A few weeks ago I blogged about a new pilot study about the use of a skin moisturizer twice a day reduced inflammation in older adults. I use the inflammation research to question if this may be applicable and helpful for you if you suffer from anxiety, extrapolating that it may well be given the added benefits of touch and an oxytocin boost.
I received a number of great questions about how to apply this information and have decided to share a question from someone with both Sjogren’s syndrome and anxiety, in order to illustrate how I’d work with someone like this.
Here is the question I received:
I would like to know how much of one’s body needs to be moisturized, and if it is also necessary to be done twice per day? Such a simple but effective way to help with anxiety. Will be slathering a lot more in the future! I have Sjogren’s so everything is dry – skin, mouth, eyes, hair. I have been trying to keep my face much “moister” and I am sure my wrinkles have lessened. I find rice bran oil is also quite good.
I’m going to address her moisturizing question below and share more about anxiety in Sjogren’s syndrome and some nutritional solutions, but first let me explain what Sjogren’s syndrome is.
An overview of Sjogren’s syndrome
Let me explain what Sjogren’s (SHOW-grins) is in case you’re not familiar with this condition. It’s an autoimmune condition and is described as follows on the Mayo Clinic site:
often accompanies other immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In Sjogren’s syndrome, the mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of your eyes and mouth are usually affected first — resulting in decreased tears and saliva.
Although you can develop Sjogren’s syndrome at any age, most people are older than 40 at the time of diagnosis. The condition is much more common in women.
The site goes on to say that other than dry eyes and mouth, some people experience joint pain and stiffness, swollen salivary glands, skin rashes or dry skin, vaginal dryness, persistent dry cough and prolonged fatigue. It’s worth a read to learn more about complications like more dental cavities, yeast infections, vision issues, problems in the lungs, kidneys or liver, the risk of lymphoma and peripheral neuropathy.
My feedback about moisturizing
In the study, moisturizing was done twice a day. I’m not sure how much of the body needs to be moisturized but if everything is dry, I’d want to moisturize as much as possible.
Given that chronic inflammation is a major factor in Sjogren’s and other autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, it’s feasible to expect similar benefits in terms of reduced inflammation. Hopefully we’ll see research on autoimmune conditions in the future.
When it comes to anxiety, I do want to make it clear that I was and still am extrapolating from the research on inflammation and measuring reduced anxiety was not part of the study. Moisturizing may or may not help with anxiety and I certainly wouldn’t only use this intervention.
Anxiety in Sjogren’s – low serotonin and GABA?
You may not be aware that anxiety/depression is very common in Sjogren’s. In one study they
found 33.8% patients with anxiety, and 36.9% had depression, which were significantly higher than controls.
I use a comprehensive nutritional and lifestyle approach to help my clients ease their anxiety and as I mention above, I would not only rely on moisturizing.
I would use the serotonin questionnaire to determine if low serotonin is contributing to the anxiety (the worry-in-the head and rumination type of anxiety) and do a trial of tryptophan or 5-HTP.
Interestingly, a number of studies suggest the involvement of the serotonin system in the development of Sjogren’s, with one study reporting
Significantly lower platelet levels of serotonin in Sjogren’s patients as compared to healthy controls.
They didn’t find a correlation between the levels of serotonin and how severe the Sjogren’s symptoms were, which falls in line with what we know about biochemical individuality and why doing a trial of tryptophan or 5-HTP (to find your ideal dose) is the best approach for serotonin support.
I would use also the GABA questionnaire to determine if low GABA (physical tension type of anxiety) is a factor, and do a trial of GABA.
If you recall, in the Mayo Clinic description above, stiffness is a common symptom of Sjogren’s and GABA eases stiffness.
I haven’t found any research on GABA in Sjogren’s, but one case study reports that a patient experiencing athetoid movements (a movement dysfunction, characterized by involuntary writhing movements), reported symptom improvement with hydroxychloroquine (which can have severe psychiatric effects in susceptible individuals), pilocarpine, gabapentin, and clonazepam. The latter two medications work on the GABA system.
You can find the tryptophan and GABA products I use with my clients here.
Poor sociability in Sjogrens – could this be related to pyroluria?
A study published earlier this year is reportedly the first study to conclude that patients with Sjogren’s score “high on neuroticism and anxiety and low on sociability.”
If social anxiety is a concern, I’d have her do the pyroluria questionnaire and address this if needed.
If you recall, in the Mayo Clinic description above, joint pain and dental cavities are common symptoms. These are also very common with pyroluria, so using a nutritional approach helps ease the social anxiety, and improves joint issues and mouth health.
The other factor that makes me suspect pyroluria may be common in Sjogren’s is that it’s considered a systemic connective tissue disorder, together with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. You can read more about pyroluria and connective tissue disorders on the pyroluria prevalence blog and the Ehlers Danlos/joint hypermobility blog.
Poor mouth health is also common with histapenia/low histamine so I’d want to look into this too.
You can find the pyroluria supplements I use with my clients here.
Sjogren’s and the Autoimmune-Paleo diet
Since Sjogren’s is an autoimmune condition, following an Autoimmune-Paleo (AIP) diet is key too. Here are some books that are well-worth making part of your library, even though they are not specific to Sjogren’s syndrome they offer support for autoimmune conditions (and many individuals often have more than one autoimmune disease)
- Hashimoto’s Protocol by Dr. Izabella Wentz (Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune thyroid condition)
- Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology, a recipe book by Dr. Izabella Wentz (both on Hashimoto’s but applicable to any autoimmune condition)
- Cooking for Hormone Balance: a recipe book by Magdalena Wszelaki (she has AIP recipes)
- The Autoimmune Solution Cookbook by Amy Myers MD
I haven’t dived into the research on all the other autoimmune conditions and the above connections (low serotonin, low GABA and pyroluria) but it’s highly likely similar connections exist. So, if you have any autoimmune condition and anxiety this could all apply for you too.
If you have been diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome please share if GABA and tryptophan have helped ease your anxiety, and if the pyroluria protocol has helped you with social anxiety?
And let us know if moisturizing is helping your dry skin and possibly reducing inflammation and anxiety too?
Very interesting! I do have Sjogrens and anxiety. GABA and tryptophan do seem to help. I have not tried the moisturizing at this point. I also have pyroluria and your regimens have helped with that as well.
I love your work, Trudy. Keep up the good work. You have helped me many times.
Lorraine
Thanks for sharing and so glad to hear that GABA, tryptophan and the pyroluria protocol help! When I hear “do seem to help” it makes me think there is more work to be done because we should be able to get to the point of zero anxiety. I always make sure to adjust the amino acids up or down to find the ideal dose + tweak the pyroluria protocol
We also address other areas that may need support – like gut health and the adrenals etc. Diet is key. Brand new research on AIP and Hashimoto’s: “the study’s findings suggest that AIP may decrease systemic inflammation and modulate the immune system” https://www.cureus.com/articles/18455-efficacy-of-the-autoimmune-protocol-diet-as-part-of-a-multi-disciplinary-supported-lifestyle-intervention-for-hashimotos-thyroiditis
And with Sjogren’s I suspect moisturizing twice a day will help reduce inflammation and anxiety further and make my clinet’s feel more comfortable.
I have Sjogrens from an early age but only put name on it recently; doctors usually said, drink more water, use eye drops, put vaseline in nose. etc. I’ve found that jojoba oil, camelina oil, coconut oil most effective as moisturisers, especially overnight. Most rice bran oils are labelled cold filtered; however, they are an industrially processed oil, so be vigilant.
Frances
Thanks for sharing and glad to hear moisturizing is helpful. I’m curious if anxiety has ever been an issue and how you score on the pyroluria questionnaire?
I would say I’ve been anxious my whole life (75 now); should do the pyroluria questionnaire.
Frances
With both Sjogren’s and anxiety, everything in this blog post is worth considering – as a starting point – they well be more to address/consider. I have many clients who have been anxious their entire lives and can’t even begin to imagine life without anxiety but know this – anxiety can be completely eliminated.
Trudy, I have just posted a link to your article on Sjogrens, tryptophan, GABA to the Smart Patients site, https://www.smartpatients.com, and trust this is ok.
Dana
Thanks for sharing and yes this is wonderful – the more we can share and learn from each other the better. I’m not familiar with the Smart Patients site but love the message of being empowered. Are are you affiliated with them and do they have an online forum?
Here is a link to the Smart Patients site; there are many conversation topics listed. Initially I thought it was out of the UK as there seem to be many from the UK posting. https://www.smartpatients.com
I have Sjogren’s and Fibromyalgia; was finally diagnosed in 2012. My prescription meds since then have included Plaquenil, Savella, Amitiza, Clonazepam, Gabapentin, etc. Because of you, Trudy, thank you, and a tremendous amount of research and time, I no longer take Clonazepam (I was on for five years) or Gabapentin.
I currently take Plaquenil (still) at 200 mg, twice a day, Savella, 100 mg, twice a day, Amitiza, 8 mcg. Along with 5-HTP, 200 mcg, 1 at bedtime, GABA, 500 mg, 1 at bedtime, Selenium, 200 mcg, 1 at bedtime, MAG SRT, 2 tablets twice a day, Zinc, 30 mg, 1 a day. I also have GABA Calm available and take as needed for anxiety/better sleep.
Last September, 2018, I slowly began developing crazy, obnoxious itching skin, starting in my right arm, every early evening. Over a span of several months, my skin itched everywhere. Night sweats were horrendous. I no longer slept, just naps from total exhaustion. No prescription meds or any over-the-counter remedies worked. Numerous doctors, an emergency room visit and every medical test imaginable brought my rheumatologist to prescribe Methotrexate, 2.5 mg, 6 tabs once a week, Folic Acid, 1 mg tab, once a day the other 6 days and Hydroxyzine HCL, 25 mg, 1-2 before bed. I’ve read that Methotrexate is a chemo drug (?), which obviously is concerning, but it’s working. Also, I have found that Aveeno Eczema Therapy Itch Relief Balm helps me. I apply 2-3 times a day – all over. I don’t Itch nearly as much now, but I do get a dry, burning/tight sensation, mainly on my arms and legs that drives me to apply the lotion regularly and often.
As an aside, I tried 5-HTP years ago, but stopped when it seemed to give me a dull headache. I don’t notice any now, because I wake up with a dull, sick headache every day anyway. Do I think it helps with sleep and anxiety? Yes. GABA, yes. Does moisturizing throughout the day help my anxiety? Of course I’m much calmer if my skin isn’t itching or burning/tightening, so yes, I would agree.
Julie
I’m so pleased to hear the GABA 500mg and GABA Calm helps and you were able to quit Clonazepam and Gabapentin. We know some people do better on 5-HTP and other do better on tryptophan so I have my clients switch if one isn’t working (when there are low serotonin symptoms).
With itching/skin reactions/eczema we consider dietary causes like gluten (and even topical creams that are not gluten-free), histamine reactions to high histamine foods, and also side-effects from medications. Both Plaquenil and Savella list skin reactions as possible side-effects.
Dr. Mariza has a DIY recipe here which she says helps her patients with skin issues – Soothing Skin Roller Blend https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/diy-moisturizer-recipes-to-lower-inflammation-and-reduce-anxiety-panic-ptsd-phobias-and-social-anxiety/
I understand. Thank you, Trudy!
I developed severe skin itching. It was pure torture. I have RA and secondary sjorgens. My Dermatologist suggested UVB ray treatments 3 times a week. It worked! I bought the machine and can now give myself the treatments at home. Many Dermatologists office have the machine.
Hi Trudy,
I was wondering what your recommendation would be for people who have had their ability to read and concentrate compromised by depression and anxiety. I have tried taking amino acids from your book but they did not help much unfortunately, but I ranked fairly highly for pyroluria so will probably look into zinc and b6.
Also I was wondering if you think that trying cbd oil might be worth it? I have a lot of inflammation in joints and mri’s showed white matter in my brain (which might also be inflammation) and maybe this is the reason for a lot of my distress?
Bob
CBD can be very helpful but it’s also important to address the basics such as real whole food, quality animal protein, no gluten/sugar/caffeine, eating to control blood sugar, and gut health too. An Autoimmune Paleo diet is key for inflammation so check out these books. If reading/concentration is really bad would listening to podcasts and summits be easier?
With white matter in the brain we always need to consider toxins, infections (like Lyme https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6165408/), head injuries/TBI (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3030764/) etc and address these root causes. I refer my clients to a functional neurologist.
I’d love to hear which amino acids you trialed and how much you used? And your symptoms before and after?
Hi Trudy,
Thank you for the reply. So I used gaba calm, 750 mg dl-phenylalynine, 500 mg tyrosine, and 1.5 g tryptophan, all from source naturals, for about a month. Additionally I took a Nature’s lab daily multivitamin which had 1000% vit b6 (pyrodoxine hcl) and 100% zinc. My symptoms did not change before and after unfortunately.
I’ve been tested for lyme, and haven’t had any head injuries ever. I’m looking at trying the p-5-p and zinc supplements to see if those possibly help. I will also do the paleo diet which you recommended.
My other symptoms are painful lymph nodes, severe fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, extreme stress intolerance, anxiety, anhedonia, hair loss, and migraines (might be what the white matter in the mri was indicating).
I have done testing for mostly everything and they’ve all come back fine, although I still have not done endocrinological testing. Anyway thank you so much for your feedback and please let me know if there is anything else that may be in my best interest to try.
Bob
With the symptoms you describe I’d be looking into Lyme (again – testing is notoriously inaccurate) and other infections, toxic exposure, medication side-effects and head trauma (I’m saying it again because even a mild bump may be an issue)
Hi Trudy, I was recently diagnosed with sjogrens but do not suffer from anxiety or pyroluria. I also have hashimotos and lost my thyroid due to papillary thyroid cancer (stage 1). I definitely suffer from dry eyes and a bit of a dry mouth. I am refusing any medical RX for now. I am on serum eye drops and restasis. I do not feel a real effect from these eye drops however my eye RX has improved due to decreased inflammation. I wish their was a magical cure. I have tried AIP, I eat clean, added reverse osmosis water to house, got rid of body chemicals ( makeup and skin/hair products), eat organic. I also take CBD for general body aches and feel it does help. If anyone out there is experiencing any relief for their dry eyes i’d Love to hear or if you have any suggestions. Dry eye , mild tiredness, and aches in feet seem to be my major issues.
Angela
This article lists some herbal approaches to consider https://info.sjogrens.org/conquering-sjogrens/natural-herbs-spices-that-alleviate-dry-eye-symptoms
One of my herbal friends recommended calendula tea wash when I had scratchy dry eyes and it helped me personally. Here is more on this https://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/health/health-advice/the-natural-way-to-treat-dry-eyes/news-story/eae0c78e02f1cefcc47c167ca38c47ae
Over the counter Thera Tears EXTRA 3 times a day, especially before bedtime helps. I keep the humidifier up to 40-42% in the winter.
Hi Trudy – after 4 1/2 years of detoxing from mercury poisoning – and the all other metals including lead, tin, copper and way more – it finally came down to candida releasing. Where did it go – straight to my labia – I used Pau D’arco tea to help with the candida detox and only 1 cup a day – straight to my labia. This in turn was driving my adrenal fatigue off the roof and since I already had had mercury in there the pathways are weak. On top of all of this, with the candida releasing and triggering the adrenal fatigue – it was also triggering my childhood rape issues. Off the roof – headaches like you wouldn’t believe, muscle cramping to the point of almost total immobility and horrible anxiety and insomnia. Up until this point, I relied on energy medicine to take down the anxiety, nerve pain and muscular cramps that I was having – but this candidan – oh boy – so today for the first time ever I gave Tryptophan a try – I wanted to try it very very slowly since my body is in so much overwhelm / shock – I only took 1/4 of your recommended dose – so about 120mg. WITHIN MINUTES – just as you had mentioned – I could feel muscles relaxing, a calmer feeling, grounding was happening (tingling on the bottom of my feet) – wow!! Thank you so much for all you sharing. I am not a person that takes any type of meds, extremely little supps. – but I needed help – I had to put my pride aside and boy, am I glad I did. Thank you Thank you. I will continue to titrate upwards until I get to a dose that will last. This was only my first dose and in the afternoon. My question – how much response am I looking for? Will this supplement take care of ALL the adrenal symptoms – how will I know what is a symptom of the candida and a symptom from the adrenals? Again thank you so much – yesterday I was sure I was on my way to a stroke – today like you mentioned before – I am smiling. Can’t wait to get a good night’s sleep !
I was just put on Amitiza and wonder about it’s side effect of dryness. I also started plaquenil a second time after being off six years. I quit both methotrexate and plaquenil and was doing fine for awhile. The main reason I quit was occasionally my liver function was off. They kept asking if I had any alcohol. I had not therefore when we moved and I hadn’t gotten a new doctor I decided to see what happened. I was fine for six years but then started having more symptoms. I found a rheumatologist and he said plaquenil was a safe drug let’s try just only that one. It has worked! Funny now it’s considered dangerous!
I’m not good at moisturizing but it seems to do little for me. I have used vasoline on areas like my feet after a dermatologist recommended it.
I have problems with psoriasis and the shampoo helped but was very drying. A doctor gave me the liquid but it’s not helping as much. I remembered my ex-husband developed a horrible case on his hands. The medicine was doing nothing. My old fashioned grandma said soak in a pine tar solution. It worked. I decided to try pine tar shampoo. I also bought the soap. It helps and helps my dry skin too. My doctor said not to use soap at all! This actually works better for shaving your legs and dirt I get from working in the yard!
The biggest problem I have right now is my dry, irritated eyes. I’m thinking it’s the fires but I can’t get into an opthomologist for several weeks. I’m hoping it’s not the plaquenil. Has anyone had the eye problems associated with this drug?
I also take generic welbrutrin XL and that helps with depression! I’m ADHD and have had weight since I was 8. I eat high protein low fat but I believe Julia Childs was right that we need fat in out diets, especially since Sjogrens is so drying!
Elaine
I am an advocate of plenty of healthy fats and even more so with Sjogren’s. Best to check out medication side-effects online.
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.
I was wondering about licorice root and chicory root in herbal teas. Most herbal teas make me nauseous. I have allergies to many plants and I found any teas that have those roots are the ones causing it. I read an article where a man who consumed a lot of black licorice died from low potassium. Why do they use it in almost all herbal teas?
Elaine
I would suggest researching herbal tea ingredients for your own unique needs and avoid those that are problematic for you.
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.
Is that anxiety tryptophan the same as in zomig and other migraine meds?
Elaine
Tryptophan is a supplement (used to raise serotonin levels) and Zomig is a medication with side-effects so they are very different.
When 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 Some of this may be applicable for migraines.
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,
I suffer from an extreme dry mouth and very sensitive mouth membranes and get mouth sores often. I use a liquid prescription steroid for the mouth sores. My tongue seems to be damaged and causes horrible taste sensations. Sucking on sugar free candies does the best for saliva generation. I have tried Pilocarpine to no effect. The ENT said there is little to no saliva coming out of the lower deep ducts. Night time is the worst as I am a mouth breather. I can breathe ok, but just automatically open my mouth as I fall asleep. I have tried 2 different head devices to keep my mouth closed. THey somewhat work but cause headaches and cause my teeth to protrude into my sensitive gums a lot. I suspect Sjogren’s syndrome and will be checking more into that with my doctors. Ido have dry eyes.
Any recommendations concerning particuarily my dry, damaged tongue would be greatly appreciated!!!
Joyce
I’m afraid I don’t. Best would be to address the root cause if it is Sjogren’s syndrome and check with your doctor. Here are some autoimmune resources from the blog (not specific to Sjogren’s but very applicable:
– The Autoimmune Solution Cookbook by Amy Myers MD https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-autoimmune-solution-cookbook-by-amy-myers-md/
– The Autoimmune Fix by Dr. Tom O’Bryan: gluteomorphins, casomorphins and withdrawal https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/autoimmune-fix-tom-obryan-gluteomorphins-casomorphins-withdrawal/
– Hashimoto’s Protocol by Dr. Izabella Wentz https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/hashimotos-protocol-izabella-wentz/
– Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology, a new recipe book by Dr. Izabella Wentz https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/hashimotos-food-pharmacology-a-new-recipe-book-by-dr-izabella-wentz/
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.
I was diagnosed with Sjogrens several years ago. I also have Hashimoto’s, Fibromyalgia & Collagenous Colitis. All of these happened after a severe mold exposure which destroyed my pituitary, and caused Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI). I have to take human growth hormone injection daily, as my pituitary isn’t working, digestive enzymes for the EPI, and have experienced the anxiety and depression you’ve written about.
The GABA has been a life saver for me, and I share this with all I know who experience anxiety. I also use L-theanine at night because of insomnia. The 5-HTP has helped somewhat for the sleep, L-tryptophan didn’t seem to make a difference. However the 5-HTP has made a significant difference in lessening my daily pain levels, which I am most grateful for.
Unfortunately, I am also taking Klonopin and Gabapentin, both of which I have tried to get off of but keep finding myself back on both in order to have greater than 5 hours of sleep at night. Even with these, I often awaken after 4-6 hours and take 1-2 chewable GABA which allows me
to go back to sleep and get 2-4 more hours of sleep.
Joie
I’m sorry to hear how mold has impacted you. But wonderful to hear the GABA has been a lifesaver for you in terms of anxiety (and when waking in the night) and the theanine helps with sleep. And that the 5-HTP helps with daily pain. I’d love to hear how much of each you use and if you’ve increased to the optimal doses.
When 5-HTP helps with pain we also do trials to see if it can improve sleep. And explore some of the reasons why serotonin may be low and address those – more on that here: https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/what-causes-low-serotonin-use-tryptophan-5-htp-to-help-with-the-anxiety-overwhelm-and-worry-right-away-and-address-all-the-root-causes/
Tryptophan doesn’t work for everyone (as you know) but I do also consider melatonin when sleep is an issue. Unfortunately both Klonopin and Gabapentin (especially the former) can cause rebound sleep issues even when they seem to be helping in the short-term.
You may find this new blog helpful since you mention pancreatic insufficiency which may be impacting fat digestion – Waking in the night due to environmental toxins: impacts on the liver, gallbladder and fat digestion (making oxalate issues worse) https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/waking-in-the-night-due-to-environmental-toxins-impacts-on-the-liver-gallbladder-and-fat-digestion-making-oxalate-issues-worse/
And I’m sure you’re familiar with an AIP/autoimmune paleo diet too
I’m going to share your results and my response as a new blog as I feel it will help others and give hope!
Hi Trudy:
I have Sjogren’s, but that is not why I started taking the 5-HTP and tryptphan. I purchased your book and completed the questionnaire to determine which Amino Acids I need to deal with my chronic, severe anxiety and depression. After supplementing for one week, I have not experienced any relief. Many times I feel worse – to the point of tears. The physical anxiety is over the top.
This is the course that I followed from your book. I awaken in the midde of the night with anxiety and early in the morning. The anxiety lasts throughout the day.
– For symptoms that occur earlier in the aday, 50 to 150 mg of 5 -HTP o wakng and midmorning, and 500 to 1,500 mg of tryptophan midafternoon and at bedtime.
The Pure Formula 5-HTP capsules that I ordered from Fullscript are 100 mg, so I cannot increase the dosage to 150 unless I open the capsule. The Lidtke l-Tryptophan from your store are 500 mg capsules. Should I increase that dose to 1,000 mg vs. 500, and would that be 1,000 mid-afternon and at bedtime?
Thank you.
Annette
I can’t offer specific advice via the blog but when I hear physical anxiety it makes me think low GABA rather than low serotonin.
Hopefully you’re also starting to implement all the 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.
It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet. What is your diet like right now – gluten-free, sugar-free, caffeine-free, eating protein at breakfast for blood sugar control, real whole foods, grass-fed red meat, wild fish, fermented foods etc?