Expert: Glen Aukerman, M.D. - 6/21/2010

Question
I recently began taking something called “HTP Calm” by Natural Balance (5-HTP, 50 mg from Griffonia Simplicifolia seed Extract; Vitamin B-6, 20 mg; passion flower, Gotu Kola, Kava Kava,; St. John’s Wort, 300 mg).  I take 2 of these pills 2ce a day and I’m feeling better than I’ve ever felt before.  I was on Wellbutrin for a year or so but I like this product better, mainly ‘cause it’s natural.  My symptoms were fears, anxiety, negative thoughts, and worry that seemed to have no real basis.  However, I’ve been told that these substances should not be taken long-term, and that a person builds up a tolerance to them rather quickly so it’s necessary to constantly increase the dosage.  Is this true, and if so, is that a problem?

My blood pressure has always been low and I’m otherwise healthy.  I’m a 53-year-old female, height/weight proportionate.

Thanks much.

Answer
Not so simple since your trying to block the ill effects of your diet and life style but taking an herb which can give cirrhosis and liver damage with eventual jaundice.

Fixing that is not so easy, so for jaundice or renal failure we improve those every day at our NutriGenomic center but it is not so simple as you are requesting a description of, see www.medicalcenter.osu.edu/go/integrative

It involves losing the seeds, nuts, flax, soy, and their products, plus avoiding the latex in bananas, avocados, figs, kiwi, celery and 8 other foods, plus avoiding poultry, farm fed fish and so much more, soon to be published in the book form called Looking for Answers, by Wooster Publishing company