Tim (Perth, Western Australia) on 03/13/2009
About 2 years ago someone put me on to 5 Hydroxy Tryptophan or 5-HTP as a precursor to serotonin production and I decided to give it a try (the potential for weight loss was an added incentive) and I found the results somewhat hit and miss until after some research and experimentation I hit on the combination of 5-HTP (100mg) combined with Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate (15mg) (the active enzyme version of vitamin B6 and assists in the conversion of the 5-HTP to serotonin) taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (I avoid eating for at least half an hour). The theory from my research into taking it on an empty stomach is that this avoids the 5-htp metabolising into serotonin in the stomach before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Further, I have found that the active version of B6 is more effective than the common variety version (pyridoxine) because I think I struggle to metabolise the pyridoxine variety into the active enzyme and therefore have a natural B6 deficiency (probably why I don't produce enough serotonin).
I haven't had a bout of depression for over 12 months now despite the fact that I have experienced (as many others have over the past 4 months) the most stressful and extreme anxiety creating environment of my professional life.
Bertha (Phoenix) on 04/23/2006
Magnesium is essential because it acidifies the urine and in acid urine stones cannot be formed.
Vit B6 prevents the formation of oxalic acid kidney stones and calcium has to be present in the diet because if calcium is lacking in the diet, the body will withdraw it from the bones and form the stones just the same.
As magnesium interacts with calcium, if both minerals are taken in the right proportions (300 mgs of magnesium per 1 gram of calcium) kidney stones are not formed and/or can be dissolved. This is what has kept me free from stones for the last 20 years. As soon as I FEEL there's grit in my kidney, I increase my intake of magnesium and problem is gone in 24 hours.
Shirley (Tenn) on 03/01/2004
Peter (Chicago, IL) on 09/21/2009
Penelope (Boston, Ma) on 10/24/2009
Both vitamin B6 and L-Glutathione are potent detoxifiers of the liver so go up to the dose you need VERY slowly! If you break out initially, bear with it - this is just a detox/cleansing reaction.
Try opening a capsule of vitamin B6 (P5P) and take a third of it - or half of it - and see how you do Same goes with the L-Glutathione pills or powder . You can take the same dosage up to 3 times a day. Definitely take the B6 with food because it can make you nauseous. Also, the B6 (P5P) could keep you up by giving you energy if you take it late at night.
Topically, Jojoba oil is great for acne. It moisturizes without clogging pores. I wear it all over my face and neck at night. It is the only moisturizer that does not break me out!
I have suffered with severe cystic acne and was on 3 courses of Accutane so I know what it's like to suffer with acne. With either of these supplements, thankfully I don't have to suffer anymore. I hope this info helps anyone out there who is struggling with acne.
Rawan (Abu Dhabi, Uae) on 11/16/2009
