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5-HTP increases bowel secretions and peristalsis

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/17/2011 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
Serotonin, Tryptophan, 5-HTP supplements should be avoided.

Increasing serotonin activity in the enteric nervous system produces increased bowel secretions and peristalsis (and potentially diarrhea), whereas depressing serotonin activity produces reduced secretions and reduce peristalsis (and potentially constipation). Increasing serotonin activity in the brain would increase awareness and, in higher doses, produce anxiety, insomnia and restlessness." A precursor to serotonin is Tryptophan

More GI Symptoms, Less Anxiety With Tryptophan Supplementation in IBS

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Dec 21 - Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have an increase in gastrointestinal symptoms after ingestion of a large dose of tryptophan, according to a new study. At the same time, they report having fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression.

www.medscape.com/viewarticle/528890_1
Posted 7/17/2011 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmm, so we can either take serotonin and be less depressed/anxious but have worse IBD symptoms or we can be anxious/depressed with fewer IBD symptoms. Talk about a rock and a hard place.

Seriously though I don't take any of those supplements (and will steer clear).
Posted 7/18/2011 5:07 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah and that is so ironic. I feel very relaxed sudden noises do not bother me I doze off quickly - yet my UC is slipping so even the enteric coated pills are no good for UC.
Posted 7/18/2011 9:12 AM (GMT 0)
I used to take 5-htp a while ago, like 8 months ago maybe? not sure if it flared me up though.

It's pretty annoying cause theres so many things out there that get listed as possibly causing a flare etc... at this rate we won't be able to eat or drink anything lol.
Posted 7/18/2011 7:21 PM (GMT 0)

tank89 said...
I used to take 5-htp a while ago, like 8 months ago maybe? not sure if it flared me up though.

It's pretty annoying cause theres so many things out there that get listed as possibly causing a flare etc... at this rate we won't be able to eat or drink anything lol.

This one goes straight to the heart of the matter for me - peristalsis waves. I took mebeverine with it because it slows those waves, would like to cancel the gut effect while still enjoying the brain effect.

But it was sending me right into a flare, started getting the kind of urgency you have trouble controlling.

Today is normal.
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