Amino
Acids for Mood
by
Margaret Durst
The Green House
Previously
by Margaret Durst: Antioxidants
– What They Are and Why You Need Them!
Amino Acids are critical to the formation and functioning of neurotransmitters
which regulate the levels of our brain chemicals and are closely
linked with mood. What we eat has a tremendous effect on our levels
of neurotransmitters and therefore on our mood. Stress and nutritional
deficiencies alter our brain chemistries and are common precursors
to many illnesses and disorders including depression.
Brain chemicals
associated with our mood include serotonin, catecholemine, gamma-aminobutyric
acid (GABA) and endorphin. When in balance, these neurotransmitters
help us in being alert, optimistic, calm and resourceful. A proper
diet helps us to maintain a good balance; however imbalance can
result from improper diet, poor digestion, stress, prescription
drugs, and deficiencies or imbalances involving other nutrients.
Serotonin is
our natural calming neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood,
sleep and appetite. Low levels of serotonin lead to anxiety, sleep
disorders, food cravings, panic attacks, etc. L-tryptophan is the
amino acid integral to the production of serotonin. Food sources
of tryptophan include brown rice, cottage cheese, meat, peanuts,
and soy protein. The amino acid supplements for increasing serotonin
levels are L- tryptophan and 5- HTP. Both can be used to increase
serotonin levels in the body the one that will work best
for you depends on your body chemistry.
Catecholemine
is our natural caffeine. Symptoms of low catecholemine include depression,
lack of energy, lack of drive, and lack of focus. L-tyrosine is
the amino acid necessary for catecholimine production. It is also
the precursor to the thyroid hormones. Supplementation of l-tyrosine
tends to increase our energy levels along with having a mild antidepressant
effect.
GABA is a
natural relaxant. It is derived from glutamic acid and can be supplemented
directly. Symptoms of low GABA include stiff and tense muscles,
stress, feeling burned out, and inability to relax.
Endorphins
are our feel good chemicals. People low in endorphins are very sensitive
to both physical and emotional pain, they cry easily and crave comfort.
They also love certain foods or alcohol. Endorphins are metabolized
from phenylalanine. The best supplement form is the DL-phenylalanine
form which is used to elevate mood, decrease pain, suppress the
appetite and aid in memory and learning.
Another amino
acid helpful in balancing brain chemistry is l-glutamine. Supplementation
with l-glutamine stops carbohydrate cravings and moodiness by preventing
low blood sugar in the brain.
As with any
supplementation, there are certain conditions in which amino acids
would be contraindicated. Check with your health care practitioner
if you are considering taking any of these supplements.
November 6, 2012
Margaret
Durst owns The
Green House, a vitamin, herb and health food store in Mason,
Texas.
Copyright
© 2012 Margaret
Durst
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