The targeted use of individual amino acid supplements will balance brain chemistry to alleviate anxiety, fear, worry, panic attacks, and feeling stressed or overwhelmed. They can also be helpful in addressing other problems that contribute to or exacerbate anxiety, such as sugar cravings and addictions. In addition, they can help with depression and insomnia, which often co-occur with anxiety. When you balance your brain chemistry, not only will you alleviate symptoms of anxiety, you’ll also have a great mood, eliminate cravings, sleep well, and have good energy and mental focus.
The above is from an earlier blog post: Anxiety and targeted individual amino acid supplements: a summary
I recently shared this article on my facebook page TrudyScott AntianxietyFoodSolution and we had such a healthy productive discussion going I’ve decided to share some of the great questions here – and my responses to them – so you can benefit too.
Some of these have been paraphrased, typos have been corrected and I’ve added additional information. Here is the link to the facebook discussion.
The first question was related to how to know which amino acid to use:
But how do you know which one will help? I have heard of so many different options. I was told by my nutritionist to try one called l-theanine but I haven’t tried it due to the fact that she told me it could have a reverse effect on me. Any advice?
Here is my response:
I have my clients do the amino acid questionnaire and then a trial of the amino acids that show up as likely being low: tryptophan for low serotonin, GABA for low GABA, DPA for low endorphins, tyrosine for low catecholamines and glutamine for low blood sugar. You may need support in more than one area. And if you need the amino acids you can actually get results in 5 minutes!
I prefer GABA to theanine as it’s often more effective but you may do well on theanine. And yes too much can cause a reverse effect so start low and back down if you don’t feel an improvement or feel worse.
In case you have not heard me present on this topic I’ll be featured on the online Mental Wellness Summit that started this week. My interview airs Saturday August 15th.
Another question was related to how long to take the amino acids:
When do you stop taking them? I have been taking GABA since January and it has helped tremendously. Is there ever a time you stop or do you take it indefinitely?
Here is my response:
I’m so pleased to hear the GABA has helped tremendously. Some people just forget to take them and then realize they feel good, have no more anxiety and don’t need the amino acids any more.
For other people we may say “let’s stop or cut back and see how you feel.” If you cut back and feel worse then you add them back again. If you feel fine on the lower amounts then you stay there and lower again a few weeks later.
With GABA, if you’re taking too much you may feel sluggish and tired.
There is no set length that works for everyone – it varies. For some it’s a month. I would say 6 months is pretty typical but a year is not unheard of.
If you find you are needing to keep taking the amino acids long term then I like to look at why. So we’d look at diet, stress and adrenal health, food sensitivities, malabsorption etc.
As someone kindly said in this same thread:
You can’t just “wing it.” You need dosage guidance on amino acid supplements, same as you would a prescription. I found reading Trudy’s blogs and book The Antianxiety Food Solution very helpful, plus the book The Mood Cure by Julia Ross give specific guidance on which ones to use and how.
I agree, of course, and would like to add that each person is different and has their own unique needs. And not everyone with anxiety or depression has a neurotransmitter deficiency and needs amino acids.
This question about adverse effects was also posted:
What’s the story with trying amino acid supplements and tyrosine gives you headaches and makes you feel unsettled, and GABA and 5-HTP makes you feel dopey. I’ve tried different dosing and I’m still not getting anywhere. Can you suggest what else may be going on?
Here is my response:
I would look at the quality of the amino acids being used (here are brands I use and like) and also consider if you’re possibly using too much. Some pixie dust clients need just a dab to start.
You may also have genetic SNPs that are affecting you or you may simply not need them. That’s when we dig deeper and look for other causes: here are the 60+ Nutritional & Biochemical Causes of Anxiety I covered in the last Anxiety Summit
If you enjoyed this and want to be part of future interactive discussions do come on over to facebook and join in.
If you’ve been using any of the amino acids, I hope this has been helpful for you. Please share how you’re doing in the comments and feel free to ask additional questions.
If you’re new to the amazing amino acids for anxiety and you’d like more detailed information, my book The Antianxiety Food Solution has a whole very detailed chapter on the topic, together with the other 8 steps I use with my clients to alleviate anxiety: real whole food, balance blood sugar, quit caffeine, quit gluten, address the gut, pyroluria, lifestyle and other factors.
If this sounds intriguing and you’d like guidance with using the amino acids, stay tuned for the launch of The Amazing Aminos for Anxiety homestudy group program that will be starting in September. You’re welcome to sign up here to be notified when we have details about the start date and more.
Hello,
I was wondering if this will help with OCD? I did not see any mention of OCD in your articles. Do you feel it can be treated the same way you would treat other anxieties? I was told that since I take serotonin medication that I should not take 5HTP because it may cause too much serotonin. What are your thoughts?
Lisa
OCD can often be related to low serotonin so yes tryptophan and/or 5-HTP can help and is often very effective. If you take an SSRI then tryptophan and/or 5-HTP should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision and at least 6 hours from the SSRI. I would suggest working with a practitioner who knows the amino acids too. And talk to your doctor about doing a taper if that’s what you’d like to do
The other nutrient that helps with OCD is inositol and this is fine to take with an SSRI. I start my clients on 2g and go up to 18g/day.
With OCD I’d always also look into past strep infections and PANDAs and this could be a factor too
Thank you for the info. Unfortunately, I did get a blood test once for PANDA and it came back negative. Do you think OCD is something that can be helped with aminos and do you think I should set up an appointment with you?
Thank you
Lisa
As I mentioned tryptophan and inositol may help with OCD, as can many other biochemical and nutritional factors. I’d be happy to see if I can help – consult details are here https://www.everywomanover29.com/services.html
Lisa, Chiming in with a bit of encouragement here–a bit late perhaps, but wanted to let you know that my teenage son suffers from OCD and anxiety. A number of years ago I found Trudy’s website while trying to find some natural ways to help him. We tried 5HTP with good success (it also helped lessen the frequency and intensity of his migraines) but it caused stomach upset with him, even when taken with food, so be aware that it may have this affect on you if you try it. After about 9 mos. of 5HTP we kind of “forgot” to give it to him and he continued to feel good. Once my son started high school he started having more stress in his life and his OCD, anxiety and migraines returned. I started him on inositol about 8 months ago. It has had an even greater effect on the OCD than the 5HTP (remember everyone is different tho!). I’d highly recommend you try the inositol since 5HTP/tryptophan is not an option for you at this time. My son has had no side effects from inositol at all. Good luck!!
Tracy
Thanks so much for sharing this – how wonderful for your son! Would you mind sharing how much of the inositol you find helps?
Glad the 5-HTP helped when he was younger. Some people have digestive issues with 5-HTP initially and then it usually goes away.
My son takes 500mg (NOW brand) daily in the mornings, usually with breakfast. That amount works well for him most days. When stress is higher and he starts experiencing “breakthrough anxiety” or obsessions, I have him take another 500mg in the evenings as well, just for a couple days or until the stress has diminished. I should mention that his OCD tends to be primarily obsessive in nature with very little compulsion. His father was actually diagnosed with mild OCD before I met him and he learned to deal with his through counseling and behavior modification. I read about tryptophan (Julia Ross) and asked him to try it. It works well for him when his anxiety acts up (which interestingly tends to have a seasonal component!) It has been an education living with these two! 🙂
does he take phyiatrick drugs to treat his ocd like clomipramine and seroquel and does it interact with tryptophan?
Tracy
Thanks a lot for coming back and sharing! I’d love to share some of this in a blog post – we can do it without any names.
Please feel free! I’m okay with you using my first name, just no last name please. 🙂
I’m interested in the home study group.
Great Cindy – we’ll let you know
Hi,
I’d like to be notified once your homestudy progran begins!
Thanks!
Maritza Ramos
Certainly Maritza!
Hi Trudy.
Thanks for the all the information. Keep up the great work!
I have Scrupulosity OCD which involves repetition of words in prayer and a physical difficulty in saying some of the words, which I guess is some sort of anxiety.
I have Celiac and gut dysfunction so I assume that is my root cause, although my sleep is terrible so that contributes as well.
I understand that tryptophan or 5-htp plus inositol will help, however I have a few questions:
1. Do you have experience with people having difficulty pronouncing certain words due to anxiety, and were you able to help them?
2. Do you think this is considered a physical anxiety in which GABA would help?
3. Do I need to take other nutrients in order for the amino acids to work, for example b6, or do they work without them?
If you have any other suggestions, I’d be very happy to hear.
Thanks!
Amitai
I was not familiar with Scrupulosity OCD until now but would suggest approaching it in a similar way to OCD/anxiety and look for root causes (gluten, gut issues, low serotonin etc)
1. Do you have experience with people having difficulty pronouncing certain words due to anxiety, and were you able to help them? NO I’M AFRAID I DON’T
2. Do you think this is considered a physical anxiety in which GABA would help? IT MAY BE – I’D DO WHAT I DO WITH ALL MY CLIENTS – HAVE YOU DO THE AMINO ACID QUESTIONNAIRE AND A TRIAL
3. Do I need to take other nutrients in order for the amino acids to work, for example b6, or do they work without them? POSSIBLY, IT DEPENDS IF YOU ARE LOW
I’ve had great success with tryptophan and inositol for OCD and would also look into strep/PANDAs
Thanks for the answers.
I tried 500 mg of GABA once. It didn’t help, and I think (although I’m not sure) it made me lightheaded and have difficulty with focusing.
I want to try tryptophan or 5-htp plus inositol, and also, since I score pretty high on the low catecholamines, l-tyrosine.
I wanted to know when I should take them:
I read that tyrosine should usually be taken in the morning to give motivation throughout the day, and that tryptophan and 5-htp should be taken in the afternoon and evening. But since my anxiety and OCD usually trigger at 3 periods in the day – morning, afternoon, and evening, should I take the tryptophan/5-htp when I need it? Will it interfere with the tyrosine?
Regarding the inositol, should I take it every time I take the tryptophan/5-htp? After how many days does it take effect, and when should I evaluate the dosage?
Thank you very much for caring about and helping so many people!
Amitai
All the aminos work right away if you need them. The effects of inositol are quick too. I have many clients on all the aminos – we just do one at a time so we know what is doing what. 5-HTP is usually ok during the day but some people do fine on tryptophan earlier.
I have the same thing. I have used lots of things intended to raise GABA in times of high stress and those are what causes speech slurring. I also talk slower, mix words and transpose letters, numbers and works when writing.
Inositol made me angry. Prozac made the OCD thoughts worse, I just wasn’t freaking out about them as much.
I hate my mind.
Anon
Too much GABA could do that. I have clients start with 125mg GABA for this reason.
I definitely want to know about a home study group. I have so many problems I don’t know where to start and the anxiety keeps me afraid to start on my own. vicious circle.
We’ll notify you Candy
Interested in the homestudy
Thanks Emily – we’ll notify you
Hi, Trudy. I’ve read that GABA supplements do not cross the blood-brain barrier. The pro-drug picamilon does, however, and is converted to GABA in the brain. Thoughts?
Also, it seems that in the presence of inflammation, tryptophan is not metabolized into serotonin but instead kynurenine and eventually the excitotoxin quinolonic acid, contributing to unoexcitoxicity and neuronal degeneration. Again, thoughts?
Lori
I discussed the GABA BBB theory in this interview on the Anxiety Summit https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-summit-targeted-individual-amino-acids-eliminating-anxiety-practical-applications/ GABA works if you are low in GABA. Once you’ve tried it and seen the results in 1000s of anxious individuals you’ll believe it too.
I have heard a number of practitioners discuss this theory/concern and it is an area I plan to do more research on and learn more about. Based on my experience with 1000s of clients using tryptophan (and my personal experience) I do stand by my tryptophan recommendations but do acknowledge that not everyone responds favorably to every nutrient. I wonder if the quality of tryptophan is a factor? There are purity issues which is why I only use Lidtke.
I appreciate this and welcome all comments – both positive and negative – and I look forward to continued learning!
I’d love you to share your experiences with GABA and tryptophan and why you ask this question?
Thank you for the response. My question was in no way meant to be negative. I’ve been studying immunoexcitotoxicity and the BBB because of personal brain issues. It’s a very long story!
First, GABA Calm seems to do nothing for me, which I would prefer to taking Klonopin (which is the only thing that helps). So, while it would be good if my BBB were intact, I might get some benefit from GABA supps if my BBB weren’t intact. If my BBB is compromised, I could try taking more GABA Calm. Either way, it seems better to take something I’m sure would cross the BBB, like GABA precursors.
Second, because I suspect neuroinflammation, I hesitate to take tryptophan because of its conversion to kynurenine and eventually quinolonic acid in the presence of inflammation. I am genetically predisposed to overproducing the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1B and TNF-a, so I’m more susceptible to immunoexcitotoxicity.
Hope that all makes sense!
Lori
Maybe negative was a bad word to use then 🙂 I’d like to clarify that I don’t accept the leaky BBB theory of how GABA may be working and the tryptophan/quinolinic acid theory is a theory. But there is no harm in erring on the side of caution and also doing testing – organic acid tests measure quinolinic acid. And keep in mind that the Klonopin itself may be /is likely causing problems.
Trudy, I was wondering about the Klonopin, actually. I read somewhere that it changes the receptors or something along those lines. So maybe GABA from supplements cannot effectively be taken up?
I’m glad you clarified that the tryptophan/QUIN theory is a only a theory.
Absolutely on the receptor changes
I should mention that I don’t take Klonopin daily, or very much when I do. 0.5 mg every couple days, and only as needed. Would that make a difference? I’m concerned that I’ve changed things in my brain to my detriment.
Yes it could – I’ll be doing a talk on this in a few weeks “Say NO to benzodiazepines for anxiety!” https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/no-to-benzodiazepines-for-anxiety/
Typo in the above: immunoexcitoxicity.
I’m interested in the home study group
Thanks Camella – we’ll notify you
Trudy,
Great to see you are forming a home study group.
This will create even more of a movement for you
and your important information. In person success
stories! Can’t wait to see the videos.
Mitch – thank, I’m excited to be offering this homestudy program
Hi Trudy,
I am reading your book and it is been very informative with lots of good info. I need your advice on a health related matter. I have been suffering from anxiety for a long time and started having sleep issues about six years ago. I went to the doctors and they prescribed Mirtazapine (Remeron) and I have been on it since then. It has not helped much with the anxiety but helped a lot with sleep (less recently). I have tried to come off the mediation twice now but I just could not sleep without it. I even took sleep mediations but still no sleep until I reintroduced Mirtazapine. The longest I could last was three weeks with not much sleep (max 2-3 hours per night and none on some nights).
I see you have a lot of resources on your website but I could not find anything on Mirtazapine. Can you please tell me if any of the amino acids will help and can they be taken while tapering down Mirtazapine.
Thank you so much.
Regards,
Karim
Karim
I don’t have experience with anyone on Mirtazapine (Remeron). Per this site http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/mirtazapine “is not structurally related to any of the classes of antidepressants” and “Potentiates effects of norepinephrine and serotonin by blocking their synaptic reuptake.” So I’d assume the same tryptophan/5-HTP rules would apply. Tyrosine may also be a problem. GABA, glutamine and DPA would likely be ok to use but I’d check with your prescribing doctor.
Hi Trudy,
Thanks for the info. I have been to a few doctors and all they recommend are sleeping pills which I have tried and it is not helping. I really do not know how to address my sleep issues once coming off Mirtazapine. I am not sure what this medication that has made me so dependant for sleep. I am really worred that I have to take it for the rest of my life.
Karim
Just like root causes for anxiety, there are many possible root causes for sleep problems: low blood sugar/not enough protein in the diet, food sensitivities, poor gut health/low levels of good bacteria, parasites, candida, caffeine and/or sugar consumption, high cortisol and many more. I share the 60+ causes of anxiety here but many of these could also affect sleep https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/60-nutritional-biochemical-causes-of-anxiety/
Hi Trudy,
Just to clarify, it should be fine to take GABA and Tryptophan and NOT Tyrosine if I am taking mirtazapine? If Tyrosine is a problem, than can I use the natural source brand you recommend as it contains that?
Thank you
Karim
Based on my comment above I would say no to tryptophan, 5-HTP and tyrosine. But I don’t know and recommend working with your doctor on this.
dear karim..
i am NOT a doctor, so i share this as a person who struggled with sleep.. i am NOT suggesting anything about your medications nor amino acids..
having struggled with several sleep challenges for 5 years
reading trudy’s suggestions.. want to share, that those are many of the areas that helped me regain my sleep balance!.. and i am so thrilled, as it was horrific not having sleep.
getting completely off gluten was great help.. as was helping my whole GI obtain good balance.. ie. medical grade probiotic, eating fermented, getting protein. i stopped COFFEE and only have green tea in morning. never after 10am, adding exercise also very key for me. getting more foods that help gut balance i feel really helped restore neuro chemistry, which then helped sleep and so much more.. anxiety, mood swings etc..
so hope you find hearing someone else found restoration from her great knowings, helps you dig in, and reclaim yours
Wanda – thanks for your encouragement for Karim – and what fabulous results for you! I’m very happy for you! I’d like to just add that for some people even green tea may be too much caffeine
Hi Wanda, I do really appreciate all the info. thanks. I am trying to get off my medication (Mirtazapine) and I cannot sleep without it. Over the past two years, I have tried coming off three times but I lose my sleep completly. I went to my doctors and they recommend going on another medications (anti-depressants + sleep meds) which I really do not want to. I am lost now and really do not want to take Mirtazapine for the rest of my life.
Karim
I just re-read the medication tapers in Dr Bongiorno’s book “Holistic Solutions for Anxiety and Depression”
(https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/holistic-solutions-for-anxiety-depression). On page 240 he talks about using both tyrosine and 5-HTP during a Mirtazapine taper
Hello I bought your book The Antianxiety Food Solution book. I found it to be incredible informative. I have tried some of your suggestions and they have been great but I am still struggling with waking up at 3am in morning hungry almost feeling of starving and then waking at 6 feeling hungry and tired. I am 47 and have high morning cortisol levels. I am wondering what I could eat or take as suppliment before bed to help curve this disruptive nightly routine. I am not sure of root cause my progesterone is slightly low during luteal phase or if low serotonin cause this issue or low blood sugar at night. What would be food or suppliment recommendations/ bedtime routine that could help.
Lee
If I was working with you I’d focus on lowering the high cortisol, nourishing the adrenals and balancing blood sugar (which means at least 4oz animal protein at breakfast and every meal, glutamine though the day, possibly a bedtime snack of banana and nut butter)
So pleased you find my book informative – go back and read the blood sugar chapter!
I’m Interested in home study program
We’ll let you know Diane
In one of your answers Trudy, you wrote “And not everyone with anxiety or depression has a neurotransmitter deficiency and needs amino acids.” if not a neurotransmitter deficiency, what else can it be and what would be the solution if not amino acids?
Jessica
There are many other causes: low blood sugar, not enough protein in the diet, food sensitivities, poor gut health/low levels of good bacteria, parasites, candida, caffeine and/or sugar consumption, high cortisol and many more. I share the 60+ causes here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/60-nutritional-biochemical-causes-of-anxiety/
Trudy you are truly an AMAZING resource!!! 60+ causes… WOW! I will have to share that. So many people can’t put the symptoms together without the help of someone like you… You helped me when doctors and specialists couldn’t figure out what was going on with me and I’m FOREVER grateful!
I am interested in the home study program 🙂
we’ll let you know Yvonne
Trudy,
I adore you and all of the heartfelt effort, knowledge and compassion you so generously share with those of us in need.
Please count me in when your Amino Acid Study begins in September!
Blessings,
Gail
Gail – thanks for your kind words 🙂 – we’ll let you know
Interested in the home study also. have been taking meds. for panic attacks for 13 yrs. and would really like to find the cause and fix it.
Thanks,
Rita
I’m sorry to hear this Rita – we’ll let you know
Please email when the Home Study Group starts. Thanks!
will do Kristi
I’m interested in the home study group
Mary – great! We’ll let you know when it’s going to start
Please include me in the home study program.
Ann – We’ll let you know when it starts
I am interested in the anxiety home study program. Thank you
Lisa – great! We’ll let you know when it starts
Hi Trudy
I am new to your site. I am interested in the home study program. Thank you
Jenny – great! We’ll let you know when it starts
Hi Trudy
I would like to know if large doses of vitamin C interferes with amino acids.
I only saw a brief reference to this, and don’t know if it is the case or not.
I take 1000 mg. C in the morning, and am wondering if this is impacting the benefits from the amino acids. If so, how much time should they be taken apart.
Thanks
Joanne
I have many of my clients take 1000-3000mg a day, especially if adrenal fatigue is an issue. The vitamin C is fine since it’s taken with meals and the aminos are taken in between meals
Thanks, Trudy
I really appreciate your generosity, and the passion with which you share your expertise. You have doubtlessly changed many lives and given countless people hope.
I am interested in the home study course as well.
You’re most welcome Joanne – and we’ll let you know about the homestudy
I have a question about brain fog. A lot of time my thinking is really blurry and it seems I am not really “here.” I had a genetic test done, and am heterogenous for both the A1298C and the C677T and homogenous for FOLR2. My doctor recommended activated folate. i used to get lots of mouth ulcers and they cleared up on it, but the brain fog increased.
Are there any amino acids that might help with this?
Thanks
Rosa
Rosa
Too much methylfolate can cause issues – Dr Lynch discussed this during season 3 of The Anxiety Summit (https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-summit-methylfolate-anxiety/)
With brain fog I’d consider low catecholamines (do the amino acid questionnaire), gut health and especially candida, and low B12. Possibly leaky gut and gluten sensitivity for sure
Thanks so much. I listened to Ben Lynch on the anxiety summit, and it did scare me into trying methylfolate. My doctor isn’t really all that up on it, so I am not sure if I am on the right track. However, I skipped taking it for 3 days to see if that would help with brain fog (it did) and got a mouth ulcer – the first one I’ve had since I started taking it. So I guess my body needs some of it, at least.
May I ask how one tests for Candida?
Rosa – stool testing and/or candida questionnaire but it can be challenging to confirm so sometimes getting on a candida protocol and seeing improvements is the best thing to do if you suspect it
Please include me in the home study group. BTW, love your work, Trudy! It has been instrumental in helping my family and myself deal with anxiety issues. Especially appreciate and admire your big heart (selflessly sharing so much information!) and that you are personally available to your followers. THANK YOU!
Tracy – we’ll let you know! Thanks for your very kind words 🙂 and I’m so pleased to hear this about you and your family!
I am on 5 HTP (400 mg). I am wondering about trying tryptophan instead. What is the best (safest) way to make the switch?
Thanks
Jennifer
Jennifer
50mg 5-HTP is equivalent to 500mg tryptophan. The reasons to switch could be that the 5-HTP is not working or it’s causing digestive issues or you have high cortisol (per saliva test). Depending on how severe your symptoms are I would have just switch them out or slowly replace one with the other. Keep in mind some people simply do better on one vs the other.
Oh my! I am not taking 400 mg of 5 HTP. Does that mean switching over to 2000 mg tryptophan? That seems like a lot!
What is the starting dose you usually suggest?
I am tapering off SSRIs so I know my serotonin reserves are low. One of the side effects of these drugs is they reduce the body’s natural ability to make serotonin on its own.
thanks so much.
Jennifer
I’m not clear about the question – I think you’re saying – I am NOW taking 400mg -5-HTP?
2000mg tryptophan isn’t a lot if you need it. If we were working together I would have you start on 500mg which is the typical starting amount. And work with your doctor since you are on SSRIs + take the 5-HTP/tryptophan at leas6 6 hours from the SSRI
Can you take evening primrose oil along with fish oil supplements? My doctor suggested fish oil for mood, but I just took the pyloria test and Wow! That was me.
Susan
Most pyrolurics do not need fish oil or only need very little – they can extract EPA/DHA from the foods they eat. But yes fish oil and EPO can be taken together. I fatty acid test from a functional lab can measure what you need and how much
Hi Trudy,
I suffer from debilitating panic attacks while driving….I’ve suffered for years. I don’t know where to start with amino acids but I’d love to learn and give them a try. I’m also very scared of taking new things (Googling side effects doesn’t help!) so I’d love to learn more about amino acids and anxiety so I can eliminate my fear around taking them. I have your book and have just started reading it. If you have any suggestions about what to take for panic attacks, I’d love to know.
I would love to be notified when your home study group begins. Thank you!
Carrin
Sorry to hear this – panic attacks can be due to low serotonin and/or low GABA so I’d start there if we were working together. Low serotonin will cause the fear of taking new things so in this instance I typically start here
Here is the link to be added to the notification list http://everywomanover29.com/aminosforanxiety/
Hi there,
My mother took your class on amino acids and I have recently switched from anti-depressants to aminos. I take 1000 mg of Vit C daily, but I heard that it can negate the effects of the aminos. Should I just take them an hour or so apart? or should I give up the C entirely?
Thanks!
Zoe
Aminos between meals and vitamin C with meals is fine.
Where does L-Phenylalanine fit into the mix?
The amino acid questionairre suggests I have both low catecholamines and low endorphins.
I was taking tyrosine (it seemed to help somewhat) and went to the store to try to find DPA/D-phenylalanine. All they had was L-Phenylalanine.
It says on the bottle in converts to tyrosine. But is it also similar to DPA, and help with endorphins? In other words, could this be a “two for one” solution?
Thanks ~ Sarah
Sarah
DLPA raises catecholamines and endorphins which can be achieved with tyrosine and DPA. I prefer to use them separately because you may need more of one than the other. I don’t use LPA much. You can buy DPA directly from Lidtke (it’s called Endorphigen) or via my online store – details here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
Are DLPA and LPA the same thing? Thanks
Hi Trudy,
Thank you for all the valuable information you are sharing on your website! I have just discovered it today and have been reading it for a few hours already.
I would like to be notified about the home study program, if possible, and have two questions.
I have been taking St John’s Wort 450 mg twice a day for about a month to help regulate mood. Having taken your amino acid questionnaire, I would like to try GABA and/or tryptophan/5-HTP. Would it be safe to try either or both without discontinuing St John’s Wort? Or should I discontinue SJW?
Also, you mentioned salive cortisol test for checking for high cortisol. Would you recommend any reliable direct-to-consumer labs?
Thank you again for your blog!
Margarita
GABA is fine with SJW but tryptophan/5-HTP is not ok with SJW.
I use http://www.diagnostechs.com/ for my clients (it’s not direct to consumer) but another option is ZRT Lab which is direct to consumer http://www.zrtlab.com/
Glad you’re enjoying the info here! We’ll let you know about the home study program
Hi Trudy,
Thank you for your reply.
I discontinued SJW two days ago for a trial of amino acids and the pyroluria protocol as I did the zinc assay and reached a level of 2 and scored 27/42 on the pyroluria questionnaire, 6/7 on low GABA, and 14/21 on low serotonin questionnaires.
I would like to ask for your advice regarding the trial of new supplements. Yesterday afternoon, I took the newly arrived vitamin B6, 1 capsule (Klaire Labs, 250 mg), followed by L-tryptophan Cheweable, 1 tablet (Lidtke, 200 mg), before bedtime, both from your recommendations. I also took 2 Valerian root capsules, about 1 g total, for sleep before bedtime, as I did for the previous few weeks.
Vitamin B6 250 mg calmed me down almost immediately and made me somewhat drowsy through the afternoon, yet half hour after I took L-tryptophan at bedtime I noticed a tingling sensation in my right cheek and ear, which went on and off, the pleasant sleepiness disappeared and was replaced with alertness.
To put this in perspective, for a couple of weeks before yesterday, I have been taking B-complex in powder form but skipped it yesterday in order to try the vitamin B6. Yesterday morning, before experimenting with B6 and L-tryptophan, I took 1 Emergen-C sachet, about 400 mg of magnesium malate, and 1 Complete EFA (Twinlab).
I am not sure whether my tingling sensation and alertness were caused by the high dose of vitamin B6 or its combination with L-tryptophan or the tryptophan alone, and how I should proceed.
I would also like to add the primrose oil, zinc, and GABA at some point. Would you please recommend how best to proceed in this situation?
Thank you, Trudy, and I look forward to the home study program.
Margarita
I’m afraid I can’t offer specific consulting advice via the blog. If I am working with someone who has an adverse effect we stop the most recently added supplements and then add them back one at a time. Sometimes we need to add them back at lower amounts.
I am a bit confused about taking amino acids. I am struggling to find the right balance and the ones that will work for me.
I read that there is one lab that will test accurately test neurotransimttors. It is by DBS labs (http://labdbs.com/) that apparently measures Organic Cation Transporters Type 2 (OCT-2) which move these neurotransmitters and their amino acid precursors in and out of cells (including nerve cells known as neurons). Have you heard of this?
I’ve also read that you need essential co-factors such as:
Vitamin C: 1,000 mg / day
Vitamin B6: 75 mg/ day
Calcium: 500 mg/ day
Cysteine: 4,500 mg/ day (divided doses)
Selenium: 400 mcg / day
Folic Acid: 2,000 – 3,000 mcg / day
Trudy, you are the only source I trust on this, and wonder if you might help clarify this. If the lab test DOES work, I’d be very interested in seeing if I can find a doctor who can order it, as I am frustrated. I’ve been on SSRI’s for over 25 years, and am trying to come off, and am having trouble guessing what the levels of different neurotransmittors might be on my messed-up brain.
Janine
I’m afraid I can’t offer specific advice via the blog. I don’t use this lab and simply use the amino acid questionnaire and response to trials.
There are many co-factors (as listed above) but since we are all biochemically unique there is no one-size-fits-all
I’m curious about this testing and will add it to my list of things to look into (and likely blog about)- so thanks for asking the question.
Hi Trudy,
Your information has truly been a Godsend to me. Thank you for all you do! I have been taking Seroquel for anxiety for about a year, after suffering for some months with a horrible intestinal virus and other health issues. It’s the only medication I’ve ever taken long-term, and I tried a lot of other “kinder, gentler” things before starting it. It was really a last resort for someone as health-conscious as I’ve always been.
The maximum dose I used was 100 mg, but not for long. At 75 mg I was more alert and felt better. I have been tapering off veeeery slowly for some months, and am now down to 25 mg. At this point I’m having a return of some of the anxiety symptoms now and again (panicky feelings, restlessness/agitation, feeling overwhelmed, etc.). What I DON’T want is to have a full-blown return to the symptoms after tapering off, so at this point I’m wondering what amino acids could help get at the root cause/causes of the anxiety. (I’ve also ordered Mood Probiotic from Innovix Labs to help with the gut. And yes, I’ve been tested for all kinds of parasites, etc. All tests came back negative.)
In reading Julia Ross’s book, it’s clear to me that I have low serotonin and low GABA. (I’ve ordered your book, too, and look forward to reading it.) What I want to know is:
1. Is it safe to combine 25 mg of Seroquel with tryptophan or 5-HTP? If so, how much would you recommend? Would it be safer to start with tryptophan, since I probably had high cortisol during the worst of the anxiety?
2. Is GABA ok to use with Seroquel, and can all three (Seroquel, GABA and tryptophan/5-HTP) be used together? If GABA is OK, how much should I use and at what times? I’m thinking of trying the GABA Calm; do you think this would be a good option?
I do have a good doctor, but unfortunately she isn’t well-versed in things like amino acids. I will be seeing her soon, so I’ll run all this by her. Who knows – maybe she’ll get interested enough to do some research on this!
My goal has always been healing rather than just getting by in a sort of chemical stupor. I can’t thank you enough for devoting so much time and energy to helping us live better!
Gratefully,
Danelle
Danelle
I’m afraid I can’t offer specific advice via the blog but will share what I do know about Seroquel. It’s an antipsychotic drug that affects dopamine, serotonin, adrenergic and histamine receptors (http://reference.medscape.com/drug/seroquel-xr-quetiapine-342984#10) so you’re going to have to check with your doctor.
You mention a return of anxiety symptoms. I don’t want to scare you but just let you know that as with any psychiatric medication, many individuals get taper side-effects when lowering Seroquel.
I love that you want to heal and would suggest focusing on food (my book is a great resource) and non supplement approaches (like meditation, exercise, light therapy https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/winter-blues-sad-light-therapy/, yoga etc) initially
Thanks, Trudy, for responding. My frustration with checking with my doctor is simply that I don’t know whether she’ll know enough about amino acids to know how to answer my questions. But I will try. What I don’t want is for her to ask me to go back up on the dose of med’s – it’s taken so long to taper down.
In the last few days I’ve been taking 2g of inositol powder in the morning and have found that really helpful, though I’m not OCD. It just has a nice calming effect. Have you ever recommended using it on its own without any other aminos?
As to food, I’ve been trying to up my protein intake to help with serotonin levels, but my stomach isn’t wildly happy with two eggs every morning (just can’t do three, as Julia Ross recommends). I eat (and have done for years) lots of organic produce, grass-fed beef, organic dairy, etc. with very few sweets except a small amount of dark chocolate (which I can take or leave). Coconut oil also has been a huge help. So I will tweak where I can, but feel that I’m well on the way.
I’ve looked on the GABA Calm bottle, and they caution against taking it with MAO inhibitors, but they say nothing about any other sort of medication. This led me to hope that it might be considered safe with anything else. Would you tend to agree? (I know you can’t be specific; I’m just asking for a general sort of answer. But if you’re not comfortable with the question, I understand.)
I’m also working on some other fronts, so I agree with your advice, i.e. looking at other non-supplement approaches. It’s just that I realise there’s something missing (probably more than just one thing) in my dietary/supplementary intake.
Thanks again,
Danelle
Danelle
I really can’t advise you on the medication question – sorry
I do use inositol alone with clients.
Not having an appetite for protein at breakfast can be due to low zinc and/or pyroluria.
Danelle,
I ,unfortunately, like you as a last resort was put in Seroquel for sleep because of anxiety and Lyme disease. I tried everything I could naturally,evr cam to this blog first. Nothing helped. Now o want wean and have the same questions as you. How did it work out for you? Did you take tryptophan or gaba while on Seroquel? Would you mind sharing how you tapered Seroquel? I am on 50 for sleep. I am still night waking. So if it’s not helping,I would like to be off of it. I am currently working in my thyroid and adrenals.
hello all.. i have LOVED finding all this great work by Trudy, and all the shares on so many topics. personally.. i added L-Glutamine in form or powder in morning on empty stomach.. and have seen great shifts and reclaiming my sleep. i’ve been taking it for number of months now daily.. and the few times my sleep never happens.. when i look back, i realize i forgot the L’Glutamine in the morning.. so it seems to be clearly related.. has any one else been taking L-Glutamine? also . .is it safe to take daily long term at 5g/day?
fyi.. i started it, hoping to support my GI and SigA.. but the sleep was a great discovery. love to hear if any one else has any lucky or news on this.. huge thanks!
Stacy
Thanks for sharing your great results. Setting yourself up at the start of the day like this can help sleep! Having a good breakfast with protein and eating to balance blood sugar thru the day can have a similar benefit. Healing the adrenals will also help with blood sugar control
I am not aware of issues taking it long term but ideally we should focus on food when we can.
thank you so much Trudy for your comment and connection!
i have found breakfast of eggs, and spinach w coconut oil my best start for sure. adding the L Glutamine was as i wrote hoping to help SigA. and i agree FOOD is our best source. but now the few times i DIDN’t have the glutamine, i never even could fall asleep ; (
so .. i am hoping i haven’t gotten into some wacky dependancy.. so that was why i was asking.. is it dangerous to be taking the GLutamine long term.. as i know your other articles have said NOT to do bezodiazenines which i believe are also GABA pathway influence.. so that is my concern. or rather, Worry about taking Glutamine. regarding adrenals. i have been supporting them with Withinia, and they have gotten stronger.. but still without Glutamine, sleep unravels..
is this dangerous area, taking glutamine.. i have struggled with sleep for number of years.. so was thrilled to GET it .. but scared, if i have created some dependency ; (
I’m not aware of any issues with dependency or dangers with long-term use
I think the huge benefits of sleep improvement for you is key.
I’m always curious to learn more so I just did some digging and found this paper – Increase in amino acids in the pons after sleep deprivation: a pilot study using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. “These preliminary data support earlier animal data and indirect findings in humans suggesting that GABA and Glutamine, especially in the pontine structures, may play a key role in the mechanism of TSD/total sleep deprivation.” (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11979059)
trudy..
you are unbelievable with all you share. and your continual genius.. and truly magnificent and abundant commitment to getting back to us all..
the threads from others are just amazing.. and more amazing is the volume & depth of your care and dedication..
it’s staggering
xxxx wish i was near to bring YOU some “treats” as you share so much with all of us
Thanks Stacy – I really appreciate this and feel like I just received a hug! 🙂
Trudy.. your latest post speaks to how dangerous and addictive Benzodiazepines can be.. creating a dependancy..
i am wondering.. is taking L-Glutamine also a danger, since it too effects GABA pathways
??
Stacy – see my comment above
Dear Trudy
I stopped taking anti-anxiety medication before getting pregnant last year. I am now sucessfully breastfeeding a healthy and happy 7-month old baby. However, my anxiety has become overwelming. I don’t want to stop breastfeeding to start anti-anxiety medication because of the lovely bond between us. I have read that amino acids can help anxiety. Is it dangerous for my baby if I take any amino acid supplements? If not, which ones and how much are safe?
Thank you,
Nancy
dear nancy. i am a reader here. and in reading so many articles about anxiety.. there seems to be great connection with food and our diets..
given your great caring mom role and concern to take medication.. maybe before you “add” you might see what you are currently eating that may be disturbing your balance.. Grain Brain by dr Perlmutter as one example.. might recommend trying to get gluten out of your diet.. also eating fermented foods or probiotic might be great help in obtaining better gut health, both might help you regain neurotransmitter balance…. just a thought, if you are concerned about adding the amino acids, you might first try what might be causing the imbalance that way.. nothing to lose maybe..
Nancy
I’m sorry to hear this. The amino acids have not been studied during pregnancy and breast-feeding but this article lists some nutrients that have been studied https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/nutritional-interventions-postpartum-depression-and-anxiety/
Hi Nancy,
I’m not a doctor but just a learner. I had a short-term experience of severe anxiety after having my third daughter later in life. I was also experiencing severely dry eyes as well. After hearing about the benefits of fish oil for general health, I began taking it. I never dreamed that it had anything to do with anxiety.
Within a week or less I had a dramatic turnaround, and no relapse at that time. I later found out that pregnancy really depletes you of the omega 3’s, and I would imagine that breastfeeding might also. (I also breastfed my babies.)
So, this is just my experience; perhaps it may be of some help to you. Hang in there – anxiety doesn’t have to be a permanent condition!
Hi there,
After taking your amino deficiency test, I guessed that I was low in catecholamines, endorphins, and possibly seratonin. However, when I started on the aminos for these things I had an began to have as strongly negative reaction to them. I was taking them in doses of 500 mg, but I read somewhere that sometimes when the brain has a reaaaally bad deficiency, it can react negatively to the aminos that are meant to help it, if the brain is not getting enough oxygen, or if it has inflammation. In a case like this would it be prudent to lower my dosage? I know you talk about ‘fairy dust’ people who only need a very small amount of the aminos. Would this be a sign of being one of those types?
Thanks for your time
Zoe
Too much can cause an opposite reaction. I have my pixie dust clients start with a dab and slowly go up. If the aminos don’t work it means you don’t need them and look for other root causes
dear Trudy..
i have seen many mention they want to be part of a home study group.
i’ve been trying to find any sign up form or notices of this on your site.. not finding it. i am writng here, that i would LOVE to be included in any classes or programs you are offering..
i’ll fly to California even! ; )
many thanks for all this amazing information and beyond generous care!
Stacy
It will be an online program and here is the link to be added to the notification list http://everywomanover29.com/aminosforanxiety/
You are so welcome!
Do you suggest that people with thyroid problems hold off on the tyrosine and the seratonin? Until when do we hold off, if we must?
Thanks,
Marie
Marie
We’re typically trying to address both thyroid problems and neurotransmitter imbalances. That said, the aminos are not as effective when there are thyroid problems
Hi Trudy,
I’m curious if you could direct to information on addressing treatment with aminos/inositol for OCD in presence of thyroid issues. I want to try inositol, but it sounds like thyroid may be a game- changer? Any direction would be helpful.
Annie
Annie – underactive thyroid may result in aminos being less effective but would not stop me having a client do a trial
Thanks!
So though I may be having thyroid issues, I can still do the tyrosine and seratonin trials? I ask because yoir book says to hold off on the tyrosine if there are thyroid issues present.
pyloric? or Low Catecholamines or both
Trudy..i’ve gone over the amino acid questionnaire.. and wondering.. does it ever make sense to do testing? either blood, or urine, or hair analysis or if you do think any are helpful ?
i’m definitely low sertonin, and also low catecholamines,
and do get headaches that get bad.. taking out gluten, seems to be the trigger, so i have eliminated gluten and working to be grain free even..
but i recall reading in one thread, if you have migraines you should avoid one of the amino acids.. was that tryptophan? or tyrosine?
anyhow.. if you seem to fall under a few categories, i didnt know if doing some sort of testing was helpful and if so.. which kind.
greatest of thanks!
lynne
Lynne
I don’t do neurotransmitter testing. We pick one area and do a trial and see the response. Here are the precautions https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acid-precautions/
I do like to see other testing done – blood work and saliva adrenal testing to start. Here is a blog on testing https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/nutritional-testing-find-cause-anxiety/
hello trudy.. well i had written that L-Glutamine was helping me sleep.. but i’m finding my sleep isn’t that “full” i’m sort of dazed and awake, and monkey mind going. which has been issue for so long. ie.. i have definitely regained alot of balance with mood, anxiety and depression. i am completely gluten free, and even did no grain for 3 weeks and have taken sugar out. daily probiotics and sauerkraut,also methyl B’s as i am MTHFR. but i am not able to get that really deep sleep. i added zinc this week and having more dreams. but the monkey mind is still a bit “monkey” at night. not so much anxious, but just thinking thinking. any ideas.. i’ve wondered if maybe the L-Glutamine is going to glutamate. or maybe i just don’t need the L-Gutamine any longer.. i know a few weeks ago, if i forgot to take it in the morning i NEVER even fell asleep… any thoughts, that would be great. i know i should add in meditation and more exercise too could possibly help.. ohh also acupuncture seems to help too. its like i might have these old patterns of “not letting go”.. that seem to keep my head thinking.
Stacy
Monkey-mind can often be due to low serotonin and I’ve seen tryptophan/inositol help both the monkeymind and sleep. I’d also consider the time of the month as things can change based on our hormones. It could also be due to something we eat.
trudy you are amazing getting to us all! just incredible
thanks so so much..
from all my reading, i’m feeling it’s low serotonin.. i absolutely love reading that, we may take something for a little while and then not need it, once the body gets up to par..
now.. i’m taking methyl B’s, great probiotic, sauerkraut, also T3& T4 for hypothyroid. i have played with thyroid dosing, and don’t think it is that, re monkey mind.. and am VERY curious to try adding in either the tryptophan or inositol! given i am very sensitive , what dose would i try and at what time of day, to help me get through the night.. last night again i was awake and my mind going.. not on bad things.. more like, “don’t forget to call xyz, or oh in the morning deep water xyz” non of them are hugely upsetting.. but my mind, once i get up to pee, then just likes to think. hahaha..
i have great natural food shops near..so wondering what or which one to try and what is lowest dose.. or dosing ideas you might suggest
xxx and again.. huge huge thank YOU!
I have a question about trials with the amino acids. You mention starting at the lowest dose suggested (for example, 500 mg tyrosine three times a day). How many days do you do the trial at that amount, before deciding if you want to raise the dose?
Also, what is the maximum dosage of 5 HTP?
Are Thorne and NOW acceptable 5HTP brands?
A final question (sorry about that) and not related to amino acids, but I don’t know who else to ask. I am eating lots of healthy fats and taking omega supplements. However, I don’t have a gall bladder. Any precautions I need to take?
thank you very much
Jennifer
Jennifer
It depends on how my client responds – if they feel great, we don’t increase. If we feel they could get added benefits we may increase them after a week or sometimes less (3-4 days).
There is no maximum dose of 5-HTP but I haven’t seen anyone benefit from more then 200mg at one time.
A good liver gallbladder product with ox bile is helpful when someone doesn’t have a gallbladder – I like DFH LVGB
This is a follow up to my question about having both low cats and endorphins (above).
I can’t find DPA in Canada (the links you give charge almost $50 for international shipping, with no guarantee that it will make it through customs!)
So I am thinking of trying DLPA. If I do this, would I also try tyrosine for low cats – or would the LP in the DLPA convert to tyrosine, and cover both bases?
I read (and loved) your book. In it, you suggest a free form amino acid blend. Any brands you would recommend?
One final question. If you start at 500 mg – is that 500 mg once (0r three times) a day?
And if you go up from 500 three times a day, would you just add one pill (making it a total of 2000 mg), or would you increase to 1000 three times a day (making it 3000)?
Thank you for all your help.
Sarah
Sarah
Glad you love the book! Some folks do ok on DLPA, some of which converts to tyrosine. Some folks use both. DLPA is typically 500mg AM, MM and MA. I sometimes have my clients increase at all 3 times or maybe just one depending on how they feel
You had commented that cholesterol below 150 is not good. How would you go about INCREASING your total cholesterol? Why is cholesterol “bad” at 150 or below? Isn’t low cholesterol a “good” thing?
I’m almost 50yrs old.
My total cholesterol = 158
Triglycerides = 43
HDL = 79
LDL = 70
My doctor says my numbers are fantastic.
Love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks!
Kim
Kim
If a person’s total cholesterol level is too low, they’re at increased risk for anxiety, depression, and even suicide, as well as increased risk of strokes, cancer, digestive diseases and respiratory diseases. Some studies cite 160 and less as being too low. See more at: https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/total-cholesterol-too-low-anxiety-and-depression-women/
I look at the lipid panel (as you have listed), digestive markers, diet and symptoms. Often addressing diet, malabsorption and fat digestion can help especially when results are slightly low. With very low total cholesterol I refer to Dr Woeller who will assess and often prescribe Sonic Cholesterol, a product that can raise it http://getsoniccholesterol.com/
Hi Trudy.
Thank you for your response.
Which digestive markers would I need to look at? Are there any “red flags” within my lipid panel that you can see, just looking at the numbers? Are there specific supplements that are helpful in addressing malabsorbtion and fat digestion issues (I do believe I could have issues with both.) ?
And what else can be done to address these two issues? Would I need to do the Organic Acid Test to see where my numbers fall? I currently take high quality supplements including Country Life CoEnzyme B-Complex, NOW
Magnesium Citrate, NOW AlphaSorb Vit C, Douglas Labs Zinc, Ultimate Flora Probiotic, Enzymedica digestive enzymes, Source Naturals GABA Calm (when needed for stress/anxiety) and Gaia Herbs Adrenal Support. How would diet be addressed?
If I have a hard time digesting fats, how do I add them into my diet to help raise the cholesterol?
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.
Kim
I did the quiz and realized I am low on endorphins. How long does it take to consistently feel good when taking the amino acids? I felt a lift after the initial “test” of putting it under my tongue, so I started taking them, but the improvement isn’t consistent. It’s off and on. I started at 500 mg, and went up to 1000 mg. It’s been a couple of days, and I am still shaky.
From Julia Ross’ book, it sounds as if once you find the right amino acid and dosage, everything will dramamtically improve within a couple of days.
Does it sometimes take longer? Or is something wrong?
Thanks
Deborah
Deborah
If the aminos are working it should be consistent and benefits felt right away. They may not work as well swallowed vs opened so that may be worth trying again. They do need to be taken in between meals/away from protein.
I’m a little confused since shakiness is not a sign of low endorphins – you say I started on 500mg – 500mg of what?
Sorry – I meant emotionally shaky. I have been going through a difficult time. I tried DPLA because I couldn’t find DPA, but will order it online and try it.
My issues include excessive rumination as well, mostly related to my past. I had hoped that (since one sign of low endorphins is having trouble getting over a loss) this would help.
I have very clear periods, where all is great, but they come and go. Mornings are the worse. I wake up worrying about the past, and feeling very spacey and preoccupied. I think it is a form of OCD, and I have no idea what to do about it.
Deborah – sorry to hear this. DPA is excellent when very emotional and getting over a loss – and more effective than DLPA most of the time. When I hear rumination and worry and OCD I think low serotonin and tryptophan
The Amino Revolution by Robert Erdmann says that in order for Tryptophan to convert to serotonin, it first must react with vitamins B6 and C. What are your thoughts on this? Do you recommend taking these vitamins along with Tryptophan?
Nina
I have my clients take a good multi with both these nutrients and additional vitamin C and often additional vitamin B6. Other important co-factors are zinc and magnesium
What multivitamine do you recommend?
Thanks!
You can find the supplements information here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
I have been having anxiety issues for a few months and my blood work shoes a high cortisol. How would you treath the anxiety due to a high cortisol level and what’s causing this hormone to be high at the first place. I just want to say i have NO stress in my life.
Thank you for everything you do!
Shelley
Seriphos (Interplexus) and Destress (Biotics Research) both lower high cortisol. I prefer a saliva test so you can see cortisol 4 x day. Keep in mind that gluten, caffeine, toxins, dysbiosis etc can all be considered stresses so finding the cause of the high cortisol and addressing this is key too.
Hi Trudy
I am interested in the home study program but my main concern is that here in the UK I am not able to source the exact supplements you recommend and hence this could cause issues and confusion with regard to how I may respond. This is such a complex area of bio chemistry that to introduce untested versions of the products that you have no experience with could create a minefield of reactions and results. It would be best to use the identical supplements you have tried and tested and know how they work however most of them aren’t available in the UK. For example I feel it would be essential to use the Source Naturals GABA Calm and Lidtke l-Tryptophan both of which are not available here.
What are your thoughts?
Many thanks.
Drew
Hi, Trudy. I am 5 months postpartum and dealing with pretty severe depression. Before getting pregnant I took 5-HTP and St John’s Wort at pretty high doses but stopped once we started trying to conceive. I haven’t taken it now for about a year and a half but have been really depressed lately. There’s little or no trustworthy information on whether these are safe to take while breastfeeding. I’d love to get some natural support because right now I am barely functioning. Thanks in advance for any advice you might be able to provide, even if just pointing me in the direction of a reliable source.
Amanda
I’m sorry to hear this. The amino acids have not been studied during pregnancy/breastfeeding. If you can get platelet serotonin testing done (http://europeanlaboratory.nl/) and it’s low you may find a doctor being willing to recommend 5-HTP and/or St John’s Wort with careful observation of your baby.
You could also get MTHFR testing done – low folate can be a factor in depression and can be worse when you have the genetic polymorphism.
In the meantime I’d focus on exercise, light therapy and being sure to get enough quality animal protein like grass-fed red meat, plus eat fermented foods to improve the microbiome. Also quit sugar and gluten if they are part of your diet, and eat to balance blood sugar (protein at breakfast).
Thank you so much for your response, Trudy. I will work on the modifications you suggested and hope that it helps improve things! I also think sleep deprivation has really been a struggle and contributing factor. We have hired a sleep consultant to help with my baby’s sleep so hoping that piece of the puzzle will be improving shortly. Many thanks again for your input and assistance. It was most kind of you to take the time to reply. 🙂 Best, *Amanda
Hi Trudy-
I’m writing on behalf of my 21yr old who has had anxiety and with bouts of depression from her toddler years. (Anxiety runs very heavy on my husbands side.) My daughter has been on Zoloft since age 11 and it was effective immediately. I have never liked the idea of medication for her, but her symptoms and meltdowns were significant.
She is currently in her last year of university and has been managing pretty well, but is finding her 50 mg of Zoloft not as effective. She’s doing 75mg with a little improvement. She scored very high on low serotonin and I would like her to try tryptophan. Is it safe to have her on both or does she need to tape off one to start the other?
Thank you! So glad to have found you!
Jane
I’m sorry to hear this. When on medications, you always want to discuss amino acids and other supplements with the prescribing doctor. If someone takes an SSRI such as Zoloft then tryptophan and/or 5-HTP should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision and then at least 6 hours from the SSRI.
When I’m working with a client I have them talk to their doctor about possibly wanting to taper and wanting to try amino acids (i.e get the ok), then we add the tryptophan or 5-HTP afternoon and evening (with SSRI in the morning) and then they taper the medication with the doctor’s approval.
hello trudy! well i tried Inositol for a week or so. it wasn’t that great.. so i waited a week, and now for two nights have tried Tryptophan.. i think last night i slept pretty well.. but late morning.. i am seeing that i am dragging incredibly so.
would taking the tryptophan cause that..
i am also thinking , maybe i might add tyrosine in the morning..
but hate to have to bring my body up.. and then down..
any thoughts..
i am taking T3 &T4 for hypothyroid.. i also taking ashwanganda, fish oil, methyl B’s, zinc
many many thanks!
stacy
Stacy
Too much tryptophan at BT can make a person sluggish. It’s a balancing act and sometimes adding tyrosine in the morning is needed
So, at what times of the day is it alright to take the amino acids?
Tryptophan at bedtime only? Tyrosine’s in the morning only? When is taking the endorphigen most effectice?
And which amino acids are better to take straight on the tongue?
I bought your book but I am still confused as to how to go about the trials; what times of the day and how much, etc.
Thanks,
Marie
Marie
Each one has different times, which can vary depending on the person, symptoms, medications etc.
Typically tryptophan mid-afternoon and evening, tyrosine first thing in the morning/mid-morning and mid-afternoon and endorphigen all day. The book has the times and starting amounts in great detail – go back to the amino acid chapter 🙂
Some people find taking them on the tongue to be more effective so it’s good to try this way
Trudy. I took one capsule for two nights.
Since I’m so dragging.
I wonder might I try opening up a capsule and putting half of it in cup of water ?
Or does it need to stay in the capsule?
I’m just trying to figure out how I can take less.
Or.. Maybe since I’m so wiped out today, would that be an indicator that tryptophan isn’t the right fit for me??
Hi Trudy, what is your opinion on homeopathy treatmens for anxiety?
Jenn
I am not familiar with any but do find homeopathy to be very valuable in general. Have you tried something with success or know of a homeopathic approach that works?
No, i havent tried it yet but am considering it. Also, I called a few Holistic Doctors in the area and they all do something called Zyto scan, where you put your hand on this device and it scans your entire body. Have you heard of such test?
Jenn
Keep us posted please. I am intrigued and just searched pubmed and found this paper about homeopathic Datif-PC and anxiety/sleep http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24050771. Boiron makes it in Europe http://www.farmanaturashop.it/en/omeopatia/boiron-datif-pc-compresse
I just have such good results with food, nutrients, aminos that I haven’t even looked further
I am not familiar with Zyto scan
trudy.. last night i didn’t take the tryptophan.. as the previous day i was so out of it. needless to say.. my mind was rattling on.. so finally at 2:30 am, i opened a capsule and put 2/3 of it in my mouth.. it didn’t have immediate effect or making me get to sleep.. so i am wondering if that is a signal it isn’t the right “fit”
earlier in the year i was taking L-glutamine for gut, and it seemed to help me sleep.. i am now going to try that each morning.. it hit me. .maybe gaba is more my issue, since i read that glutamine is a precursor to gaba. in your book you mention those with low blood pressure not take gaba. . my blood pressure is often 100/60, once even 90/60.. not sure what it is these days.. (maybe i’ll go to that cvs cuff machine hahaha.. ) in any case.. any insights for my sleep challenge: my head just going.. i’d love it.
asking that.. i wonder if it might be cortisol.. like my body being “up” at sleeping hours”.. .as during the day i can be SO tired.. but then i get into bed. .and struggle ; (
many thanks for all!
Stacy
A saliva adrenal test will give you the cortisol answer. I do use GABA with folks with low blood pressure – it’s just something to watch
Hi Trudy – i will be seeing a homepath next week and will keep you posted but this week I saw a Dr of functional and natural medicine and was impressed by my first appt. He did a urine test and he said there is definitely an inflammation somewhere in my body and either I have a leaky gut or too much bad bacteria (based on this urine test). He is also suspecting an issue with the adrenalin gland due to a high cortisol. I started using OHS cleanings supplements, Xymogen OptiClense powder, probiotics, and a supplement for adrenaline gland. Do you think these things (leaky gut, inflammation, adrenaline gland) could be a cause of my anxiety? Lately, i have been having a lot of negative thoughts and was thinking about doing your home study, do you think the supplements you recommend will interfere with the above supplements I am taking? Could a low serotonin can be caused by any of the above issues i mentioned?
Thanks!
Jenn
Jenn
Wonderful that you are working with a functional medicine doctor. Everything you mention could be a factor in anxiety. When I’m working with someone with anxiety, we use amino acids (if needed) and address all the other factors too so it should not be an issue.
The only thing I see as a possible issue is introducing too many new things at once and then not being certain what is having which impact. I would suggest checking with your new doctor and keeping him in the loop if you decide to join the program.
hi trudy.. i was introduced to PheniTropic by my naturopath.. i tried it but stopped fearing it might be habit forming.. recently i pulled it out and when my doc muscle tested it, he remarked” wow you’re body likes this!” earlier i was doing L glutamine for gut, but found a connection to sleep.. it seems both are working on GABA i belive. he also muscle tested alot of gaba supplements but non showed signs of a “fit” that said.. nor did tryptophan or sam E etc..
i have taken part of capsule and my body sure does sleep with it
so. i’m curious, have you heard of PheniTropic by Biotics?
and if so, any thoughts on it.
huge thanks ; ) stacy
Stacy
I am not a fan of phenibut due to it’s addictive tendencies. I’ll be blogging about this soon so stay tuned
trudy, that is the same reason i don’t want to take it.
if my body responds so well to Phenibut, and also seems to, w glutamine, does that indicate it is asking for GABA support?
and if my body muscle tests so positively to Phenibut, what WOULD you suggest instead of it?
huge thanks.. ; )
stacy..
can’t wait for our classes to start too.. so excited
I recommend GABA
I had an horrendous experience on Phenibut (Bulletproof GABAwave) as detailed below:
My experiences taking Bulletproof GABAwave for 6 weeks administered exactly as per the instructions on the packaging was an eye opener! This may be useful to warn others of who could potentially respond similarly. It is powerful/addictive stuff and seems to act more like a drug than a supplement.
The initial response in the first couple of weeks was great, especially a couple of hours after taking it. The effects were a marked elevation in mood to the point of euphoria, enhanced appreciation for music, improved focus and cognition initially (but that became memory difficulty), marked relief of anxiety, increased motivation, renewed interest in things, being more talkative, a significant calming/relaxation effect, generally a deep and great night’s sleep the night of the morning it is taken.
However, after a few weeks it was the reaction on the following day of taking it that kicked me in the a**, literally. On the following day I began to feel very low, groggy and spaced out, almost like a hangover and then during the following night I began having brutal insomnia – a complete turn around from the night before. A kind of rebound response. I imagine that’s when the tolerance and addiction begins to develop because one craves the next dose to provide the good night’s sleep after the bad sleep on the second night. Other side effects included mood swings, irritability, rebound anxiety, panic, loss of short term memory, total and utter loss of any form of libido and constipation! Therefore I decided to nip it in the bud and stop taking it before I became too addicted and before the withdrawal symptoms began to develop leaving me to question the point of this ‘drug’? I’m recovering now and doing much better off the product. It’s perhaps only best taken on one off occasions to reduce excessive anxiety and assist with sleep in unusually stressful situations, but as an ongoing ‘supplement’ it’s a non starter.
Drew
Wow that’s a very intense reaction: brutal insomnia, “mood swings, irritability, rebound anxiety, panic, loss of short term memory, total and utter loss of any form of libido and constipation!” I’m sorry to hear you had to go through this. How are you doing now?
I’ve heard it’s VERY effective for anxiety and sleep, and also the improved focus, and feelings of euphoria but have not heard the feedback about “increased motivation, renewed interest in things, being more talkative”. Would you say you were more talkative around people you knew or around strangers. I’m wondering if it helped with social anxiety?
Would you also mind sharing how much you took and how often?
Based on this and other feedback I’ve been getting, plus some of the research I’d have to disagree with “perhaps only best taken on one off occasions”
When I mentioned my concerns about Phenibut on facebook you said you’d come back and share your experience so I really appreciate you doing this.
Drew
You recently shared that you felt that the pyroluria supps were not working and even causing insomnia (Oct 8th on this blog https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/pyroluria-protocol-why-arent-i-getting-results-trouble-shooting-checklist/) and now I suspect the phenibut may have been contributing to your issues (assuming you were taking phenibut at this time)
Hello Trudy
No, I wasn’t taking the pyroloria supps (Zinc, B6, EPO) at the same time as the Phenibut. I try to avoid too much at once so that one can be more discerning with what is causing what reactions. I was taking the Phenibut (GABAwave) towards the end of August and the pyroluria supps more recently.
I am doing ok now and after a week off of the Phenibut things settled a little and sleep returned to what is ‘normal’ for me, i.e. no more than 6 hrs on any given day and early morning (3/4am) wake ups and rarely able to return to deep sleep. I just hope 6 weeks on Phenibut didn’t cause any long term harm to my brain as my mood issues have been more pronounced and problematic since taking it.
I was generally more confident and talkative amongst everyone, friends and strangers, it gave me a real short term euphoric self confidence boost a few hours after taking it which would last about 18 hours and with great sleep only on the nights of the mornings I took it. Yes it definitely helped with social anxiety.
Using the Bulletproof GABAwave product (link below) I took it as instructed on the packaging i.e. 1 ampule (600mg) on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning each week. It advises to not take more than 3 ampules a week. However, one only benefits on the days and nights of taking it. eg. Mon, Weds and Fri days were great and good sleep those nights but Tues, Thurs, Sat and Sun days were difficult and sleep those nights terrible and I would be craving it because of the addictive characteristics it has regarding improvements to sleep and mood etc. When this became more pronounced I decided it was time to STOP before I became too addicted!
http://www.bulletproof.com/gabawave-15-ampules-net-wt-2-17-oz
What I meant by the ‘one off occasions’ comment was that because of the addictive qualities it is only useful on a one off basis if one is battling a v anxious day for example and one needs a really good night’s sleep. Any more than once a week then the problems start to develop so best avoided.
My partner however took it as well and didn’t experience these side effects but he doesn’t have my genetic snp’s (particularly MAO-A & COMT) and doesn’t have my history of mental health issues, anxiety and hasn’t experienced the psychological stress and abuse that I have. His genetic make up enables him to deal with stress in a very different way.
Hope this helps somewhat and that I have answered all your queries. Let me know if there is any more info you may need.
Drew
As I said on the other post “smart move [on one thing at a time] but I can’t help but wonder if you may have some residual side-effects. Phenibut has been compared to benzodiazepines and the benzo effects can last for months (and even years). I honestly don’t know how long it takes to get phenibut out of the system but just putting it out there.”
I’m glad you were sensible about stopping when you did.
Thanks for the other feedback – social anxiety/more talkative, dosing and feeling bad the days you didn’t take it. This helps me understand it a lot better.
Interesting about your partner taking it well – we are all so different.
Still with the reactions I’m hearing, I stand by my comment and say why use it at all
Yes Trudy, good to be off it now and hopefully it didn’t do too much long term harm! Can’t take much more tbh. 🙂
hi trudy!
huge thanks for the call the other night.. all great news.. i am loving the learning and being part of amino acid home study program!
today i got all my supplements and was excited to take the GABA Calm tonight and see how sleep goes. i was surprised that it also contains Tyrosine, as i thought Tyrosine was taken in morning. especially if a person was having sleep challenge.???
my plan is to take it at bedtime.. that said. if i wake in the night ( which i usually do).. do i take another one, if i have a hard time getting back to sleep?
last night i woke about 12, and tried putting Glutamine on my tongue, didn’t seem to do much.. 2 hours later, i tried putting Tryptophan on my tongue ( jarrow brand as my Lidke hasn’t arrived yet).. again.. the tongue application didn’t seem to do any thing dramatic. so if i am learning correctly. that means it might not be what my body needs, correct?
SO tonight i have GABA Calm, to try, but since it had Tyrosine in it, i also got NOW GABA, which is just Gaba, and could be opened and put on tongue, IF that it what you feel is better way to “test”. and without the Tryrosine.
sorry for long note.. and HUGE thank YOU!!!
xx S
You’re welcome – glad you’re loving the Amazing Aminos for Anxiety program!
I can’t give specific advice via the blog but since you’re in the program and I have your health intake form and amino acid questionnaire I can help via the Q and A calls or the private facebook group – please post this in the private facebook group since the next Q and A is a few weeks off
In general – some people can get away with GABA Calm at night and some do better with 200 or 250mg GABA, assuming low GABA is the issue. Taking GABA sublingually seems to work best for most of my clients
Hello. I read all this posts of yours and i must say you are great.
Now i am suffering from Anxiety and Depression for 3-4 years. I have never been to psychiatrist becayse it is to expensive for me. I read some article so i tried to take Vitamin B6 250mg x3 with Zink 50 mg x3 and Magnezium 200mg x3 on day for 3 months and it makes me to be like zombi. I mean i was like no feelings at all , just bad thougs all day but without feelings, you aware that everything is BAD but you cant feel that misery. than i stopped !
Than i buy L-Tryptophan and the first pill i remember that feeling : it was night i needed to go to buy something like chocolate, and i take 1 pill and it was like wow my brain is getting out from a dark, darkest room in the world to see world with some other eyes. ANd i was always scared when i was getting out at nigh ALWAYS, and than i get out and my brain , eyes , body expecting that fear to come but it isnt there ? Just waiting and nothing happens, everything is smooth.
After that first pill next day when i drinked i couldnt sleep , than the next day i taked pill at the morning and i couldnt function normally becayse all day i wanted just to sleep. And day after day same things like i am tired i want to sleep when its day and when i need to sleep at nigh i cant.
And i take all 30 pills and now after 6 months when i first take ( i drank that pills for 20 day ) so after 6 months from last pill i feel beter i dont have panic attacks like crazy now its more normal not that strong panic attacks ( i had paralising attacks blocking my functions) and when they come now they past very fast.
But i am still anxious and depressed. I am still scared to go to some places, i dont have will to do things like going outside becayse i feel preshure and my brain is working like waiting something bad to happen all the time when people are around. When i am at my home now its ok i feel pritty goood not like before where my brain just worked like crazy with bad thoughts , now i they stop , but the problem is when i go out, or when i SHOULD GO. if i just hear that i should go somewhere anywhere no matter is it 20metars from home or 400 km immidietly my brain starts to work like crazy my neck is tighten emmidietly and i start to get that pannic attack with no reason , and i cant control that! And when i hear some voices i get that pressure in my neck too. I dont know what to do ?
Pls can you help me, what acids should i take for this , some advices ? PLS ?
Miki
I’m sorry about your anxiety and depression, and uncomfortable reactions to some of the supplements. I can’t give you specific advice but would suggest doing the amino acid questionnaire (https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/) and look at the amino acid precautions (https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acid-precautions/) and see where you may have possible deficiencies. Some of my clients are very sensitive and start very low, opening the capsule.
With regards to tryptophan, the typical time to use it is midafternoon and evening as many people find it makes then too tired in the day.
You don’t mention diet and I’d assume you are eating breakfast with protein, eating quality animal protein, eating to balance blood sugar, avoiding gluten and caffeine, addressing gut health etc. There are 60+ possible nutritional causes of anxiety https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/60-nutritional-biochemical-causes-of-anxiety/
I encourage you to educate yourself about the use of amino acids before rushing into anything. My book The Antianxiety Food Solution is an excellent resource and I’ve just launched a homestudy audio program on how to use the amino acids https://www.everywomanover29.com/aminosforanxietyhs/
Well i am eating Oat flakes for breakfast with milk. I Take protein from powder and i make protein shakes with milk. Taking Omega 3 ( 1000mg) from pills every day, taking D3 vitamin and coenzym q10. I drink coffee may be 2-3 times a week , so i dont drink every day. My mood is stabe at the morning i can say i fill like normal person when i wake up but how the day passes i get more pressure in the neck , i am sweating especialy when im around people who are talking, or just passing i am so allert like something will happen. And i have troubles to go out at night becayse i have that fear who blocking my body like paralizing fear.
And for amino test i have more simptoms like :
From gaba :
Anxiety and feeling overwhelmed or stressed
Feeling worried or fearful Panic attacks
Feeling stressed and burned-out
From Seratonin :
Difficulty getting to sleep
Insomnia or disturbed sleep
From Catecholamine – almost all simptoms :
Depression and apathy
Easily bored
Lack of energy
Lack of focus
Lack of drive and low motivation
Attention deficit disorder
Procrastination and indecisiveness
Endophin and Sugar is fine i think i dont have that simptoms.
Should i take Tyrosine or ‘ What do you think what should i do ?
miki i am just a reader here. but wanted to reach out and say how sorry i am that you are struggling so much.. trudy asked above about your diet.. diet was such a huge piece that helped me. i don’t eat any gluten, nor any gluten free products.. i also find the days i start with 2 eggs, are SO much better.. also, i stopped drinking any coffee years ago, and that too was a great help.. for my sensitive system, even a little now and then was just enough to push my nervous system over. i also find milk challenging.. so it is great you are doing so much and i just wanted to share, that shifting the food helped me alot.. also daily meditation is a very big piece that can also support our anxiety & depression. it is hard to have both.. as some mediations bring us “up” and others can bring us “down”.. so i just wonder if maybe seeing if there is something in your diet that might help you find balance, as food helps me a great deal.. well.. know others are out here listening and sending good wishes your way ; P
Sara tnx for support and for your advices ! I will sure try this with eggs at the morning. I like that you are so strong person becayse you stopped drinking any coffee. I have tried but at work everyone is drinking and sometimes i refuse sometimes i must take becayse , when i refuse it looks like i dont want to chat with my colleaques on break. I tried meditation for 6 months and i read the book the presence procces and i practiced that excersises 2 times X 9 weeks. And it didnt work for me , i just stopped takling with other people when i was doing that, was all the time just in my head. I am trying to find way for me.I ordered L- Tyrosine ad 5-HTP i never drinked aminos , just Tyrosine 6months ago. Was always on Vitamins. Lets see when this aminos comes how it will be. I found this days that Chmomile tea from full flower , 1 soup spoon working like miracle for sleep problems for me. I have been drinking 4 days for now and i go to sleep normaly around 11 pm. with no problems like before.
Thanks a lot for your comment it means a lot to me !
Miki
i am so glad that the camomile tea has been a miracle, and you’re sleep is good!
that is so good to hear..
with good sleep, our bodies have good time to heal themselves.
sending peace and comfort
sara
Miki
I would really stop the coffee as this can be a big factor with both anxiety and sleep. I know you don’t want to hear it but it has to be said. Take some herbal tea or a coffee substitute and join your colleagues with that
Hi!
Around what times do you mean when you say midmorning and midafternoon? This is for tryptophan and tyrosine.
Thanks!
Marie
It varies depending on when you eat. Mid-morning is between breakfast and lunch, mid-afternoon is between lunch and dinner. I don’t recommend tyrosine later than 3pm so it doesn’t affect sleep.
Source Naturals GABA Calm has N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine in it so do you recommend it’s best to avoid GABA Calm before bed Trudy?
Drew
Some people do fine with GABA Calm before bed, some do better with regular GABA and higher amounts, say 200 – 500mg. I have my clients do a trial, start low and slowly increase to the amount that works best
Hi Trudy! What amino acid do you recommend trying for a “choky” feeling in the throat? constantly feel I have something in my throat.
Shelley
Please let me know ho you score on the amino acid questionnaire (https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/) and I can let you know what I’d do with a client with similar issues
Please also review the precautions https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acid-precautions/
Have you heard of the saliva test that is done at home for candida? If so, do you think it’s relaiable? My test shows candida presence. Do you think ordering a stool or blood test would be my next step? If so, can a primary doctor order this so the insurance can cover it?
Do you feel it’s safe or recommended to take Tyrosine, DLPA or Ashwaghanda if you are on thyroid medication.? ‘m hypothyroid and I take a 1/2 grain of NatureThroid. Also I didn’t respond well to 5htp so now taking tryptophan at night. How much do you recommend to take at bedtime? I’m taking for low serotonin. Thanks so much.
Lisa
I’m not aware of any issues with taking tyrosine, DLPA or Ashwaghanda if you are on NatureThroid. I would recommend checking with your prescribing doctor.
The starting dose of tryptophan is 500mg mid-afternoon and evening and increased based on symptoms. For pixie dust clients – I have them open a capsule and take a few dabs.
I have a couple of questions regarding tyrosine.
What is the highest dose you recommend? I am on 3000 mg. but feel I could go higher?
Do you ever use L-Dopa or mucuna pruriens?
Dr. Kalish says there should be a 1:10 ratio between 5 HTP and tyrosine. Do you agree? Right now I am on 600 mg 5 HTP and 3000 mg tyrosine, which is way off what he suggests.
Many thanks for your time and expertise. It is greatly appreciated.
Joanne
I typically don’t have my clients use more than 1500mg 2 or 3 times a day. I don’t use L-Dopa or mucuna. I don’t follow the 1:10 ratio Dr Kalish recommends as I feel we are all biochemically unique. Some people do better on tryptophan too.
Thanks, Trudy
Does this mean that (if 1500 mg is taken 3 x a day) a person can take up to 4500 mg of tyrosine?
I am taking about 3000 mg now, and while there is some effect, it is not optimal. I also have a mutated COMT gene, which, I understand, messes with the capacity to produce dopamine and norepinepherin, so I may need to have higher levels of the precursors.
Many thanks for your knowledge and insight, and willingness to share it with us.
Joanne
As I mentioned everyone has unique needs so I have my clients increase as long as they are benefiting. There is no documented upper limit of tyrosine that I am aware of
Hi Trudy! Thanks, ALWAYS, for such fantastic information.
I’m wondering if aminos at any dose are safe for babies?
My daughter is 1 and really struggles to sleep. She’s restless, startles and wakes easily, and doesn’t seem rested in the morning. Anxiety?
I often dream of reaching for GABA for her but wonder about the safety.
Thanks so much!
~Alana
Alana
I’m sorry to hear about your daughter. I have not worked with babies but have a colleague who helped an 8 month baby with “anxiety”, restlessness, sleeping problems and 24-hour crying – with a very very low dose pyroluria protocol. This was based on the fact that mom had pyroluria and so did baby (urine test) and with the doctor’s ok.
My approach would be diet first – of baby and mom if you’re still breast-feeding (gluten, dairy, grains, caffeine, sugar etc).
Also when I work with kids it’s when I’ve worked with their moms and helped them; then they help their kids who have similar issues (such as low serotonin or say pyroluria).
Another consideration is working with a Gentle Sleep Coach.
Currently I am addressing Pyroluria / low serotonin as a root cause of chronic constipation and IBS-Aside from adequate B6 and Zinc, there is a supplement by Pure Encapsulations called Motil Pro. I will list the measurements/facts here for you:
3 Capsules Contain:
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (activated B6) at 10 mg
ginger (zingiber officinate) extract (root) at 1, 000 mg (standardized to contain 5% gingerols)
acetyl-l-carnitine 500 mg
5-hydroxytryptophan (griffonia simplicifolia) at 50 mg
The other is simply straight up Tryptophan, as I believe it would be a good ‘starting point’ to work with (and less expensive than the MotilPro). However, the MotilPro addresses motlity and gut health, and does contain 5 HTP. I am unsure as to whether or not I should forray into the tryptophan just as a precaution or to use MotilPro as it seems to help a lot of patients with motility disorders (I also like that it contains activated b6).
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Samantha
I’m not familiar with MotilPro (link here for other readers http://www.pureencapsulations.com/media/MotilPro.pdf) but am very pleased to learn about it.
You mention it seems to help a lot of patients with motility disorders? may I ask where you read that/heard that?
It does seem to be a very specific combination of nutrients to help motility so if that is your goal it may be the best fit. Additional 5-HTP or tryptophan may help with low serotonin symptoms or this may be enough.
Dr Allison Siebecker mentioned it as a natural pro kinetic in her interviews about SIBO (motility disorders are often a cause). I first heard this during the 2015 Healthy Gut Summit. I believe she recommends it on her website which is Sibo Info. Com.
My anxiety literally feels like a presence that’s caught in my body. Near my gut.
Hi trudy just needing some expert advice the past four months have been crazy I started out on saint Johns wort… But the practitioner gave me a very high dose and I got a really bad reaction to it… Even though it started to make me feel s bit better… Then I went onto some anti depressants for sleep called valdoxan which helped but my hair started falling out so I stopped using them. I’ve now had a scan an amino acids scan and it said my trytophan was really low, they gave me a trytophan supplement i put ten drops under my tounge three times a day and I’ve been on it for two weeks but I haven’t noticed any improvement yet and my sleep is very bad. I don’t know if I should keep supplementing with trytophan or not. My dad and grandma also had very extreme cases of ocd so I’m guessing something gentic might be there. Any feedback or ideas would be highly appreciated. Thank you
Christina
I’m sorry to hear you are having such a hard time. I can’t consult via the blog but can share what I have my clients do. They do the amino acid questionnaire https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/ and then a trial of the applicable amino acids https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/how-to-do-an-amino-acid-trial-for-anxiety/
I have my clients use these supplements https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/.
I’m not familiar with tryptophan drops or the amino acids scan you mention. Can you please share details of tryptophan brand and dose, and the amino acids scan test? This helps me to learn and maybe I can provide better feedback.
Keep in mind that we are all unique and too much of anything can cause issues.
Where can you consult via phone where are you located ? I was hooked up to a machine that a scientist had for the scan you hold on to it and it scans your hole body telling you what vitamins and what going on in your body and if even has an amnio acids section. I’m using brand: desert biologicals inc. trytophan it’s a oral liquid it’s 25mL and it says it’s a homeopathic medicine on the bottle: dosage on the back it says use 1-10 drops 3 times a day- it says start with 1/2 drops daily and increase gradually every two to three days. I don’t wanna give up on natural stuff I wish some one could help me currently in a very sore and sleep deprived state. Thank you for responding
Christina
I’m afraid I’m not familiar with this brand of tryptophan so can’t comment.
I do work long distance but have a waiting list right now – you can sign up here https://www.everywomanover29.com/services.html
In the meantime I suggest getting my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” and maybe even the homestudy program to guide you https://www.everywomanover29.com/aminosforanxietyhs/
And use the products I recommend (link in my comment above). Other products may work but I don’t have experience with them
Hi Trudy…..my name is Pixi I have messaged you in the past…..I have a question for you….I have tried many,many aminos, diet changes, antioxidants etc . I am currently working with Carolyn Ledowsky from MTHFR support Australia she has so many results of my tests including the 23andme test I had done. Carolyn tells me I am typical of many of their homozygous clients she has been treating me for the past 6 weeks. My question to you is even though I am being treated could my anxiety still be present because of ptsd and conditioning from my upbringing. I have been doing intense therapy on my mind working out why and how I became such an anxious person. I had a nervous breakdown at 16, so I have many years of onion layers to peel off. I must say though my pyroluria test result was 40 so that is quite high… What are your thoughts
Pixi
Really glad to hear you are working with someone. Your PTSD and upbringing could be big factors yes but even with that you should start to get relief once you address some of the deficiencies that may be a result of genetic polymorphisms (assuming they are expressing)
I’ve been on xanex over 12 years, I cut myself down to 0.05 a day but want help I’ve looked everywhere i feel my brain is lacking something I told my wife months ago aniexty got worse and now I can’t drive on highways and over Brides I really need help on how to take Aminos I need to get to work I have a family and this is bad
Joel
I’m sorry to hear this. Unfortunately benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms are very common. I prefer my clients to be nutritionally sound before doing a taper i.e back to basics with real whole food, no gluten, no caffeine, eating to control blood sugar, addressing gut health, addressing nutritional deficiencies and addressing low brain chemicals like GABA and serotonin.
Here is an overview of the amino acids https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-amino-acids-overview/
Hi Trudy
Your book has given me hope.
I like to try the aminos but I’m concerned about serotonin syndrome. (I’m not on any meds).
Is it safe to combine the following amino acids –
DL-Phenylalanine in the morning and noon.
GABA in the evening
and 5 HTP before bed, (or would Tryptophan be better)?
If so what would the safe starting doses be?
Thank you
Bonnie
Bonnie
I can’t give you specific advice but can share that I use combinations of aminos – one at a time so we know the effects. I prefer DPA to DLPA and prefer tryptophan to 5-HTP (for starting). Starting doses vary – typical is 500mg for DPA and tryptophan (or less if sensitive) and 125mg for GABA (or less if sensitive).
Here are the products I recommend: https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
Please get my book and read it so you’re well-informed – it’ll take away some of that concern! It’s “The Antianxiety Food Solution” and has an entire chapter on the aminos.
Trudy –
Thank you for this awesome article! I’ve taken Julia Ross’s questionnaires, and I appear to be low in Serotonin and GABA….maybe also a tad low in dopamine. So I currently take REM Sleep by OHS (has tryptophan, valerian, hops, etc), 750mg GABA, 5 tablets of Standard Process Min-Tran, and 3mg melatonin all 30 minutes before bed. I still don’t sleep great (4-6 hours); I wake up way too early and can’t fall back asleep. (In the winter I get night sweats, and my sleep worsens to 1-3 hours a night. I felt like I was dying last winter.) But now, after 2 weeks on the supplements above, I’m starting to feel a tad more rested and am having a bit easier of a time getting out of bed in the AM. When I run out of REM Sleep, I will buy a stronger tryptophan or a 100mg 5htp….but what about glycine, inositol, and taurine? How do I know if I’m a good candidate for any or all of those? Is it just trial and error?
Sarah
I like to have my clients do tryptophan and GABA as separate supplements so we can have them continue to increase to find the ideal amount for their own unique needs. High cortisol can also be a factor with sleep issues and so can gluten, low blood sugar, SIBo and parasites
I stumbled on this page whilst looking up amino acids and anxiety. I take most for body building but in the hopes that some might help with anxiety. I see GABA being touted as a supplement for anxiety and depression but in supplement form it doesn’t cross the Blood brain barrier so you might as well take a sugar pill. If you do a little research then you will see is true from study after study. Why wouldn’t someone suggest taurine which does cross the BBB and attaches to gaba receptors? If you get relief from gaba then I would carry on but I would say it’s nothing more then a placebo.
KIP
I assume you are getting some anxiety relief with taurine which is great. But with all due respect I do extensive research and use GABA with my anxious clients with great success. Here are some blogs with additional information
GABA: Blood brain barrier controversy, concerns, best forms and how to do a trial for eliminating anxiety https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-blood-brain-barrier-trial-anxiety/
Dr. Datis Kharrazian’s GABA Challenge for a leaky blood brain barrier is a theory and we still have much to learn https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/dr-datis-kharrazians-gaba-challenge-for-a-leaky-blood-brain-barrier-is-a-theory-and-we-still-have-much-to-learn/
Here are some examples of GABA easing anxiety
• PharmaGABA eases physical anxiety in a young man who has recently given up Adderall, alcohol and nicotine https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/pharmagaba-eases-physical-anxiety-in-a-young-man-who-has-recently-given-up-adderall-alcohol-and-nicotine/
• Since starting GABA my child sleeps for the first time in years and really notices a difference in his carb cravings https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/since-starting-gaba-my-child-sleeps-for-the-first-time-in-years-and-really-notices-a-difference-in-his-carb-cravings/
• GABA is the answer after 40 years of a lump-in-the-throat sensation, nervousness and muscle tension at work https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-is-the-answer-after-40-years-of-a-lump-in-the-throat-sensation-nervousness-and-muscle-tension-at-work/
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.
Hello,
Is there a way to measure deficiency for various amino acids? It’s a bit hard to determine looking at the questionnaire if I am not doing it for myself. I have a child with ADHD and Anxiety Disorder (emotional type, negative thoughts going around in the head). He also appears physically tense and anxious, and impulsiveness, tantrums and spurts of aggression are very common. We have tried Tyrosine (500 mg once per day), but it caused more aggression in the evening. Now we are trying GABA Calm (125 mg twice per day), but I wonder if it’s too much for a child. It does produce a positive result, though. How long can a child safely stay on GABA Calm? Thank you.
Helen
We always use the questionnaire/symptoms and response to the amino acids. When we see positive results we know we are on track and continue until no longer needed. With anxiety and tantrums and spurts of aggression we also consider low serotonin.
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.