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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
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.?
Posted by partlycloudy on March 25, 2005, at 7:21:19
In reply to amino acids for anxiety induced cravings, posted by jessers11581 on March 25, 2005, at 7:00:47
I have started taking similar supplements to help with alcohol cravings - very closely related! And they are definitely helping in reducing them. So if we both are feeling some relief, perhaps it's not just a placebo effect?
Good luck,
pc
Posted by jessers11581 on March 25, 2005, at 14:30:31
In reply to Re: amino acids for anxiety induced cravings » jessers11581, posted by partlycloudy on March 25, 2005, at 7:21:19
Yes, I've read that pretty much the same therapy can be used for sugar cravings as for achohol cravings. Which supplements are you using, and how much? I feel like I'm taking a LOT of stuff right now, but maybe it's worth it. These pills aren't cheap! Please let me know how you do with them! :)
Posted by partlycloudy on March 25, 2005, at 15:22:22
In reply to Re: amino acids for anxiety induced cravings, posted by jessers11581 on March 25, 2005, at 14:30:31
The bottles are sitting at home, so I'll post again with a list later this evening so we can compare notes.
Posted by partlycloudy on March 25, 2005, at 16:35:50
In reply to Re: amino acids for anxiety induced cravings, posted by jessers11581 on March 25, 2005, at 14:30:31
I am taking
evening primrose oil 500mg (source of LA and GLA)
l-tyrosine 500mg
l-glutamine 500mg
and 5-htp 50mgas I didn't have a clue where to start, I'm just taking the dosages recommended on the packacking - one each, between meals. I'm also trying not to consume white sugar and processed foods - which isn't as difficult as I thought it would be, but I already like fruits and veggies and most grains. Like I said above, I am happy and surprised at how well I'm feeling, overall.
These are in addition to my meds for bipolar2, GAD, and some panic attacks: Cymbalta 30mg, propanolol 20mg for hypertension, and Klonopin .5mg per day.
What's your story :-) ?pc
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
Posted by jessers11581 on March 26, 2005, at 6:39:50
In reply to Re: amino acids for anxiety induced cravings » jessers11581, posted by partlycloudy on March 25, 2005, at 16:35:50
I take Lexapro daily for GAD and OCD. I have used SSRI's for about eight years. I crave sugar constantly and can't determine whether it's from hormones/anxiety or something else. I think there's a possibility I might have intestinal candidiasis, which causes powerful urges to eat sweets and simple carbohydrates (because they feed the yeast). But I'm not positive about this because I haven't been tested for it. So anyway, that's me! Keep me posted.
> I am taking
> evening primrose oil 500mg (source of LA and GLA)
> l-tyrosine 500mg
> l-glutamine 500mg
> and 5-htp 50mg
>
> as I didn't have a clue where to start, I'm just taking the dosages recommended on the packacking - one each, between meals. I'm also trying not to consume white sugar and processed foods - which isn't as difficult as I thought it would be, but I already like fruits and veggies and most grains. Like I said above, I am happy and surprised at how well I'm feeling, overall.
>
> These are in addition to my meds for bipolar2, GAD, and some panic attacks: Cymbalta 30mg, propanolol 20mg for hypertension, and Klonopin .5mg per day.
> What's your story :-) ?
>
> pc
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