5-HTP
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a compound produced by the body from tryptophan. It is naturally found in many foods and most commonly extracted from the seeds of the Griffonia plant.
In Europe, 5-HTP has been used for decades as an approved treatment for depression, sleep problems, and other medical complaints. It is now starting to be used in the USA.
Clinical trials show that 5-HTP is a safe, natural way to boost the brain serotonin levels. Use of 5-HTP has been shown to produce results equal to or better than those of standard synthetic drugs used in the problems arising from serotonin deficiency syndrome.
Some evidence exists to suggest that taking 5-HTP may help some people with narcolepsy. In one study, a dose of 600 mg was found to have no effect on the number of sleep attacks. However, it reduced the amount of time narcoleptics spent asleep during a daytime attack. More importantly, it lengthened the amount of time they slept at night.
Diet Restriction
Narcolepsy may be the result of food intolerances. There have been some documented cases in which persons who suffered from narcolepsy were cured by eliminating allergenic foods from the diet. One person, for instance, was found to have an allergy to potatoes. When he removed potatoes from his diet, he no longer experienced the symptoms.
To determine if you are allergic to any food and if that is causing narcolepsy, start restricting your diet to single foods. If that prevents the reoccurrence of narcolepsy, then one can reasonably conclude that the particular food item is "safe to use." Now add another food. Ultimately you will discover the offending food, and that should be avoided. The most common foods that people are sensitive to are dairy products, wheat, corn, and chocolate.
Eat a low-fat diet high in cleansing foods such as leafy green vegetables and sea vegetables. Also eat foods high in the B vitamins, such as brewer's yeast and brown rice.
Include in the diet foods rich in the amino acid tyrosine. Good choices include eggs, oats, poultry, and wheat germ.
Caution: If you are taking an MAO inhibitor drug, avoid foods containing tyrosine, as drug and dietary interactions can cause a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure.
Eat foods high in protein (meats, poultry, cheese, nuts, seeds, and soy products) in the middle of the day, and save the complex carbohydrates (fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, natural whole grains, and pasta) for the evening meal. High-protein foods increase alertness, whereas carbohydrates have a calming effect and can promote sleepiness.
Avoid alcohol and sugar. They may seem stimulating initially, but will only make you tired later.
Discuss food and medicine limitations thoroughly with your health care provider or a qualified dietitian.
Listed below are nutrients that are believed to be important in the case of narcolepsy. You can get them through your food or through taking supplements.