There’s no doubt that anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues facing people today. And while there are many different supplements out there that claim to help with anxiety, one popular option is actually causing problems for some people – specifically, when they go to the bathroom.
If you’re taking an anxiety supplement called 5-HTP, you may want to be aware of this potential issue. 5-HTP is a popular supplement that is derived from the amino acid tryptophan. It’s often used to help with anxiety, depression, and even weight loss.
However, 5-HTP can cause a condition called serotonin syndrome when it’s taken in high doses. And one of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome is diarrhea.
So, if you’re taking 5-HTP and you’re having issues with diarrhea, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They may recommend that you switch to a different anxiety supplement. There are many different options out there, so you’re sure to find one that works for you.
If you are one of the many people taking an anxiety supplement, you may want to be aware of a possible side effect- going to the bathroom more frequently.
“Anxiety is a very common condition, but one that can be frustrating to live with. Many people turn to supplements to help ease their anxiety, but a new study has found that one of these supplements may have an unwanted side effect,” says Dr. Christopher S. Hollingsworth, an Emergency Physician at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian/Lower Manhattan Hospital.
The study, which was published in the journal Gut, found that L-theanine, an amino acid commonly found in green tea, may increase the frequency of bowel movements.
While this may not be a major issue for some people, for others, it can be quite bothersome. “If you are struggling with anxiety, you may want to speak with your physician about alternative supplements that can help ease your symptoms without causing issues on the toilet,” Dr. Hollingsworth says.
