The most authoritative and comprehensive guide to realizing the amazing health benefits of 5-HTP Written by one of America's leading naturopathic doctors, 5-HTP explains how this natural amino acid can safely and effectively regulate low serotonin levels, which have been linked to depression, obesity, insomnia, migraines, and anxiety. 5-HTP is also a powerful antioxidant that can protect the body from free-radical damage, reducing the risk of serious illnesses such as cancer. 5-HTP has already helped thousands, and Dr. Murray, citing extensive scientific studies and case histories, shows how this groundbreaking supplement can help you. "A clear and practical guide...I recommend it highly." --Christiane Northrup, M.D., author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom "Dr. Murray is...a champion of natural medicine who has much to teach psychiatry about relieving mental suffering." --Harold H. Bloomfield, M.D., bestselling author of Healing Anxiety with Herbs and Hypericum (St. John's Wort) and Depression "Explains why 5-HTP, a natural substance, is as powerful a treatment as the latest wonder drugs--and yet is so much safer it doesn't need a prescription! This is an important book that will bring blessed relief to many people." --Melvyn R. Werbach, M.D., author of Nutritional Influences on Mental Illness ; Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles "Again Dr. Murray is on target, this time teaching us the pertinent facts and the importance of serotonin and its precursor, 5-HTP.... An important book for all who desire a healthier, longer, and more fruitful life." --James F. Balch, Jr., M.D., author of The Super Antioxidants The most authoritative and comprehensive guide to realizing the amazing health benefits of 5-HTP Written by one of America's leading naturopathic doctors, 5-HTP explains how this natural amino acid can safely and effectively regulate low serotonin levels, which have been linked to depression, obesity, insomnia, migraines, and anxiety. 5-HTP is also a powerful antioxidant that can protect the body from free-radical damage, reducing the risk of serious illnesses such as cancer. 5-HTP has already helped thousands, and Dr. Murray, citing extensive scientific studies and case histories, shows how this groundbreaking supplement can help you. THE MOST AUTHORITATIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO REALIZING THE AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS OF 5-HTP Written by one of America's leading naturopathic doctors, 5-HTP explains how this natural amino acid can safely and effectively regulate low serotonin levels, which have been linked to depression, obesity, insomnia, migraines, and anxiety. 5-HTP is also a powerful antioxidant that can protect the body from free-radical damage, reducing the risk of serious illnesses such as cancer. 5-HTP has already helped thousands, and Dr. Murray, citing extensive scientific studies and case histories, shows how this groundbreaking supplement can help you. Michael Murray, N.D., is one of the world's leading authorities on natural medicine.  He serves on the faculty and board of trustees of Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington, and is a widely sought after consultant to the health-food industry.  He is the author of many books on natural medicine, including The Healing Power of Herbs, The Healing Power of Foods, Natural Alternatives to Over-the-Counter and Prescription Drugs, and is the co-author of A Textbook of Natural Medicine and the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Introduction Chances are that you, like millions of other Americans, are suffering from health problems that are a direct consequence of our stressed-out, modern way of living.  Many people today awaken in the morning feeling unrested after a night of fitful sleep.  They drag themselves through the day feeling moody, tired, achy.  Succumbing to their cravings for sugary, carbohydrate-laden foods, they put on pounds that only add to their body's burden.  They shuttle from doctor to doctor seeking pills that will lift them from their depression, help them control their weight, put a stop to their pounding headaches and the nagging aches in their muscles and joints, and finally get a good night's sleep. It may surprise you to learn that all of these serious, debilitating complaints can arise from a problem with a single, powerful chemical the body needs to function normally.  That chemical is serotonin. Serotonin is absolutely essential for your brain--and thus your body--to function properly.  Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that carries vital signals from one cell to the next.  Without adequate levels of serotonin, those signals cannot move at the proper speed or intensity.  What's more, serotonin acts as a kind of master control chemical.  The activities of many other important brain compounds--including those that govern your muscle movements, your state of alertness, your mental activity, even your ability to fall asleep--depen