Introduction
Research is continually being conducted to improve synthetic medications that will help relieve symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome such as depression.

Research is also being conducted to determine if there is a more natural and healthier way to assist patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Several breakthroughs in this research have been uncovered.

One such breakthrough is 5 Hydroxy Tryphophan, known more commonly as 5-HTP. This nutritional supplement has the ability to relieve certain symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome such as depression and sleep disorders.

How 5-HTP Affects the Body
5-HTP is a well-known nutritional supplement with a reputation for elevating Serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain primarily known for its mood elevating properties and relieving depression. When levels of Serotonin drop the person typically undergoes depression and lethargy.

Doctors normally prescribe a form of SRI (Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor) medication such as Prozac or Zoloft to correct these low Serotonin levels and fight depression. When a person is suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, one main side effect is depression. For this reason 5-HTP may be a great substitute for relieving depression in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients.

Conditions in addition to depression that are associated with low Serotonin levels that can be treated using 5-HTP include sleep problems, anxiety, compulsive disorders (and eating disorders), restless leg syndrome, migraines, Fibromyalgia and low pain threshold.

Because those who suffer from one of these illnesses often have other symptoms (such as depression and sleep disorders, or depression and anxiety) the illness is sometimes called "Low Serotonin Syndrome". 5-HTP helps to raise the Serotonin levels in the body and relieve these symptoms.

5-HTP for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Depression is one significant symptom of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Because of the effect 5-HTP has on Serotonin levels in the brain, it is potentially an excellent supplement for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers.

When a person is suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome they find it difficult to lift themselves out of a low mood. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome itself causes wariness. If not treated properly depression usually follows.

5-HTP is one choice in natural supplements that not only has a proven record for relieving depression, but also has very few reported side effects.

Is 5-HTP Safe?
Several studies have been conducted for the use of 5-HTP to determine its safety. As of now there are no known contaminants in 5-HTP, but it is wise to use caution when taking the supplement: it should never be taken in high doses.

Michael Murray, a naturopathic physician at Bastyr University in Seattle and the author of a book on 5-HTP, states that 5-HTP is "good medicine" and that he has been using the supplement successfully to treat hundreds of patients.

Another physician, Dr. David Edelberg of American Whole Health, agrees that 5-HTP is a great natural medicine for such conditions as depression. Many patients in his Chicago clinic have benefited from its use. Dr. Edelberg even sometimes combines 5-HTP with St. John's Wort to treat depression and Fibromyalgia.

5-HTP is a well-known "miracle" supplement for relieving a variety of symptoms and has a good reputation. 5-HTP is a safe and effective way to combat illnesses without synthetic medications.

However, caution needs to be taken before utilising any medicinal products, especially for depression since they affect chemicals in the brain, but if 5-HTP is right for you, it has the ability to bring relief to the affects of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Consult Your Physician
With any natural supplement you are considering, it is important to consult your doctor first. It is never wise to combine medication prescribed for depression with herbal supplements targeting depression. A reverse or worse effect is possible.

It is also not wise to stop taking antidepressant medications without first consulting your physician, this includes natural supplements.

Find a physician who is open minded to holistic medicine. If your physician is not willing to try natural medicine then you may be forced to take synthetic medications without being able to give alternative options a chance.

Having a physician who is willing to try complementary medicine or even supplement synthetic medication with natural remedies will raise your chances of healing from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and depression significantly.

Conclusion
Is it true that a natural supplement such as 5-HTP can have a powerful effect on the body while relieving depression and other Serotonin related illnesses? Yes!
Fortunately there are natural approaches to such conditions.

5-HTP is one well-known and widely used medicine for depression, anxiety, sleep problems, compulsive conditions and Fibromyalgia - with very few side effects. It has been used successfully for many years to treat these conditions with positive results.

If you are suffering from one of these conditions or are experiencing symptoms of depression because of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, then 5-HTP may be the right choice for you.