Posted by Larry Hoover on March 25, 2005, at 16:55:24
In reply to amino acids for anxiety induced cravings, posted by jessers11581 on March 25, 2005, at 7:00:47
> Has anyone out there had success using amino acids and vitamins to treat anxiety and/or depression? I had been having terrible sugar/carb cravings and binging spells until I started reading a book called "The Diet Cure" by Julia Ross. In accordance with her reccommendations for amino acid therapy to raise serotonin and elevate mood, I have been doing the following protocol (in addition to 15 mg. Lexapro): L-glutamine, L-tyrosine, GABA (at night), Calcium/Magnesium, biotin, chromium, flax oil, Vitamin D, a multi-vitamin, a B-complex vitamin, and garlic. I am also keeping a log to record everything I eat and how I feel afterwards. So far, I've noticed a definite improvement in impulse control and initiative, as well as a noticiable decrease in cravings for sugar. I mean, I still WANT sugar, but I don't CRAVE it. So I guess I'm just wondering whether it's actually the supplements causing this change, or if it's just my mind and body becoming more disciplined because I'm following a supplement regimen and writing down everything that I eat. Does anyone know how powerful amino acids/vitamins really are as far as controlling cravings, reducing anxiety, elevating mood, etc.?
I do not think there is any coincidence at all. May I make some suggestions?
Instead of flax oil, I would urge you to switch to fish oil, or algae-based DHA supplements. The longer chain omega-3s are better taken preformed, rather than relying on our enzymes to lengthen and desaturate the alpha-linoleic acid that's in flax oil.
I suspect you'd get lesser cravings with a substantial vitamin C intake. Say, 2000 mg/day.
You've got the other stuff pretty much covered, but you ought to get some zinc and selenium in there. Both are mood enhancing/stabilizing.
Direct treatment of anxiety can sometimes be achieved by taking the vitamin B3 form called niacinamide. It may occasionally be called nicotinamide, but please not the -amide suffix. You must only use the amide form of B3. You can take up to 500 mg, up to four times a day. For many people, it is quite calming.
Also, the amino acid taurine has calming properties. Unlike GABA, it readily crosses the blood-brain barrier. It works almost identically to GABA, as well. You can take up to two grams, as needed.
I'm glad you've taken the bull by the horns. You are what you eat.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:475313
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20050323/msgs/475532.html