There are lots of people who suffer from mental disorders and whose problems are significantly ameliorated by psychiatric medications. However, sometimes these medications trigger nasty side effects which may prove to be almost as dangerous as the initial disorder. These days however, more people try to find solutions to their problems with the help of unconventional therapies including changes in the diet and intake of food supplements.
The main building blocks of enzymes and proteins in the body are the molecules called amino acids. Without amino acids, the biological processes specific to the human body would not be possible. Amino acids help the metabolism of the body, immune protection, sending of nerve impulses and muscle contractions. There are two types of amino acids: nonessential amino acids and essential amino acids. The first category is produced by the body whereas the second one must be obtained from food.
An inadequate level of amino acids can trigger mental conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and others. One of the roles of some amino acids is to produce neurotransmitters and to determine their functioning.
Gamma Amino Butyric Acid or GABA:
This kind of amino acid is an abundant one and its role is that of an inhibitory neurotransmitter which must obstruct impulse transmission between two cells within our central nervous system. People who suffer from depression or mania normally present low levels of GABA. Therefore, in case of depression, anxiety and mania, patients are recommended to take GABA supplements as they have the power to calm the patient’s brain. There were patients who accused tingling in the neck and face after intakes of GABA supplements.
Drugs such as Klonopin and Xanax are benzodiazepines whose aim is to augment the effects of this amino acid inside the brain.
When it comes to the norepinephrine production and transmission of certain nerve impulses towards the brain, the nonessential amino acid called tyrosine is the one that stimulates them. It is very helpful in case of depression but it also enhances mental alertness, thyroid function and memory. This kind of amino acid is known as a moderate antioxidant which has the capacity to help the body adapt to stressful situations, therefore having the role of an adaptogen. Phenylalanine is the essential amino acid from which tyrosine is synthesized.
Phenylalanine:
This type of amino acid is the forerunner of norepinephrine and it is efficient in the treatment of fatigue and depression, but, at the same time, it is good to improve memory. More than half the quantity of phenylalanine in the body is changed by the liver into tyrosine. Too much of this amino acid could generate irritability, high blood pressure, agitation, headache and those who suffer from high blood pressure, melanoma or hyperthyroidism should definitely avoid it.
L-Taurine:
This amino acid is a non-essential one and very effective in the treatment of mania. Dopamine and norepinephrine releases are inhibited by Taurine, this amino acid being a good stabilizer of the membrane excitability in our nervous system. It helps with the reduction of anxiety, hyperactivity and also has sedative characteristics.
S-adenosylmethionine or SAM-e:
All the cells of the body contain this amino acid which is very effective in case of depression. It is important to mention that it does not present the side effects that other antidepressants have. Because it augments the action of serotonine and dopamine inside the brain, this amino acid is a great mood enhancer. The function of the receptors is improved by this amino acid which has the capacity to relieve anxiety, very frequent in the case of patients who have bipolar disorder. This amino acid is also very good at maintaining cartilage and protecting joints, but it also shields the liver from bile, which is sent into the gastrointestinal tract.
There have been many studies about this type of amino acid in the world, but in America it is not sold as a drug. SAM-e should be taken only under medical surveillance because its combination with other antidepressants or MAOI’s could be unfortunate.
5-Hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTTP:
This amino acid is considered to be somewhere between serotonin and tryptophan. Bipolar patients become more balanced with the help of this amino acid, but it is also effective in case of severe migraines, it reduces aggression and appetite because the serotonine levels are increased by its presence, a normal reaction in the case of an antidepressant. There have been positive results when this amino acid was used in the treatment of bulimia, insomnia, fibromyalgia, PMS and obesity.
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