Today I’m sharing how diet, GABA, tryptophan, zinc, vitamin B6 and other B vitamins can resolve essential tremor and sugar cravings in 2 months, and also resolve musician’s dystonia and social anxiety within 4 months.
According to Medical News Today essential tremor is a movement disorder that can cause hand tremors and “is among the most common movement disorders.” … “The tremor usually affects both sides of the body, but it may be more noticeable in the dominant hand. It tends to occur when the person is moving as well as when standing still. Genetics may be responsible for around half of the cases of essential tremor.”
Essential tremor – diet, GABA, tryptophan and B vitamins
This Croatian paper, Treatment of Essential Tremor with Multi-Modal Nutritional Therapy in a Teenage Patient, reports the “case of a 13-year-old boy with [essential tremor] causing severe functional impairment” over the previous 2 years.
“A multi-modal nutritional therapy approach” was used to target three possible areas that could be contributing to the tremors: a poor diet that was high in sugar, low GABA levels and low serotonin. These changes were implemented:
(i) diet (specifically adopting a Mediterranean diet)
(ii) GABA (through oral supplementation) and
(iii) L-tryptophan/vitamin B pathways (Triptobel oral supplement).
The papers states: “After two months of therapy, his tremor decreased significantly and he regained normal function.”
Once the essential tremor resolved, this teen was able to resume his plans to pursue a musical career as a guitar player (which had been put on hold due to the tremor and his inability to play). What wonderful results!
I’m thrilled to see tryptophan and GABA being used for this condition and am really pleased to read this case report. Here is my commentary on the supplements and doses he used for anyone wishing to try and replicate this nutritional approach (keeping in mind there is no one-size-fits-all).
- He used 150 mg of the Triptobel supplement three times daily at 8 am, 1 pm, and 6 pm. One capsule of the Triptobel contains 150mg L-tryptophan and a B vitamin complex of thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), vitamin B6, folic acid (vitamin B9), and cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). The total tryptophan dose was 450mg per day. A typical starting dose for someone with anxiety is 500mg 2 x day so his dose was on the low-end. The Triptobel was also used at mealtimes and according to the label “on a full stomach after a light meal, preferably without protein.” I like to use tryptophan between meals (away from protein) and a B complex with meals so I’m intrigued by this application (but wonder when protein was consumed).
- He also used 750mg GABA twice daily at 10 am and 4 pm. This is considered a high starting dose for the majority of my clients with anxiety and I start low and build up to this amount.
Anxiety and low mood was not mentioned so I don’t know if they were factors.
It appears sugar and carb cravings were very likely a factor given that his normal daily diet contained “large amounts of refined sugars (chocolate, cake, biscuits, ice cream, etc).” The amino acids would have helped him with those cravings.
With regards to his diet, given how common movement disorders are with gluten issues, I would also consider I gluten-free diet which has been shown to have an adverse impact on neurotransmitter levels and B vitamins. Could gluten have triggered these nutritional deficiencies and the tremors?
And now to share a very similar case in an adult male … with a different and yet related approach.
Dystonia and hand tremors – and the pyroluria connection
This same Medical News Today article also describes dystonic tremor/dystonia as a movement disorder that can also cause hand tremors, stating that “the brain sends incorrect messages, resulting in overactive muscles, abnormal postures, and sustained undesired movements. Young adults and those in middle age are most likely to develop dystonic tremors, which can occur in any muscle.”
If you’ve been reading my recent articles on pyroluria (the pyroluria-vagus nerve connection and the introversion-pyroluria-loneliness connection) I’m sure you’ll be be interested to learn that there appears to be a strong link between pyroluria and focal musician’s dystonia (or musician’s cramp) in some individuals.
As you read in the blog above, Jay, also a guitar player, had to put his professional music career on hold due to musician’s dystonia. He also happened to have social anxiety and he started to notice improvements in his anxiety and tremors within the first 2 weeks. At the end of 4 months of being on the pyroluria protocol, he shared this:
I think it is, at this point, safe to say that the pyroluria treatment [120mg vitamin B6 and 60mg zinc) is, at least in my case, the cure for pyroluria and dystonia. 90%+ of my symptoms have disappeared, I am working extensively on repertoire and I am thinking about getting back into performing.
He says his experience was “akin to rebirth as a musician and also as a person.” How wonderful is that to read. Jay’s musician’s dystonia resolved and so did his social anxiety.
The outcome for the teen and Jay were similar and yet the approaches used were seemingly very different. This isn’t actually the case since zinc and vitamin B6 are co-factors that are needed to make GABA and serotonin.
Do you experience tremors, or have you been diagnosed with essential tremor or dystonia (or know someone who has)? And have you considered a nutritional approach?
Do share if you’ve seen success with either of the above approaches, and also experienced reduced anxiety or felt more social?
My family has essential tremor – it’s a cruel and awkward affliction.
I want to I start my mother in law on this therapy. In the US, what specific supplements would you recommend? I would like to find supplements she could slowly titrate up. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Margaret
All the supplements I use with clients can be found on my supplements blog here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/ (with instructions on opening an account).
If you’re willing to share more I’d love to hear how long essential tremor has been an issue in your family and what conventional/non-nutritional approaches have been tried. I’m curious if your family members and mother-in-law also experience anxiety and/or social anxiety and other mood issues?
Hi, Trudy. Ordered the supplement and am putting together a suggested dosage plan. As history, my mother-in-law’s family have had tremors going back to at least her mother. They affect her and her sister at this time. Her mother was diagnosed as celiac sprue in her 60’s (almost dying before a sharp intern figured it out) and thankfully lived until almost 100. She went strict gluten free and recovered her health. Her voice was also affected as she aged – tremulous and halting even though her mind was as sharp as a tack.
For my mother in law, a glass of wine or two helps calm the tremor so she can dine more comfortably. She did suffer anxiety and panic attacks in her youth. She still has anxiety, but has developed coping mechanisms.
She is a diminutive person and sometimes has an oversized reaction to supplements. I wanted to start slow with her supplements.
I purchased
Protocol for life Balance L-Tryptophan 500mg
Integrative Therapeutics Active B-Complex
Enzymatic Therapy GABA
Patient One MediNutritional Zinc Glycinate
To start slow I was thinking
L-Tryptophan start with 1 cap before bed (add in evening dose later)
B Complex 1 cap in the morning (add in afternoon does later)
GABA 1 cap in the morning (add in evening dose later)
Zinc 1 cap in the morning (add in evening dose later)
Thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Forgot to mention that she is mostly gluten free, but tried it strictly for almost a year and saw no demonstrable benefit.
Interesting article! I have had a right hand tremor since 1988 and this has gradually worsened and now my left hand is developing some too. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2014 at the age of 67 and this was a very late diagnosis as I had had symptoms for years but no doctors picked up on it until I did research of my own after a diagnosis of osteoporosis and read of the connection between the two. I have been told that mine is an essential tremor although I have a hunch that it is more gluten ataxia.
I have been on a very strict GF diet but also have had to stop consuming dairy, nightshades and lectins which all give me grief.
I have on occasion tried some GABA when I am particularily anxious and it has helped. I do eat a broad variety of fruits, vegetables clean meat, eggs and fish plus stay away from processed foods and sugar.
Not sure if there is more I can do.
So glad to see you are getting some rain and relief from the fires. We in Canada are thinking of you all and looking to help in some way.
Donalda
Going gluten-free is the first step (well done for figuring that out) but a frequently missed step is addressing the nutritional deficiencies caused by gluten issues – like low zinc, low serotonin, low GABA, low iron (also needed to make neurotransmitters), B6 and other B vitamins. I would assess for all of the above and pyroluria.
Also, when I’m working with someone we always capitalize on good results so if someone responds well to “some GABA” we pursue this until we find the optimal amount.
Thanks for your lovely thoughts about the fires!
My husband, Lawrence, has Huntington’s disease, a neurological disease which is hereditary. Can you suggest something that will help him. His symptoms are primarily difficulty swallowing and weakness in his legs as well as thought and speech problems. He is 85 years young and until diagnosed led a reasonably active lifestyle. I hope that you can give him some help. Sincerely, Betty Jean Crump
Betty Jean
Since Huntington’s disease is a movement disorder and also has cognitive and psychiatric symptoms that do include social withdrawal (this Mayo Clinic article has a good summary https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/huntingtons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20356117) I would give the approaches in my blog article consideration for some possible relief of some of your husband’s symptoms.
Here are other resources: A Review of the Clinical Evidence for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Huntington’s Disease (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6714489/); Ketogenic diet (https://www.the-scientist.com/features/nourishing-the-aging-brain-35870); my blog on Parkinson’s may offer some insights and has a wonderful music video https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-tryptophan-pain-anxiety-parkinsons-disease/
I would share all this this with your functional medicine practitioner and health team and see if they will work with you on some of these aspects.
Hi Trudy,
So happy to see some rain for you down there & stop those terrible fires.
I have been following you this past year more & started the tryptophan & GABA for my anxiety & sleep issues. I saw also a note on ashwaganda & although I’ve used it, I have increased to 500mg 3x a day in a powder on the tongue & it has helped tremendously with my palpitations related to my anxiety, your recent email on the tremors is exactly what my husband has started with for the past year and I’m trying him on these supplements..I hope they work for him..
Thanks for all you do in providing such excellent information for improving our health. We try to live a healthy life, diet etc and don’t want to take drugs..
Eileen
Really glad to hear about your good results. Please keep us posted on how your husband does with reducing his tremors. Since you’ve been following me for this past year you wil know there can be many root causes and what I’ve described here are two possible solutions (three if gluten is removed too)
May I ask if anxiety/social anxiety is an issue for him too?
Thanks for your concerns about the fires – and yes to more rain!
I was diagnosed with dystonia in 2011. Not sure if it is hereditary. I believe it might be but very small family. Also have fibromyalgia and adrenal fatigue. Hip revision and knee replacement in 2018.
Lots of stress. Supplements are interesting. We attempt to eat very healthy. This article is very interesting. Thank you
Teresa
Glad to hear this is interesting. Some possible connections to consider – low serotonin is common with fibromyalgia; adrenal issues can affect neurotransmitter production; joint issues are common in pyroluria; stress seems to be more of an issue with movement disorders; and stress makes pyroluria symptoms worse. You don’t mention anxiety/social anxiety or if you’re 100% gluten free?
Keep in mind just because other family members have a condition doesn’t mean there isn’t a nutritional solution – maybe all family members have the same deficiencies.
I have anxiety issues, social anxiety, being in the car causes anxiety (due to car accident that caused need if hip replacement, than hip revision and knee replacement. I am about 90 percent gluten free and have been for many years.
Hi Trudi, I was first diagnosed with essential tremor at age 25. At about the same time, I also was diagnosed with IBS and panic attacks. Around age 35, I developed asthma and balance issues. At age 50, my tremors became so bad I was put on medication to control them. Soon after I tried the Atkins diet and noticed my IBS was a lot better. A friend suggested gluten might be an issue. I read up an it sure sounded like me. I was 80 % gluten free for the next 10 years and felt much better. I went to a functional health clinic 5 years ago. I was given supplements as well as put on a strict gluten free diet. Now at 65, all symptoms are basically gone. I have never felt so healthy and I do not take any medications.
Marianne
Thanks for sharing your wonderful results which I know will offer much hope for others with essential tremor (and IBS/anxiety/panic/asthma/balance issues). It really reflects that it’s never too late to see results with a dietary and functional medicine approach!
Good for you for making dietary changes, going gluten-free and being so proactive in your health.
May I ask what supplements you were recommended?
i don’t have my supplement bottles or records with me but I was given Adrenal support, MTHFR support, multi, D, Omega 3, vision. There were a few more but I have been off them the past few years. I also had vision issues that they thought was early glaucoma. I was never treated but after 8 years of monitoring and steady improvement the glaucoma doctor told me he no longer needed to monitor my vision. I was also starting to have word finding and memory problems. I was able to retire early and get healthy. I share my story often hoping others can be helped. My balance fluctuated and felt like being on a boat. 40 years struggling but now wake up grateful for my health.
I am getting email notifications of comments, but can’t see them, please advise.
I have stopped being able to open new posts too.
Margaret and Teresa – I’m not sure what the issue is? Kindly clarify
Glad it’s raining!
My Dad was diagnosed by his neurologist with essential tremor. He is 90. He was in very good health, but had a second gamma knife removal of a meningioma which caused seizures. He is now having tremors on his left side but the seizures have stopped. He has been gluten free for about 5 years. Would your vitamin routine interfere with seizure medications? Also would they help with his balance problems?
Thank you so much. His doctors don’t seem very interested because of his age, but he has always kept healthy with diet and vitamins, and I would like him to feel more comfortable.
Trudy….not sure where you are. Rained a treat in Brisbane….luckily we do not have fires here but the tanks are all full!
Do essential tremors start as just slightly unsteady hands?
My 24 yo daughter has shaky hands (11 years CFS), high level of social and generalised anxiety, catastrophic thinking and general malaise. Very low iron levels despite supplementation. Is 100% gluten free but won’t give up dairy!
Good diet generally.
I believe B6 can be toxic in overload…..how does one determine when you have supplemented enough?
Thank you, thank you TRUDY. You are a champ!
Linda
If we were working together I’d have her do the pyroluria questionnaire and amino acid questionnaire and trials of the supplements based on her needs. Figuring out the root cause of low iron is key too. I have not had issues with B6 toxicity and stopping resolves neuropathy-type/tingling symptoms but there are some folks who seem to have issues (as of now I don’t have answers for them but continue to research)
Please keep us posted on progress
Roseanne
I’d work with a functional medicine practitioner to help troubleshoot the adverse effects of gamma knife surgery (radiation) possibly contributing to seizures (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11143263) and seizure medications possibly being a factor in tremor (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5708959/). I’d discuss the following with the practitioner: nutritional support with amino acids to possibly help while the root causes are being addressed + nutritional support for the toxic effects of radiation and medications + gut support to counter effects of antibiotics.
Hi Trudy! My doctor had me look into your work as I am suffering from bad symptoms of anxiety. Daily muscle twitching, even when not anxious, and symptoms that have crippled me from being able to work or drive. I’m 25, eat a whole food, gluten free Keto diet on his recommendation with lots of grass fed meat and shellfish. He gave me l tryptophan after a bad reaction to a Chelated magnesium gave me sudden severe insomnia and it has helped me sleep. However, I have every symptom of low GABA. I’m trying GABA calm today hopefully with good results, my question is, are these amino acids the treatment? Will I eventually restore my levels and find I don’t need them any longer? I just don’t know where I’d go from here as far as a root cause as I’ve improved everything I think I can in terms of diet and lifestyle to no avail.
Rae
So pleased to hear the tryptophan helps your insomnia and yes GABA can often help sleep issues related to low GABA too.
Ideally levels are restored and they are not needed or less is needed or they are needed in times of stress only – provided all root causes that led to the low levels are addressed (diet, gut health, stress, meds depleting nutrients such as Birth Control pill etc)
Hi Trudy,
Would any that you are suggesting help a person with Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA)? I have a dear friend (in California), who was a physically active person as well as a great writer and professor. He is now wheelchair bound and can barely talk. Anything that may improve his situation. Life expectancy is 7 to 10 years from onset of symptoms. In his case about three years ago (was misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s). Not looking for a miracle cure, but something that can give him back some quality of life.
He now has difficulty communicating, so I have been looking into devices that can do eye trace. Finally found a company who does that as well as device that translates the light touch of a finger into voice. It is very hard for him as he was a great communicator.
Thank you for the read, Trudy. Trusting that the smoke has not been an issue for your health and well-being.
Blessings to you and your work.
DG
I’m sure you’re familiar with this MSA organization and article https://portcitydaily.com/local-news/2014/10/03/not-parkinsons-not-als-but-something-in-between-msa-is-tech-gurus-next-great-challenge/
Given the similarities I’d find a functional medicine practitioner such as a functional neurologist familiar with Parkinson’s (more here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-tryptophan-pain-anxiety-parkinsons-disease/), and ALS (more here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als-ketogenic-diet-gaba-5-htp-and-environmental-toxins/)
Also be sure to address prior TBIs or concussions and rule out or address chronic Lyme disease (Lyme-Associated Parkinsonism: https://www.archivesofpathology.org/doi/pdf/10.1043/1543-2165%282003%29127%3C1204%3ALPANCS%3E2.0.CO%3B2). Dr. Darin Ingels, author of “The Lyme Solution” would be my recommendation.
And share this article for possible immediate support with amino acids for tremors, anxiety, depression and insomnia – given that these are often factors in MSA.
RE: GABA. Trudy, I started with a sublingual dose of GABA two years ago not noticing any changes in my high cortisol rushing/fight/flight feeling. It wasn’t until you wrote about GABA plus L-Theanine that I tried it again, this time at a higher dose of 500mg GABA + 200mg L-Thianine. I notices an almost immediate relaxation feeling which was short lived… I called my functional medicine doctor (who has confirmed my serotonin and DHEA are extremely low and cortisol extremely high) and asked if 500mg GABA could be increased (after reading on line that some people took 1500 mg/day) and she said to try it, but there is little research on long term use of high doses of GABA. So I have been taking 500mg GABA plus 200mg L-Theanine three times a day for a month (feeling normal for the first time in five years) and find that the dose lasts about six hours before the shaky feeling returns. What is your experience with this?
Anu
So glad to hear you’re “feeling normal for the first time in five years”! Well done persisting with the GABA – and I’ve had clients use this high amount with no issues – they eventually need to lower it or stop. I would guess it’s helping with low GABA that is causing the shaky feeling rather than lowering high cortisol (but doing follow-on cortisol testing would confirm this).
Trudy,
i am so thankful for your post on this subject. essential tremor is one of my biggest burdens as i am an artist. and it has been slowly presenting itself in my hands (forefinger and thumb lately) for the last 3 years, i am 63. the essential tremor foundation says there is no cure, which is quite depressing!
essential tremor runs in my dad’s family and effects most in the silver years. i remember my grampa in his retiring years having it in his hands and his sister having it in her head and maybe hands too. none of us thought too much about it, but now all of the next generation (3 out of the 4) have it except my aunt. now the kids (not my aunt’s kids) are starting to get it being in their late 50’s to early 60’s. hands and head movements. my brothers have not gotten it, even though they are around my age. i am very sensitive and so have felt these initial effects as they have changed how i feel.
since finding your book last year i have changed my diet (had already been off gluten for years now) and omit refined sugars, applied the amino acids (5HTP, GABA, tryptophan, l-theonine, adding inositol and glycine) and this has helped but not totally eradicated my anxiety and insomnia. i tested yes for SIBO, which i am trying dietary approach for.
i think that eating protein has lessened my shaky feelings in my body. sometimes that in itself would keep me awake at night. but the tremors remain and seem to be slowly progressing, as they began in my dominant forefinger and lately are in my thumb. mostly it is movement tremors, but sometimes it is visible just holding my hand is certain positions.
i found a dr. daniel nuzum, who recommends for tremors: magnesium, l-theonine, l-tryptophan, and CBD for help with sleep. i have been also taking these (except the CBD which seems to give me cluster headaches).
but my tremors are still here. if they stayed at this level, my life would not be impacted very much. but my fear is that they will continue to progress, and i want to do all that i can to prevent losing my fine motor skills which are so important to me as an artist and creative person.
my 5htp has B6 in it. my lidke tryptophan complete has b2,b3, b6, folate in it. i really like the complete and it seems to have helped more than the regular lidke tryptophan. so i am missing some of the b vitamins that are in triptobel.
how much of the b’s do i need to take? i am afraid of taking a b multi as they seemed to keep me awake at night. any comments or suggestions are appreciated.
thank you ahead of time, karen
Karen
Good for you for making all the dietary changes! Each person has their own unique needs and I can’t offer specific feedback for you via the blog but given the pyroluria connection I’d also assess for this and/or low zinc. I can share that taking a B complex in the morning is best so it doesn’t affect sleep. Poor gut health can impact nutrient levels too so working on SIBO is key. I’ve worked with a number of artists and toxins are invariably part of the picture too.
Thank you for the information. Diagnosed 11 years ago with spasmodic Dysphonia Adductor type. Receiving Botox injections every 4-5 months in both true and false vocal cords. Within past year, adopted the Mediterranean lifestyle to keep ahead of hereditary high cholesterol. Healthy otherwise. Recently – once again – have come across GABA. Just began taking 500 mg – no significant changes. Wondering if you have any information that could naturally help with the vocal spasms. Next injection scheduled in February.
Regina
It’s a very individualized approach and can differ for each person. Also I can’t offer advice via the blog. If we were working together I’d have you do the pyroluria questionnaire and amino acid questionnaire and trials of the supplements based on your needs (titrating up and down as needed) + address other dietary factors/gut health/nutritional factors.
As I mentioned in the blog, the vagus nerve very likely plays a role and you may find this blog helpful too https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/vagus-nerve-rehab-gaba/
I recently came across a facebook group for folks with adverse effects from botox: “Botox Dysport (Side Effects) Support.” Much of what I read is of great concern. Curious how much the botox helps? It sounds like it’s short-term solution (4-5 months) but is needed to be used long-term?
Greetings Trudy and thank you for your good work! I am in my late 60’s and have been dealing with essential tremor for about 7 years now. The hand tremors make my handwriting terrible but mostly it hasn’t interfered with my lifestyle much EXCEPT –the tremor has significantly affected my voice, I can no longer hold a tune (I used to be a great singer) and even my speaking voice is weak and wobbly. I’ve tried many healing modalities but haven’t used supplements. I am curious about this option after reading your blog and wonder what you might recommend in terms of which supplements, dosage etc. Thank you for your support!
Therese
It’s a very individualized approach and can differ for each person. Also I can’t offer advice via the blog. If we were working together I’d have you do the pyroluria questionnaire and amino acid questionnaire and trials of the supplements based on your needs + address other dietary factors/gut health/nutritional factors.
As I mentioned in the blog, the vagus nerve very likely plays a role and you may find this blog helpful too https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/vagus-nerve-rehab-gaba/
Please keep us posted on progress
Therese, I also have vocal tremor. See my comment a few dates later>
As someone else in the thread alluded to….I get notifications that there are new comments but I cannot see any new comments when I read through ALL comments viewable.
Not sure why that would be.
Cheers
Linda
I have essential tremor. Where can I purchase Triptobel ?
Lew
This is available from the supplier in Europe (http://triptobel.eu/). For my USA clients we use Lidtke tryptophan and a good B complex when someone has low serotonin symptoms. You can see the supplements I recommend here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
Trudy, thanks so much for this article! It was posted on the Alternative Recoveries for Spasmodic Dysphonia page, where I was lucky enough to see it.
I was a professional opera singer, cantor, and voice teacher. I have ET that is specific to my larynx, causing my vocal folds to pull apart several times per second when I speak or sing. The tremor was very subtle when I was in my twenties. It took tremendous work to get to a professional level as a singer. In the past decade it’s gotten worse, completely stopping me from singing, and often affecting my speech as well. I’ve been to countless ENTs, neurologists, speech pathologists, and voice teachers, to no avail. I was spending up to six hours a day singing, trying to learn what might help me. By the end of the day I would usually have improved voice, but I’d be back to square one the next day. Eventually I felt I was on a fool’s mission, and I gave up those extreme efforts. My voice deteriorated more rapidly after that.
But …..after seeing your article last week I’ve been trying B vitamins, zinc, tryptophan (NOW brand 1000 mg), along with GABA (NOW powder) all of which I had on hand and most of which I was already taking. But I added the GABA (despite its flush effect when I take too much) and….. Amazingly, there is a distinct improvement. My voice is noticeably steadier. This feels miraculous to me!
Cathy (cathylawrencevoice.com — I still teach singing)
Cathy
Thanks for sharing your wonderful results with added GABA. May I ask how much GABA helps? I’m also curious to learn about your anxiety history/levels and pyroluria score?
Please keep us posted if you see further improvements on the pyroluria protocol and Lidtke tryptophan (which I have found to be more effective than the NOW brand).
I’d love to see and hear a before and after video of you singing opera!
Cathy
Could you also please share a link to the Alternative Recoveries for Spasmodic Dysphonia page?
Hi Trudy- here’s a link to the FB page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=alternative%20recoveries%20for%20spasmodic%20dysphonia%20(sd)&epa=SEARCH_BOX
And my website has a recording of me singing at age 35: http://www.cathylawrencevoice.com . There’s no current recording, as I really can’t sing at all now.
Anxiety…. not sure how to evaluate. I generally function well, and I like most people. I love teaching voice. As a child I was extremely shy. I have a fear of public speaking that was mostly conquered in the 90s when I had a de facto position for a year as rabbi of a congregation that had hired me as a part time cantor, after the rabbi died suddently. I looked at the pyroluria test and it didn’t seem pertinent, but I’ll look again & try to get a score.
Cathy
Trudy, you are an angel. I was just praying for my musical life to be restored, I was a professional musician, and still am in my soul. But i have not been able to play due to tremors in my left hand. I am chemically sensitive and find that I can’t swallow supplements, I over-respond. I have concluded that diet is my way to go. I have been off gluten for many years, now off dairy, sugar, grains, and doing lots of vegetables (Wahls protocol, scaled down. The sulfur vegetables are very helpful in many respects). The tremors continue. What do you suggest as dietary food sources to control tremors? Thank you.
Hi Trudy,
I have been diagnosed with dystonia, specifically blepharospasm and oromandibular dystonia. I need your advice on which supplements to start taking and dosages. Do you give personal consultations or do you have a location for me to go to within your website where I can find the answers?
Thank you in advance of your help.
Linda C.
Linda
I am not taking clients right now and have a long waiting list. I encourage you to read my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” and my blogs (with general info about these nutrients, pyroluria etc) so you can become informed. You could also take this blog post and my book to your doctor or local naturopath/nutritionist and have them help.
I have purchased NOW Extra Strength GABA 750 mg tablets. Should I be taking this every day or just on days when I feel anxious?
LC
I have clients start on 125mg GABA as part of a trial to see if it helps and increase over the course of a few weeks to find the idea amount. 750mg is typically way too high for most people. Getting levels up and stable is best so daily use is what works for my clients
Have you covered why it may be hard for people who have side effects with zinc and B6? I use Source Naturals 1/2 B6 lozenge twice per day. Otherwise I get headaches.
I use Kirkman liquid zinc. – 10 mg at bedtime and 5 in morning. I feel slight nausea during day. Will I eventually build up a tolerance and be able to take more. I have been on this program for around 3 weeks. Thank you for all you do Trudy. I am constantly accessing your book and your website as I traverse my anxiety and puloria. And I I have shared your site with no fewer than 10 people; many in my family.
Tracy
Zinc is best taken with meals in order to prevent nausea and I switch forms of zinc until I find what works for my client. With headaches we look at other ingredients in the product – lozenges can be problematic for some folks.
Thanks for sharing my site and book!
Trudy – thanks for all the good info about Dystonia and Spasmodic Dysphonia.
I am wondering if there is any indication that 5 HTP be useful? I take GABA and L Theanine and B complex – they help minimally. I know you have recommended tryptophan – is 5 HTP the same thing? Would your book include this kind of information?
Carol
Some folks do better on tryptophan and some do better on 5-HTP. I typically start with tryptophan. My book does have an entire chapter on the amino acids and an entire chapter on pyroluria (where zinc and b6 are covered in detail). I do recommend folks read the book for a good foundation before using the amino acids (and for the other foundational diet/gut/blood sugar/caffeine/lifestyle info). And it does seem that while a B complex is helpful, higher doses of B6 and zinc are needed for many folks with dystonia.
May I ask what you have been diagnosed with and how it manifests? And how GABA and theanine and B complex have helped?
Thanks Trudy. I just ordered your book.
Lomg story short – I experienced a number of extremely stressful years – and unbeknownst to me was living in a very lovely building in Toronto that turns out had black mold – and during that time travelled to Roaton where I was food poisoned and picked up Blastocytis Hominis – the end result of it all was I developed spasmodic dysphonia – (adductor) that was misdiagnosed as a number of things including acid reflux for over 6 months. Finally got the diagnosis 2 years ago – and put together all the pieces – the mold, stress, parasite – all of which attacked the thyroid. I have moved out of the city, treated the parasite, detoxed the mold and through diet and nutrition managed to restore my thyroid function back to a healthy level. The one thing that remains a challenge is my voice. It is never “normal” – it is sometimes better than others. I work with Dr. Joaquin Farias whose approach is holistic and helpful – he recognizes that this is a neurologial issue and has a wonderful program of exercises, nutrition advice, etc that certainly is helpful.
I have done extensive research – around brain health, nutrition, use of supplements etc. I have taken GABA – 500 two times a day along with L-Theanine – it sort of helps. I also use a sublingual GABA at times but honestly can’t say I notice a big difference.
I also take a number of other supplements – including Vitamin D (my levels were terribly low) B12 and a b complex as my B levels were low (both the b and D levels are now in a good place).
Interesting alcohol does help my voice- that is to say that when I have a glass of wine my voice does improve…..not a practical solution though! I recently participated in Dr. Simonyans’s research at Harvard on a drug – Xyrem, that is being tested for Spasmodic Dysphonia. It has been shown to work for those whose voice improves with alcohol. The drug did not work for me – but I was happy to participate and contribute to the research they are doing in hopes that they can figure out how to effectively treat SD.
I take probiotics and digestive enzymes, omegas and resveratrol, and a few other supplements. I am a clean eater.
I tried botox injections once – and not only did it not work but it was beyond excruciatingly painful and to be honest is just not something I can embrace for me. I know it is incredibly helpful for others.
I am an executive leadership coach – I make my living with my voice so this has been incredibly challenging to say the least. I have been doing more humming, tai chi, yoga, mindfulness etc…… but feel that I am missing a key somehow. I just ordered your book – it will be here in two days so I will be reading it by the weekend. Thank you for your reply. I am really looking forward to reading your book and learning more about amino acids.
Here again, still on the tryptophan and it has definitely taken the edge of my anxiety which is nice, it still creeps through intensely occasionally but not as badly as it used to. Been on it for about two months now, also tried the GABA calm, and had a severe headache after the second day of use. I attribute this to the GABA as headaches are abnormal for me, so I’m hesitant to try again to see if it will help with residual anxiety. Thank you for clarifying that the amino acids are sometimes the treatment, and not just a means of coping while figuring out other root causes, as I mentioned above, my diet has been cleaned up for quite a while, functional medicine doctor has worked on any viruses that may have been lingering and I’ve gotten my vitamin D up to good levels, and I do not take any medications other than vitamin d, k2 and tryptophan at the moment, so I couldn’t even imagine what else I could possibly do! I also wanted to mention that my doctor is now giving me ozone treatments as we’ve concluded that my twitching started after having my wisdom teeth removed, I’ve only had one treatment, so I will update if this helps. I wanted to ask, do you have any posts on what causes low serotonin and other neurotransmitters? I’m thankful that the tryptophan takes the edge off for me, and am hoping after a few months on it I will no longer need it, but this seemingly happened overnight for me, and I don’t understand what could’ve triggered it. Thanks again.
Rae
Thanks for the update. here is a blog listing some of the causes of low serotonin https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/imposter-syndrome-and-low-serotonin-is-tryptophan-the-solution/ Keep in mind I have clients increase tryptophan or 5-HTP until they find the ideal dose for their needs.
If GABA Calm causes a reaction (tyrosine can cause headaches) I have clients trial a GABA-only product.
Keep us posted about the ozone treatment. Did he see high immune system markers?
I don’t believe that was even tested. He couldn’t figure out why I was still twitching after sorting out my low vitamin d and magnesium (which actually caused my insomnia after a while) and we went back through my history and realized it started shortly after having my wisdom teeth removed.
Does anyone know if D Ribose will cause temors in Dystonia? I started taking it for my Fibromyalgia and my tremors seemed to get worse. Thank you.
Teresa
I have not heard of this and don’t see any research on this. When clients have adverse effects they stop the new addition and see if the adverse effects go away and sometimes add it back to be sure.
Please report back as you find out more
I did stop taking it plus a new vitamin I had started about the same time. My tremors did calm down. I am chalking it up to both items and will not use either again.
so appreciated the Anti-Anxiety Summit last fall, particularly the initial interview of Trudy sharing her vast knowledge of GABA vs L-tryptophan & 5-HTP. While I am still experimenting with dosages, etc. of L-Tryp and 5-H, it does seem to help my mood and my quality of sleep to take one or both of these aminos every day. It is that factor that prompts these questions:
Is it safe to take L-Tryp and 5-H indefinitely?
Is it likely that their effectiveness will wear off after a while? Or that I’ll need to increase the dosages?
Do either or both seem to work better if taken subliminally?
Can you recommend brands?
Thank you so much!
Melanie
The plan is for short-term use while the diet and other underlying factors like gut health etc are addressed. They may need to be taken again or increased in times of stress. I do find that using all the amino acid sublingually are most beneficial
Brands can be found here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
Appreciate the positive feedback on the summit!
Hi Trudy,
I’m 37 years old male who has suffered from cervical dystonia for seven years. I scored 20 points in your pyroluria test. Many things worsen my dystonia, like eating gluten, nuts and many different supplements. Since I was 12 years old I have suffered from horrible oily skin, dandruff and acne. GABA supplements are illegal to use where I live so I can’t try those. Would you recommend zinc and vitamin B6 for my problems?
Best regards,
Sam
Sam
Zinc and vitamin B6 (and evening primrose oil) help with pyroluria and help to make GABA and serotonin and it would definately be an approach I’d consider for someone with cervical dystonia especially if they score 20 on the questionnaire. I’d also try and have them source mail order GABA and other amino acids for added relief. And completely avoid gluten, nuts and problematic supplements.
Hi Trudy…
Although I am using B6 (P5P) and Zinc, I am unable to take the Evening Primrose Oil due to the estrogenic effect on me…I tried years ago using this Oil with the same problem…I’m still not recalling my dreams and will try increasing the B6…I take 100mg of the P5P and 60mg of the zinc..I still feel some anxiety at times dealing with adrenals too (I am so high strung) I wish I could take more..thanks for your great book and appreciate that help with the pyroluria I never realized I had…Be well!! Good day..
Sam- You might look into the work of Joaquin Farias, a neuroplastician who has had fantastic results with cervical dystonia. https://dystoniarecoveryprogram.com/programs/dystonia/
Cathy
Thanks for sharing this again. Curious how the pyroluria investigations went for you?
Hi Trudy,
I can’t find the pyroluria test. I thought it was on your website?
Cathy
Here you go https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/pyroluria-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
Hi Trudy,
Great article! A few people with focal dystonia and diarrhea. What would you suggest for the diarrhea?
Thank you very much.
Best regards,
Fernanda
Fernanda
Thanks – I’d look at gut health, parasites, gluten/dairy/soy for starters
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Hi Trudy, funny how things work… My sister had sent me a link to this article (I will elaborate more on why in a moment) but I just finished looking over the peri-menopause summit and you had had an interview on there reg. anxiety etc and speaking of gabba and tryptophan. My sister knows my concerns and struggles with a tremor in my head only so far, and she was going research regarding gabba and sent me this article and who’s face do I see 🙂 Yours!
Anyhow, here is my circumstance I am 52, when I was in mid 40s pretty active, my psoas tightend up and it was a reall stuggle getting out of trouble with it. Lots of foam rolling and an occasional massage if we could afford it and then some physical therapy and exercises. It was at that point that people started to comment to me “are you aware that you have a tick or tremor?), I was not, I did not sense it and didn’t think much about it .
Fast forward, in 2019 diagnosed with Her2 breast cancer (caught early) chemo and proton thereapy, then into husbands job being on the line and a potential move, aging father with health concerns of his own, right into covid etc… That is just the nutshell version.
With all of this, my head tremor at this point is obvious not only to others but myself. We do not have a history of tremor at all in my family. I am normally not a panic attack sufferer or anxiety type person but… I do push through tough things etc… So here I am doing the research as I am so grateful for this wonderful gift of a body and want to honor and steward it well and better. We are not the type of family to be able to afford naturopaths and such in my area, it is so expensive. I would appreciate any and all feedback. I have an appt with a neurologist coming up on the 18th of this month and would like to communicate well and help my body in the most natural way. Thank you for your information here.
Donna
It’s interesting how things show up when you need to see them. A thorough assessment by a neurologist is the best first step. This is what can be expected if essential tremor is diagnosed https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/essential-tremor-and-how-to-manage-it. I would show this research/blog to the neurologist. He/she will hopefully be open to this if they are a functional medicine practitioner and if not medications are the typical approach.
I’m all about empowerment so encourage you to read other blogs here related to these amino acids. If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html
Zing, b6 and L-Glutamine all seem to help my tremor but every time I start taking the zinc after a couple days it causes pale stool and have to stop it.. Like it’s inhibiting bile release or something. I can’t work out why. Have any of your patients had similar?
Jay
I have not had this feedback about zinc
Hi Trudy,
I recently discovered your blog and I am pleasantly surprised at the amount of useful information.
I recently started shaking my left foot, moving my toes and now my leg is shaking as well. MRIs of brain spine are ok but I have been dealing with sibo for a year now which wakes me up at night frequently
With stomach cramps. As a result I am tired off balance and recently anxious. Not to go into too much detail the neurologists are puzzled and think I might have painless toe and leg syndrome which is rare and cause doesn’t seem to be very clear.
Have you come across painless or even painful toe and leg syndrome and if you have any suggestions as what I can try as a first line of natural treatment.
My iron is low at 17 and b 12 at 270
Much appreciation,
Valentina
Vali
Glad to hear the blog has been useful! This condition is new to me but I found this paper to share (for other blog readers) – A Case of Painless Legs and Moving Toes Syndrome in Parkinson’s Disease Responsive to Dopaminergic Therapy https://www.hindawi.com/journals/crinm/2016/6829410/
I always recommend approaching with a full functional workup – with low iron and low B12 I’d address that to start. And also do comprehensive blood work.
This blog post may be helpful i.e. use amino acids based on the symptoms questionnaire. I’d suspect low GABA, possibly low serotonin (you don’t mention the type of anxiety but anxiety is also common with SIBO and GABA helps the gut pain). The study mentions dopaminergic therapy so I’d also look into low dopamine and a trial of tyrosine. The study also mentions dystonia which I cover in this blog post too. Finally I’d look into dietary oxalate issues as a possible trigger too (new blog here – Increased kidney stones in postmenopausal women with lower estradiol levels. What about increased dietary oxalate issues too? https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/increased-kidney-stones-in-postmenopausal-women-with-lower-estradiol-levels-what-about-increased-dietary-oxalate-issues-too/)
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like real whole food, quality animal protein, fermented foods, organic produce, health fats, gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
My online GABA Quickstart group program is helpful when you have questions and need guidance (and moral support/encouragement). More here about the program and purchase info https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart/
My doctor thought i needed zinc to treat my dystonia. Turned out that when I saw a movement disorder specialist that i had been inadvertently treating Wilson’s disease!!!!!
He also said that the high dose b6 could actually permanently destory my dorsal root ganglia and then he showed me lots of papers where this was described.
Hi Trudy, I have dystonia and after reading these incredible experiences, I have decided to try zinc and vitamin B6 for my dystonia. I see lot’s of B6 supplements come in 100mg capsules. Do you think it matters if I buy 100mg capsules and take one of them per day or would smaller dosages taken two to three times per day be better?
Sam
Feel free to share what type of dystonia you have and your symptoms? Do keep us posted and be sure to read the pyroluria chapter in my book “The Antanxiety Food Solution” where I discuss B6 dosing in detail. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/