high triglyceride levels and that it should be used along with other treatments designed to lower the risk of a cardiovascular event. Additionally, it is cautioned that patients keep a close eye on their cholesterol levels while taking Vascepa.

Although the exact mechanism by which the drug works to lower triglyceride levels is unknown, in-depth research has concluded that it is effective. When taken as a part of an overall treatment plan, the fish oil-based drug lowers the amount of triglycerides in the blood, which reduces the risk of fat cell build-up. As more fat cells populate the blood supply, the arteries stiffen and become narrower, inhibiting the flow of blood. As a result, the risk of a heart attack or stroke is increased. By keeping the triglycerides low, Vascepa reduces the risks that this chain of events will occur.

In a recent clinical trial, researchers selected a group of 8,179 adults, aged 45 or older. Each subject exhibited previous heart, cardiovascular or metabolic problems. The subjects chosen for the trial also had additional risks for cardiovascular disease. Those subjects given the drug were found to exhibit a lower risk of suffering from a cardiovascular event than those who did not take the drug. While cardiovascular problems were reduced by 33 percent for those who took the drug, it was also found that people with a history of atrial fibrillation were at a greater risk of suffering from those events. Also, it was noted that those who suffer from fish or shellfish allergies should take the drug only under the close supervision of their doctors.

The Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The heart isn’t the only organ that benefits from a regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids. In fact,omega-3’s have such a strong effect on the brain and nervous system that they can be used to impact the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. In other studies, a low-fat diet that relies on oily fish has been shown to be effective in lowering the risks of developing colon cancer and prostate cancer.

Consuming more omega-3-rich foods can also reverse the onset of post-partum depression, according to a separate study. The researchers involved in that project recommend eating fish rich in omega-3 oils at least twice per week. Additionally, the proteins and minerals found in fish can be beneficial to our health.

There are a number of cognitive and emotional health benefits that can come from an increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids. A study involving children found that consuming more fish per week improved behavioral problems associated with ADHD. In a separate research project, it was found that memory recall was improved in young adults, although the researchers could not verify that the omega-3 exposure would help prevent cognitive decline in later years. Regular consumption of omega-3-rich foods may also reduce the risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease, lower the frequency of epileptic seizures, prevent age-related vision loss and may reduce the risk of psychosis.

What Are the Best Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

If you’re not a big fish eater, getting omega-3 fatty acids through vitamin supplements is a convenient alternative. While taking a supplement in addition to eating a healthy supply of fish didn’t seem to increase the benefits to cardiovascular health, cancer risks and other medical conditions, choosing one or the other did provide those benefits. In either case, adding more omega-3 to your diet won’t completely eliminate these health risks, but it will reduce them.

Other than taking a fish oil supplement or eating more oily fish, there are other natural ways to get more omega-3’s. The compound is also found in flax, hempseed, perilla oil, chia seeds and spirulina. Although dark, leafy green vegetables, including fresh basil, also have omega-3 fatty acids, the content is lower than it is in fresh wild-caught oily fish. To obtain the highest concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, eat more sardines, herring, anchovies, trout, mackerel and salmon. To gain the maximum health benefits, two to three servings per week are recommended.

While eating more seafood is beneficial, the type of seafood you eat must be taken into account. Larger fish, such as king mackerel, shark, tilefish or swordfish, will have larger concentrations of mercury, so children and pregnant women should be especially wary of eating them. To obtain a good supply of healthy fish oil without increasing mercury exposure, stick with canned light tuna, catfish, pollock and salmon.

The Truth About Tryptophan: Why Your Turkey Isn’t Making You Tired

Nov 27 by Ewcopywriting

Tryptophan, a compound found in turkey, is often erroneously blamed for that sleepy feeling you get after eating a big Thanksgiving meal. It may surprise you to learn that while tryptophan does start off a chain of reactions that results in the release of melatonin, the “sleep hormone,” there is actually less tryptophan in turkey than in many other commonly consumed foods. Even chicken, which many of us eat regularly throughout the year, contains higher levels of tryptophan than turkey. As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s especially important to understand the truth about tryptophan.

The Truth About Tryptophan and Human Health

Because tryptophan is found in a number of foods we eat all year long, it can’t be said that eating turkey is any more likely to cause sleepiness than eating other foods. On holidays like Thanksgiving, in all likelihood it’s the high amount of fats, sugar and carbs in the meal that are zapping your energy — not the turkey. Even so, the tryptophan in turkey does play an important role in human health, and eating turkey on Thanksgiving can benefit you in a few different ways.

Tryptophan is an amino acid that triggers the production of serotonin, a mood-elevating hormone. Research has found that not getting enough tryptophan in your diet can actually cause a serotonin deficiency. While serotonin does help the body produce more melatonin, as mentioned above, it primarily benefits the mind and body in other ways. If you’re prone to the holiday blues, eating turkey leftovers in the coming weeks could help you feel more like yourself. As a mood-boosting hormone, serotonin gives you that feel-good vibe that you experience when doing something enjoyable. Since it helps you feel better, it makes sense that serotonin can help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety. In fact, many people now refer to serotonin as a natural antidepressant.

Other than depression and anxiety, serotonin also influences many other health conditions. For instance, a serotonin deficiency can cause short-term and long-term memory problems. Conversely, people who eat more foods rich in serotonin-fostering tryptophan experience greater memory recall. Tryptophan has also been found to be effective in helping children with ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, by boosting the level of serotonin in the brain. Children suffering from ADHD have been found to have a significantly lower level of tryptophan in the brain, exhibiting less than half the amount found in healthy children’s brains.

Since getting enough tryptophan results in higher serotonin levels, research has determined that it can be effective in helping relieve PMS symptoms in women. Serotonin works to stabilize the mood and reduce feelings of irritability. Women who experience more severe mood-related PMS symptoms can increase their serotonin production by taking a supplement that contains tryptophan.

Tryptophan: One Reason Vegans Shouldn’t Skip the Turkey

When it comes to serotonin deficiency, it may seem that simply eating more foods that provide the body with serotonin is the answer, especially for vegans or vegetarians. Since serotonin is commonly found in many plant-based foods, it’s easy to assume that eating these foods will help your body benefit from the increased levels of serotonin without forcing you to give up your lifestyle. Some examples of serotonin-rich natural foods include bananas, cherries, eggplant, grapes, potatoes and tomatoes.

While there are many more natural foods that provide serotonin, eating these foods actually won’t increase serotonin levels in your brain. This is because serotonin is unable to cross the blood-brain barrier once ingested, so it will never make it to the parts of the brain that need the hormone. The truth about tryptophan is that it’s vital for the production of serotonin, since it is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Once there, it begins contributing to the production of serotonin. Therefore, to ensure adequate serotonin levels in the brain, it’s necessary to eat foods that are rich in tryptophan, such as most types of meat.

In addition to red meat, tryptophan can be found in seafood and poultry of all kinds. Other foods containing adequate amounts of tryptophan include:

cheese
chickpeas
eggs
nuts
aats
seeds
soy

In striving to eat tryptophan-rich foods, it can be tempting to adopt a high-protein diet, can defeat the purpose of altering your diet in the first place. As you eat more protein-rich foods, you’re introducing other types of amino acids into your blood stream, all of which compete for transportation to the brain. In this situation, you won’t necessarily experience a boost in serotonin levels even though you’re eating more tryptophan-rich foods. If you’re consuming more tryptophan and wondering why you haven’t experienced a change in your emotional state, you may be experiencing this problem.

To correct the problem, take a look at your diet and try to increase your intake of tryptophan-rich foods without adding more protein to your diet. The best foods for vegans and vegetarians to consume are spinach, asparagus, soybeans, peanuts, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds. Along with Swiss, Parmesan and cottage cheeses, these foods are rich in tryptophan, so they can help increase the production of serotonin without forcing you to make undesired dietary choices. Supplements like Tryptochron provide both tryptophan and 5-HTP, which are both compounds used by the brain to produce more serotonin. Tryptochron also contains certain B vitamins which are vital for the process of converting tryptophan into serotonin.

In addition to sticking to a healthier diet, you may want to increase your level of physical activity and incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily routine. Stress and anxiety can inhibit the way tryptophan is processed in the body, so more exercise, yoga, meditation and other similar practices can help your body transform tryptophan into serotonin more efficiently.

The Best Time of Day to Take Nutrients for Cognitive Health

Nov 14 by Ewcopywriting

As people age, it’s normal to experience a natural decline in cognitive ability. This is why seniors can tend to be more forgetful, less patient and exhibit a decline in critical thinking abilities. However, some seniors experience more severe cognitive degeneration as a result of a condition known as dementia. Dementia involves a more rapid decline of mental functioning that can cause the individual to exhibit severe memory loss, an inability to perform complex tasks and changes in social behaviors. There are several factors that may increase the risk of more serious cognitive decline as you age. Consuming an unhealthy diet and lack of physical and mental activity are just a few. In addition to adhering to a healthy diet and getting enough physical activity, taking dietary supplements at the right time of day can make a big impact on your future cognitive health. Knowing the nutrients for cognitive health and taking the right supplement at the right time of day can help protect against mental decline.

Which Nutrients for Cognitive Health Should Be Taken During the Day?

Each person’s bodily functions are controlled by a biological clock called the circadian rhythm, which mandates how the brain regulates certain processes. In part, this means that certain nutrients are more important to the body at specific times of the day, and that taking these nutrients at those designated times will help the brain and body function more efficiently. Here is a short list of nutrients for cognitive health that should be taken in the morning or early afternoon hours.

Vinpocetin

Derived from myrtle seeds, this powerful nutrient acts as an antioxidant. As such, it supports healthy blood circulation, ensuring optimal levels of oxygen are delivered to the brain. It also helps improve the brain’s metabolic rate, so it can better communicate with the central nervous system to regulate various bodily functions more effectively.

Inositol

This is a carbohydrate used by the brain to deliver messages to the cells. Primarily, it helps regulate the level of neurotransmitters sent to a cell and manages the way the cells process insulin. As a result, increasing inositol levels in the brain can help soothe the symptoms of anxiety and may help support healthy blood glucose levels.

Choline

Research has found that choline is necessary to cardiovascular health in that it supports healthy blood pressure, affects lipid levels and lowers the risks of plasma homocysteine. In terms of cognitive health, higher levels of choline can help the brain produce phosphatidylcholine, a compound found to slow the rate at which dementia progresses.

DMAE

Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) is essential for the processing of choline in the brain. Without a sufficient supply of this compound, the brain cannot synthesize the neurotransmitters produced by choline, and that can lead to increased cognitive dysfunctions.

Huperzine A

Derived from Chinese club moss, Huperzine A helps boost the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. Researchers are hopeful that this substance may one day become the basis for an Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

NADH

Since NADH is a metabolite, it improves energy levels in the brain and can positively impact memory recall, alertness, mental clarity and concentration. This compound has been eyed as showing promise in relation to a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer’s and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin E

The mitochondria is the engine that powers each cell and these compounds are responsible for keeping the mitochondria functioning. Without coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E, the cells would stop producing the energy they need to thrive. Unfortunately, the body reduces the production of these vital nutrients as we age, so a supplement may be necessary.

What Nutrients for Cognitive Health Should You Take at Night?

Just as specific nutrients are best taken during the day, there are some nutrients for cognitive health that should be taken in the evening hours. By taking a supplement that contains these ingredients prior to going to bed, you’ll ensure your brain will make better use of them. This can help support healthy cognitive functioning as you sleep.

B Vitamins

Specifically, vitamins B1 and B2 are essential to the functioning of cells in the brain because they support oxygen-rich blood circulation to the brain. They also help improve overall cell functioning, which is important for protecting memory and concentration.

Folic Acid

This compound is essential in that it protects cellular health and reduces the risks of developing anemia. In the brain, it helps in the production of new cells and protects cells from damage, which makes it important for slowing the progression of cognitive decline.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

A common ingredient in many supplements, Acetyl-L-carnitine helps to balance mood, improves memory recall and makes learning easier. It has also been shown to help the body burn more fat and promotes lean muscle growth.

Phosphatidyl Serine

The neurotransmitters that allow our cells to communicate rely on Phosphatidyl serine. Research has found that, as Phosphatidyl serine production declines with age, it causes memory and critical thinking to become inhibited as we age.

Panax Ginseng

As an antioxidant, Panax ginseng protects the cells from damage caused by free radicals. It can also improve the functioning of brain receptors, strengthening concentration, memory and critical thinking. Studies have found that the effects of Panax ginseng are temporary, meaning you must keep taking a supplement to continue enjoying this compound’s benefits.

While the brain does produce many of these nutrients naturally, there’s a decline in their production as people reach their senior years. As there are fewer of these compounds in the brain, the symptoms of cognitive decline become more evident. Taking a supplement that contains these nutrients consistently can help ensure you don’t experience a deficiency that could harm your cognitive health.

The Best Time to Take Omega-3 for Optimum Effectiveness

Sep 19 by Ewcopywriting

Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids is one of the most salient health trends of the past decade. Physicians are increasingly recommending these oily supplements for a variety of purposes, from helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels within normal ranges to combating the physical effects of aging. But when is the best time to take omega-3 supplements?

Most people who take these supplements believe that they can be taken at any time of day without a dramatic difference in effect. A new study suggests that this may not be the case. Could the time of day that you take your omega-3 supplement make a dramatic difference in its effects?

Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements

It is almost impossible to read the latest health news without learning about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. These oils, which are found naturally in fish, flaxseed and a variety of other sources, have been found in studies to have a variety of health benefits. These include:

• reducing the chances of having a heart attack or other life-threatening cardiac event
• protecting cellular health, particularly in the breasts, lungs, colon and prostate
• helping to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and other blood lipids that increase cardiac risk
• treating metabolic syndrome, including type 2 diabetes
• protecting against insulin resistance and helping to maintain healthy blood glucose levels
• preserving healthy vision while reducing the risk of blindness and other vision loss
• encouraging brain growth and development both in pregnancy and in the first several years of life
• protecting against inflammation, especially long-term inflammation that can lead to tissue damage
• promoting optimal mental health and mood and soothing anxiety
• reducing the effects of ADHD in children and adults with this disorder
• offering benefits in cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia

It is clear that taking an omega-3 supplement can have many physical and mental benefits. However, we are still learning how to maximize these effects.

When is the Best Time to Take Omega-3 Supplements?

According to new research, taking omega-3 fatty acids at certain times of day may increase their proven health benefits. For most health concerns, the best time to take omega-3 is at night. Taking these supplements at night will maximize their effects on inflammation, pain and cardiovascular health because night is when these pathways are most active. If you are taking a supplement for arthritic pain or to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels within normal ranges, night time is the period when your omega-3 supplement will produce optimal effects.

In addition, taking these supplements at night may minimize their side effects. “Fishy burps” and a fishy taste in the mouth are the two most complained-about side effects of these supplements. Many find that they do not notice these symptoms when they take the supplements just before retiring to bed in the evening.

For most people, taking omega-3 fatty acids at night will have the most beneficial effects on health with the fewest side effects. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Omega-3 fatty acids are absorbed best when eaten with other high-fat foods. If your fattiest meal is not in the evening, you may want to take your supplements at another time to increase the proportion that is absorbed.

The Circadian Rhythm and Medications

Omega-3 fatty acids are not the only supplements or medications for which timing can make a difference. Research has found that taking other medications and supplements at certain times of the day can increase their health benefits while reducing side effects and other unwanted factors.

For example, blood pressure medications usually work best when they are taken at night, just before bedtime. Studies have found that people who take this type of medication in the evening have a one-third lower risk of having heart attacks and strokes compared to patients who take their medications in the morning. Medications for heartburn similarly appear to work much more effectively when taken in the evening.

Part of this phenomenon is due to the circadian rhythm of disease. Every disease, and even every organ in the body, has a time of day when there is more risk. Heart attacks and strokes, for example, are more likely to occur in the early morning hours when cortisol is high. Taking medications several hours before this time ensures that there will be plenty of active ingredient in your bloodstream at the time when your body is most vulnerable.

Is an Omega-3 Supplement Right for You?

An omega-3 fatty acid supplement is not right for everyone; there are certain people who should talk to their doctor about whether this oily pill should have a permanent place in their medicine cabinet. If you do not regularly eat fatty fish or high omega-3 plant oils, you may want to consider taking a supplement. This essential fatty acid is simply too essential to completely do without.

In addition, you should consider taking an omega-3 supplement if you are concerned about any of the health concerns omega-3 can benefit. People who suffer from osteoarthritis or heart disease, for example, should talk to their doctors about whether this supplement is right for them.

The Western diet is low in fish oils and other healthy fats. However, the science is clear: People need omega-3 oils to thrive. Because they are extremely safe and have few possible side effects, adding one of these supplements to your regimen (and taking it at night!) will likely be a net positive for your well-being.

Can Serotonin Deficiency Cause Unexplained Pain?

Aug 02 by Ewcopywriting

Chronic pain is one of the greatest medical challenges of our times. Pain disorders are becoming increasingly common, yet we have few remedies — particularly in cases where we cannot identify the cause of the pain. Although pain killers can help for a short time, these medications are addictive and can have negative or even deadly side effects. According to the latest research, a serotonin deficiency may play a role in some types of unexplained pain. Could a boost in this hormone help to treat common pain conditions?

Serotonin: The Hormone for Happiness, Energy and More

Serotonin is a well-known hormone that has become famous for its role in happiness and feelings of well-being. Scientifically known as 5-HT, this biochemical also has a variety of lesser-known jobs in the human body. Serotonin contributes to our circadian rhythms, helping to sustain our sleep-wake cycles. It also helps to regulate our appetite and digestion, with a the majority of our serotonin receptors present in the gut.

Low levels of serotonin can have devastating effects. People with low serotonin can notice a change in mood, often slipping into a depression. They may struggle to sleep even while feeling tired much of the time. Serotonin also appears to play a less-understood role in nausea, migraines and obesity. According to a new study, low serotonin may also be a major factor in chronic pain.

Could Serotonin Deficiency Cause Pain?

A growing number of people suffer from chronic pain that has no perceivable cause. Researchers and doctors use the terms “heightened somatic awareness,” “functional pain disorder,” “fibromyalgia,” and even give psychiatric labels to diagnose this unexplained pain. People who suffer from these disorders are often told that the problem is all in their heads. This can add immense insult to injury when a patient is living with debilitating headaches, muscle pain, joint pain and digestive issues.

A team of researchers at McGill University may have found the cause of these unpleasant symptoms. They looked at 3,200 people with chronic pain of the temporomandibular joint, or jaw, over seven years. In addition to tracking symptoms and doing extensive medical tests, the research participants underwent detailed genetic testing.

Researchers found that a particular gene mutation was linked to chronic pain of the jaw. The gene involved controls the production of serotonin, so that people with the mutation have lower levels of this hormone and neurotransmitter. People who did not have the gene mutation, on the other hand, did not experience the same level of unexplained chronic pain.

Serotonin is known to play a role, albeit a little-understood one, in the management of pain in the human body. Although more research will be needed to determine whether this particular gene mutation correlates with other pain disorders, this study offers one possible reason for unexplained pain syndromes.

Challenges in Supplementing Serotonin

If a deficiency of serotonin is the cause of certain types of pain, then supplementing this hormone appears to be an easy answer. However, serotonin has special qualities that make effective supplementation a challenge. Serotonin is a large molecule that cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, which means that it can be difficult to increase levels of this hormone in the area where it matters most. Several studies suggest that a common antidepressant medication class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, may help with pain by reducing the breakdown of this hormone. However, these drugs can have side effects and interactions that are a significant drawback.

Several studies suggest that taking supplements containing fast-release 5-HTP and slow-release tryptophan can increase brain levels of serotonin. These two compounds are the building blocks of serotonin, so taking increased amounts can increase levels of the hormone. Because they are converted to serotonin at different rates, this unique formulation of fast- and slow-release precursors has been shown to have special benefits for people with mild and moderate depression.

Taking this unique formulation has also been helpful in an increasingly common syndrome known as “burnout syndrome.” In this syndrome, people who are under stress for a long period of time run out of precursors for serotonin and suffer the effects of a resulting deficiency of serotonin. Taking the formulation described above can reduce the symptoms of this disorder and help people to reclaim their happiness.

More research will be needed to determine how these precursors can help chronic pain syndromes. However, there is good evidence that they raise serotonin levels in the brain and offer a potential treatment for other disorders associated with a deficiency of serotonin.

Natural Ways to Increase Serotonin Levels

Treating chronic pain naturally can be an immense challenge when the exact cause of the pain is not known. However, we now have a potential cause: lack of serotonin. Lifestyle measures are incredibly important in managing pain. Be sure to eat healthy food, drink plenty of water and keep a stable sleep cycle. Supplements such as the ones described here also may have an effect. Although chronic pain can be frustrating and debilitating, there are natural ways to reclaim your life and your happiness.