Michael Murray, ND is one of the world's leading authorities on natural medicine, and among the more than 40 books he's written on the topic, this is the one we'll be focusing on today: 5-HTP: The Natural Way to Overcome Depression, Obesity, and Insomnia.

What you'll learn from this episode:

  • How depletion of serotonin and its precursor molecule, 5-HTP, might be the underlying common denominator that links depression, obesity, and insomnia.

  • What you can do to boost serotonin in your own brain for a myriad of different benefits, like overcoming sugar addiction and carb cravings to losing weight.

  • Ways night shift workers can counter the disruption to their circadian rhythms for optimal health.

  • What distinguishes a doctor of naturopathic medicine (ND) from a medical doctor (MD)?

  • Why 60 percent of the adult US population is either prediabetic or diabetic, and what we can do to make sure we're not part of that statistic.

  • And so much more!

My new book is out now!: The Genius Life: Heal Your Mind, Strengthen Your Body, and Become Extraordinary

This podcast is sponsored by my friends at iHerb, an awesome one-stop shop for whey protein, fish oil products, vitamin and mineral supplements, and other natural concoctions at an incredible value. Check them out at iHerb.com!

This podcast is also sponsored by the fine folks at Teton Waters Ranch, who are passionate about conservation, sustainable ranching, and the way of life of enlightened ranchers raising grass-fed beef around the world. Go to tetonwatersranch.com/max to check out all their good stuff!

This podcast is also sponsored by my friends at Navitas Organics, purveyors of superior superfoods, powders, and baking essentials—including some of my favorite cacao goods—with products that are certified fair trade, organic, gluten-free, kosher, non-GMO, and vegan. Visit Navitas Organics at navitasorganics.com/genius for 30 percent off your entire order!

Resources from this episode:

5-HTP: The Natural Way to Overcome Depression, Obesity, and Insomnia by Michael Murray, ND

Dr. Murray | Website

Dr. Murray | Instagram

Dr. Murray | Twitter

Dr. Murray | Facebook

What is a Naturopathic Doctor? | American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

The Institute for Functional Medicine

Jeffrey Bland, PhD | Twitter

Serotonin: Functions, Normal Range, Side Effects, and More | Healthline

Dopamine Effects on the Body, Plus Drug and Hormone Interactions | Healthline

Norepinephrine | Endocrine Society

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan): Benefits and Side Effects | Verywell Mind

What is Tryptophan? | Sleep.org

Cortisol | The Society for Endocrinology

Estrogen | Endocrine Society

Endorphins: Functions, Levels, and Natural Boosts | Healthline

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) | Mayo Clinic

Does Turkey Make You Sleepy? | Scientific American

Amino Acids | National Human Genome Research Institute

Insulin | Endocrine Society

Prediabetes: Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes | CDC

Mechanisms Linking Inflammation to Insulin Resistance | International Journal of Endocrinology

The Effects of Oral 5-Hydroxytryptophan Administration on Feeding Behavior in Obese Adult Female Subjects | Journal of Neural Transmission

Tyrosine: Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage | Healthline

The Sun and Your Mood: Why Sunlight Is So Good For You | Time

Melatonin and Sleep | Sleep Foundation

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Symptoms and Causes | Mayo Clinic

The Mysterious Benefits of Deep Sleep | Psychology Today

Sleep Disorder (Sedative-Hypnotic) Drug Information | FDA

5-HTP: Take It Right! | Health Points

5-HTP Safety Concerns | National Capital Poison Center

External Lights Affect Your Sleep | Sleep.org

Sleep-Wake Disorders | JAMA Network

6 Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders that May Be Disrupting Your Sleep | Alaska Sleep Clinic

Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12) Uses, Side Effects, & Warnings | Drugs.com

An Overview of the Pineal Gland: Maintaining Circadian Rhythym | Endocrine Web

Chemical Digestion and Absorption: A Closer Look | Anatomy and Physiology

What Is a Cytokine Storm? | Knowable Magazine

Could Melatonin Help Protect Against COVID-19? | Psychology Today

11 Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Your Body | Healthline

Health Articles by Dr. Murray | iHerb

Like the New Intro/Outro Music? Check out Aaron Tap's Website!

The Genius Life: Heal Your Mind, Strengthen Your Body, and Become Extraordinary by Max Lugavere

Genius Foods: Become Smarter, Happier, and More Productive While Protecting Your Brain for Life by Max Lugavere and Paul Grewal M.D.

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If you live in the US or Canada, you can now text me at (310) 299-9401 with any questions or feedback! I read them all and will respond to as many as I can!

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