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Anxiety: when to use GABA and tryptophan and how much to use

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When you have anxiety it can be confusing trying to figure out the root cause. I like to start by assessing for low GABA and low serotonin because when you address these with targeted individual amino acids you typically see results right away and feel hopeful (and now have time to look for other root causes like gluten issues, high cortisol, gut issues, dietary changes etc).

But there may still be some confusion about when to use GABA and when to use tryptophan and how much of each of these amino acids to use.

I’d like to share a question I received on this blog: I am on 5-HTP for anxiety and I am wondering about trying tryptophan instead and my response so you have a clearer understanding of this:

I have started with Source Naturals GABA Calm 125 mg, 2 on awakening and two in mid-afternoon, and 2 GABA Relaxer at bedtime. It has taken some anxiety edge away from me, but I still feel some anxiety on and off, not so severe as before. I used to feel very anxious on awakening. I want to improve more.

Today, I ordered Lidtke L-trytophan 500mg and am expecting to receive it in a week. I plan to take 2 Gaba Calm on awakening and 2 in mid-afternoon, then add one 500mg Trytophan mid-afternoon and one 500 mg trytophan at bed time.

Is this a good plan? Or shall I have 2 GABA Calm on awakening, 2 trytophan mid-afternoon and 2 trytophan at bedtime.

It’s an excellent question and this is my feedback (with some additional information here for this blog post)

Firstly I’m so pleased to hear the GABA products has taken some of the anxiety edge away.

I would expect this when someone has the low GABA type of anxiety and hear this all the time despite the fact I continue to be asked the blood brain barrier question and does GABA really work as a supplement.

There is also no specific formula to be followed because each person is different and when I’m working with someone we’re figuring out what is working and why and adjusting accordingly. If something is working we continue with that until no additional benefits are seen.

Ask yourself what low GABA anxiety symptoms (this is the physical anxiety) have improved with the GABA and how much (rate each one before – out of 10; and what are they now – out of 10).

From your question it sounds like they could improve more – so if we were working together I’d continue to increase GABA before adding something new. I’d do this until the low GABA symptoms are resolved or until no additional benefits are observed.

Remember when it comes to brain chemical imbalances and anxiety we have 3 anxiety types

  1. Low GABA anxiety type (physical anxiety, more stiff and tense muscles)
  2. Low serotonin anxiety type (mental anxiety, ruminations, negative self-talk, worry)
  3. Low blood sugar anxiety type (physical anxiety, but more shaky)

You need to figure out which type of anxiety you are experiencing and address that. It can be different for each person but it’s not uncommon to experience all of the above.

Once that has been done and we have the ideal amount of GABA and no more low GABA anxiety symptoms I’d then check what low serotonin symptoms my client has (these are the busy mind, ruminations type or worry anxiety).

If she does have some of these symptoms, we pick one or two symptoms and do a trial with 1 x 500mg tryptophan opened on to the tongue (or less if she’s super sensitive). She rates the symptoms out of 10 before the tryptophan trial and then after the trial. Depending on how she responds on the trial, we’ll decide if she needs 1 or 2 x 500mg mid-afternoon and evening. The bedtime dose also depends on how bad the insomnia is. We continue to increase as needed based on symptoms until she has no more low serotonin type symptoms or until no additional benefits are observed.

All the while we are starting to make other changes – like diet, eating for blood sugar balance (this and using glutamine helps with the low blood sugar anxiety type), no caffeine, no sugar, looking for high cortisol, no gluten, looking at gut health and for other nutritional deficiencies.

Here are some links to additional resources related to the above:

I’d love to hear your feedback – do you/did you have the low GABA type of anxiety or the low serotonin type of anxiety or the low blood sugar type of anxiety or all three?

And feel free to share the before rating (from 1 to 10) and the after rating (from 1 to 10) once you’re taking the corresponding amino acid.

Additional Anxiety Resources
Click on each image to learn more

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Trudy, do you always suggest that tryptophan be opened and taken on the tongue, or just for the initial trial dose?

    Reply

    • Abby

      Always for the trial and then it depends on each person and how they respond to swallowed to opened. With some people with digestive issues swallowing is not as effective or they need more for same effects. GABA does always seem to be best opened all the time.

      Reply

  2. Trudy, do you prefer Tryophan over 5-HPT and you tell us why.
    Also if one is on a low dose antidepressant and it trying to reduce it is it okay to add Tryophan, I know one should work with a dr my Doctor prefers 5-HPT but I do not feel it is working correctly for me as I am experiencing mood swings for the first time since I went from 50 to 100 and wanted to push to try Tryophan.
    L love your knowledge and information, please consider taking me as a patient even if it is via Skype, please please

    Reply

  3. Hi Trudy

    Thanks so much for all your info and research. I commented on one of your other blog posts that GABA doesn’t seem to work for me (I have tried up to 1200mg under the tongue) and I’m wondering why as I definitely have the low GABA anxiety symptoms.
    You’ve mentioned on other blog posts that GABA (amino acids in general?) doesn’t work well if your thyroid is not working well. Why is that?

    I have a thyroid that doesn’t work well and I take 40mg of Armour thyroid as prescribed by my health practitioner.
    Should that help to make the GABA work or would my suboptimal thyroid still be interfering with the GABA?

    I have read replies on your other blog posts from some other people that say GABA doesn’t seem to work for them either. It would be very interesting to try to find a common thread for the people that don’t respond to GABA.

    I’ve had my genome sequenced at 23andme so I know my genetics if that helps at all (I do have a compromised Methylation pathway).
    Thanks

    Reply

    • Natalie
      When this happens it could be that a person doesn’t need it or it could be due to thyroid health. It may also be genetics or gut health/dysbiosis/candida/bacterial imbalance/SIBO/parasites or prior or past benzodiazepine or SSRI prescriptions, or past or current fluoroquinolone antibiotics. I actually look at all past and current medications and do other “detective” work.

      Reply

      • I’m fascinated that you would mention Fluoroquinoline antibiotics along with past SSRI medications as possible reasons for the GABA not working. I have suspected that these along with sedation for oral surgery are what put my daughters anxiety into HIGH GEAR… She’d been taking 40 mg of fluoxetine for years along with 150 mg oxcarbazepine, 50 hydroxyzine and 50 mg of trazodone for anxiety. About 8 months ago we tapered off all the fluoxetine and noticed less aggressive behaviors. (She has Cornelia DeLange Syndrome- mild mental retardation and autistic tendencies). She still obsessively picks at her gums and fingers and ended up with an abscessed tooth about 4 months ago. She was given a strong antibiotic (CYPRO) and followed up with another one for a UTI (in spite of all the probiotics we gave her) Soon after she ended up having oral surgery under general anesthesia. My sense is that all combined these drugs have flipped a switch in her brain and she’s been super anxious to the point of not wanting to leave the house and very clingy with me. I’ve read your book and have introduced GABA, B6, evening primrose oil, along with dietary changes. She’d been throwing up and barely ate for 3 months. The GI doctor added Amitriptyline… one more RX to add to the mix! I just hate this!!! We did a genomind DNA and are scheduled to see a functional medicine doctor who has requested we do a GI MAP stool test (Diagnostic Solutions Lab) along with an “OAT” urinalysis test. One good thing; after loosing 30 lbs- her appetite is gradually coming back.
        How do you suggest dealing with the aftermath of those Fluoroquinolines and SSRIS? I’m hesitant to remove the other anxiety meds at this point but would eventually like her off all of them. Any thoughts or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

      • Kathy
        You have so much going on with your daughter you’re going to be best served working with the functional medicine doctor but I can share that following the basic dietary guidelines go a long way and addressing gut health and specific nutritional deficiencies. With the fluoroquinolines we work specifically on mitochondrial support, addressing low magnesium and low GABA etc.

        I do caution my clients about the Genomind DNA testing because I am in favor of a non-drug approach and have seen this approach backfire. From the site: “It includes pharmacodynamic genes, which indicate the effect a drug has on the body and can inform drug candidate selection. It also includes pharmacokinetic genes, which indicate the effect the body has on the drug via metabolism and can inform drug dosage.” https://genomind.com/the-genecept-assay/clinicians/genes-analyzed/

        Even when we know the genetics, they are such a small part and for many polymorphisms we have no way of knowing if they are expressing. There are also so many compounding factors like diet, toxin exposure, stress levels, current infections, gut health, past medications etc

  4. Hi Natalie, you aren’t alone – after much trial and tribulation I concluded that GABA doesn’t work for me in reducing anxiety. It must do something though, because I found it works great in relief of headaches on the rare occasion I get them. I guess this would indicate that my anxiety is not caused by GABA issues.

    Wishing you well on your healing journey. 🙂

    Reply

  5. Hi! Found your amazing website a couple of days ago while researching my MTHRFR “mutations”. I have one question regarding all the very sound nutritional and supplement advice, which I am so ready to implement. I tapered off two-three years of benzodiazepine use (not consistent use but certainly for longer than a few weeks at a time). I’ve been off the meds for about 8 weeks now, and still don’t feel 100%. I believe GABA deficiency is my problem but I’m wondering if I should start
    supplementation now while I’m still in withdrawal. Will the protocol help my current symptoms? Also want to try the Vitamin B6 as I’ve always had social anxiety which got worse after my first panic attack.

    Reply

    • Valerie
      I have my clients get nutritionally sound before working with their doctor on a taper but many are in your situation and do benefit by addressing deficiencies and imbalances. Glad you’re enjoying my site! My book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” (on Amazon here http://amzn.to/2nFbVXY) maps our my entire nutritional program so you can get to the root causes of why you were anxious to start.

      Reply

  6. Trudy

    Can you show an indication of what optimal thyroid test results should reflect this is so confusing to all and Dr’s do not really look into it all. I just mean that what range should make one request a trail of medication from their MD
    Thanks Trudi

    Reply

  7. Trudy
    If one has been using 5 hpt to reduce an antidepressant and 5 HPT starts to not agree with that person (suppressing appetite to much) went from 50 to 100 HPT go the antidepressant down from 50 to 25 but had no appetite, an one just immediately stop the 5 HPT or do you have to wean off and when to stop the 5hpt can you just increase your antidepressant but up until you find another course of action as I decreased 5 HPT back to 50 but I am experiencing
    anxiety and drop in mood Thank you Trudy for all your input

    Reply

  8. Hi – Trudy you prefer using Tryptophan to 5-HPT can you explain why.

    Also Trudy if one is a female -60 years old – 4 ft 10 and 110 pounds would one use dosages for a child or an adult or does that not matter.

    Is it feasible that a person could be on 25 pristiq (which is time released antidepressant) and find that 50 HPT is helping but when they increase from 50 it is not so positive. Most Drs want to get you to 300 5HPT before further reducing the meds hence the size and weight question

    Reply

  9. Hi Trudy if one is a female -60 years old – 4 ft 10 and 110
    pounds would one use dosages for a child or an adult or does that not matter.

    Is it feasible that a person could be on 25 pristiq (which is time released antidepressant) and find that 50 HPT is helping but when they increase from 50 it is not so positive. Most Drs want to get you to 300 5HPT before further reducing the meds hence the size and weight question

    Reply

  10. Hi Trudy,

    Thanks for all the work you have done in this field. I have only just found out I have Pyroluria, and have been on my supplements through the advice of a Intergrated GP here in Perth, Western Australia. I am on 150mg BG, 50mg P5P and 50mg Zinc Picolinate. I am also take 400mg SAMe (Before breakfast on an empty stomach). I would like to know how much evening primrose oil to take, I have bought some capsules that are 1000mg, but it says that only contains 100mg of the GLA.Is one a day enough?

    It has only been two months, so I know these are early days, but when am I likely to have my dreams come back? and should i maybe ask my GP if i should increase the B6. i am a small guy, only 64kg, so I know supplements are based on weight.

    I still have a very low appetite and crave caffeine to get me going and to complete my assignments. I am in my final year of my Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Nutrition and Health Promotion, so i really want to conquer my social anxiety and fear of public speaking so I too can spread the word about food, nutrients and anxiety.

    Well done on your work! much appreciated.
    Sincerely, Nick 🙂

    Reply

    • Nick
      The pyroluria supps are not weight based – some people need more and some less. Pleasant dreams typically come back in a few weeks. 1300mg is typical starting amount for EPO.

      With caffeine craving I’d look into adrenal issues too

      Good luck with your studies!

      Reply

  11. Dear trudy,

    You are greatly helpful:)

    I have anxiety and im claustrophobic..i watched your youtube and understood i should take magnesium..zinc..b complex and tryptophan..is that correct? Can you please confirm or otherwise advise.thank you

    Reply

    • DA
      I’m sorry to hear but I can’t consult via the blog. We are all unique and can different root causes so I have clients do the amino acid questionnaire and a trial of the aminos. I also look for other root causes like low zinc, adrenal issues, stress, leaky gut etc. I highly recommend getting my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” and following the plan (on Amazon here) http://amzn.to/2nipWGY or educate yourself via all the articles on my blog.

      Reply

  12. Hi Trudy,
    My husband has a real issue with anxiety and low grade depression the last few years and is open to trying anything but he has the MtHFR gene mutation. I’ve heard that this changes what works well. Any insight into that issue you have would be greatly appreciated.
    Jere

    Reply

    • Jere
      Having the MTHFR gene mutation doesn’t mean it’s expressing or even causing issues. If we determine it is for a client we address with diet, lifestyle (like detox support) and additional methylfolate (for some it’s too much, for some a small amount is fine). Whether or not it is causing issues I still proceed with an assessment of brain chemical imbalance, a trial of the amino acids and all the other changes (like diet, gut health, adrenals, other deficiencies etc)

      Reply

  13. Hi Trudy, I wasn’t sure where to post this info I’m bringing to you. Its about Oxytocin. I have tried this but it was given to me to be used vaginally and I didn’t notice anything using it. So I did a lot of research on it. I came up with a pharmacy located in Colorado. They have a patent on a tablet that works thru the digestion. My doc wasn’t aware of this, so I gave her info and we ordered it. It will be awhile before I get it but will update you when I try it. I did talk to the pharmacist and she said its good stuff and works great for anxiety, autism, ptsd etc. I’m sure you know all the benefits. The name of the pharmacy is Belmar Compounding Pharmacy and I’m sure they would be glad to talk to anyone about this. FYI Well, you may already know about it!!! O well just thought I would throw this into the mix….:)

    Reply

  14. Dear Trudy,

    I have just acquired some Source Naturals GABA calm. I have recently realised that my constant panic is almost certainly LOW GABA. It is very physical, wakes me out of sleep, occurs within 5-5 minutes after lying down, when I am concentrating etc. etc.
    I was dx with severe panic at menopause which was crippling and put on Effexor 75mg which I have reduced to 37.5mg again!! I carefully came off it tapering extremely slowly and weeks later BAM.
    I have ME and have been on Clonazepam for sleep as well for a long time. I have been able to systematically reduce my dose.
    I really would like to substitute these medications with GABA and my question is it OK to trial a small dose while I am taking low doses of these meds
    Many Thanks
    Maggie

    Reply

    • Maggie
      I use GABA and other nutrients while my clients are still on these types of medications but I do a lot more too. We address ALL possibly underlying factors BEFORE they even start to taper – so blood sugar, gluten, the gut, the adrenals, the sex hormones and so.

      It’s also important to be aware that tapering benzodiazepines needs to be done extremely slowly and that taper side-effects are common but being nutritionally in a good place before tapering does help tremendously.

      That being said GABA and the other aminos are wonderful for immediate relief so I always use them from day 1.

      Reply

  15. Thanks so much Trudy. I have an excellent ME specialist here in Melbourne Australia who checks all the above and is very involved in ME/CFS research especially the microbiome. I am already gluten/dairy free and on thyroid hormone.
    I am actively tapering down my antidepressant again and will also now be able to taper the Clonazepam even further.
    My immediate reaction to the GABA has been amazing, I started at half the recommended dose three times daily and my panic/hot sweats are already reducing DRAMATICALLY.
    I am so excited that I finally have a handle on this issue which has bugged me for years. I have been following your posts and webinars for some time and so grateful that you add so much to people like myself. I have had ME/(CFS hate that term)for 40 years.
    Many thanks again
    Maggie

    Reply

  16. Hi Trudy! This thread wont let me respond directly under your response, so hope you see this. I have taken your Pyroluria quiz and scored( with both common and uncommon symptoms) a 25. So at that time was tested through the urine and my pyrroles were normal at 11 and ref. range was 0-20. My zinc was normal and was copper. About my cholesterol, the lowest of my life was when I first had anxiety in 2004 and it was 160 but since then it wavers from 200-230, 230 is what it has been all my life. I would have to dig some more to get total chol. figures. Don’t have it done often. I do have your book about pyroluria and not sure that I have it and how do you rule it out except for the testing? Thank you for thinking of this tho. and I do take B6. SO how do you know if you have it if you cant rely on testing? Or can you. Sorry I haven’t replied sooner, as my email provider has been being naughty!!!! had to have them come in and try to fix it but not sure it is. groan….

    Reply

      • Ok so I’m going back to your book and do the protocol to see if there is improvement. Ive taken zinc in a separate supplement but will get some of that. With hubbie dealing cancer my systems down and got cold and now ears are filling again. don’t want to do antibiotics so have turned to goldenseal/echinacia mix hoping that will ease the fluid. I have had this once before but since you cant tell if its bacterial or virus, I’m going with something I hope will clear both and topped this off with bladder infection which I’m treating with d-mannose. I had vertigo really bad with last infection and am setting some whoo whoos in the morning when I get up. Thought it was related to high cortisol but who know???? luv K

  17. Hello Trudy
    I have been reading all about amino acids and I found Doc Parsley’s Sleep Formula online.  It contains pH GABA. I have heard of GABA but not pH GABA. I prefer natural ingredients where available, is pH GABA natural?  Do you recommend its use?Main ingredients include: L-Trytophan, GABA (as phGABA), 5-Hydroxytrytophan, Melatonin.Other Ingredients:Xylitol, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Stevia 80% Glycosides, Natural Colors.
    Thanks for your help,
    Jacqueline
    from England, UK

    Reply

  18. Hi Trudy
    I heard you speak a while ago and mention tryptophan as good for the type of anxiety with low confidence, worrying about people not liking you etc.
    My husband is currently suffering from this (it’s his pattern but particularly bad at the moment). He is also having sleep issues so a vicious cycle.
    We are in Australia where apparently you can’t get tryptophan so I bought L-tryptophan at a sports store but apparently it’s not the same so I shouldn’t bother?
    Would 5htp do the job or is there anything else you can recommend?
    Thanks
    Nicky

    Reply

    • Nicky
      I would trial the tryptophan that is available in Australia and then trial 5-HTP and if neither of those work order some Lidtke tryptophan and trial that

      Reply

  19. Hello Trudy,
    I finally found where I could ask my questions
    I listened to your presentation on the vitamin summit and found that you had given quite alot of interesting information. One thing that I noted was said is that GABA is not vegan/ vegetarian. I am a vegan and was wondering whether there are additional options for those like myself who are vegans,

    Reply

  20. Hi Trudy: what kind of gaba should I take for epilepsy? I also take CBD oil but my daughter says if it doesn’t have MCT oil I am wasting my money. What are your thoughts? Thanks! Mary Jane.

    Reply

  21. Hi Trudy,
    I’ve been dealing with insomnia, tremors, and heart pounding in the ears for about 15 months. I’ve been to lots of Drs and have been taken off thyroid medication and have tried various anxiety and sleep Rx’s. Nothing worked well and most of them made things worse. I’m wondering if there is an amino acid or combination of amino acids that I could try to see if I can get some sleep. I’ve tried several at the recommendation of various Drs with very little success. Can you recommend someplace to start doing trials and how to do the trials of amino acids to help with tremors and insomnia? I know you can’t do diagnosing, but any recommendations you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Rita

    Reply

    • I heard taurine an anime acid 1000mg taken with NAG 600 mg taken before bed helps with insomnia. Due to racing thoughts. It helps me a little.

      Reply

    • Rita
      I’m sorry to hear this. If this insomnia is due to low serotonin or low GABA I do trials of tryptophan and/or GABA, one at a time. You can find those links above in this blog. My book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” (here on Amazon http://amzn.to/2kptFWm) has an entire chapter on the amino acids with all the details and dosage information as well as precautions. I recommend reading this before experimenting with the amino acids.

      If the insomnia is due to high cortisol (based on saliva testing) then Seriphos is the product I use with clients https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/seriphos-original-formula-anxiety-insomnia-cortisol/

      With a client with tremors I’d also look into low B12 as a possible factor, plus residual side-effects from anxiety and sleep medications.

      Reply

  22. > Hello Trudy
    >
    > I wonder if you could help me please?
    >
    > My niece Lisa who is 43 and has been suffering from anxiety issues
    > for a number of years now and has been taking antidepressants which
    > make her even worse! I heard your talk on the Sweet Freedom seminar
    > as I myself have an addiction to sugar! When listening to you speak
    > it was as if you were talking directly about my niece!
    >
    > I sent her the link and she has listened a number of times now, has
    > bought and read your book and is on the second time around reading
    > through it. She is making the necessary changes to turn her life
    > around. She reduced her antidepressant drugs and no longer takes
    > them but is still not totally ok. She has been taking Trytophan but
    > feels this is not quite enough she needs the GABA especially to help
    > some of the anxiety problems still.
    >
    > The biggest problems she is experiencing is obtaining the GABA Calm
    > in the UK! One that is of good quality. She has read the recommended
    > one on your site but they do not ship to the UK. She had found
    > another company ‘i.herb’ but they are saying they dont ship it either!
    >
    >
    > So the dilemma is could you recommend where she buys the GABA Calm
    > here in the UK and a brand that is reputable please that you feel
    > would be suitable?. There are lots of GABA out there but finding a
    > good quality one that is available her in the UK becoming a bit of a
    > minefield!
    >
    > Thanking you in advance
    > Kindest regards
    >

    Reply

    • Hi SW
      Yes getting supplements shipped internationally can be a hassle.
      I have looked at the Gaba calm in iherb and it looks as though they are only refusing to ship to the UK if you choose the first shipping method. The other shipping methods seem to be OK. Have a go and see if that is the case.

      If not then you can use a ‘freight forwader’. I have done this in the past. This is a company in the US that you can get the supplements shipped to and then they will forward on to you in the UK. There are quite a few companies that do this but I have used shipito.com in the past and have been very happy with their service.

      Reply

  23. I am from the UK living in the US and I have found that Douglas Labs Gaba is very good as I am battling the same issues as your niece, I think you may be able to go on Amazon look at it and order it and have it shipped, now you may have to go onto Amazon USA and order and put your UK address in for shipping as a gift”””
    I have done the reverse of this to get things I wanted and USed Amazon UK and had it sent to me at my USA address.
    I have know what you are all going through believe me.

    Hope this helps a little

    Reply

  24. Hi,
    I need help for my 10 and 16 year old who have anxiety. I have your book but am still reading it. We are GF DF and Soy free. We only use GF bread for breakfast and its only 1 slice. They eat fruits, salads, avocados, chicken, beef etc. We don’t do sugar and use honey instead. But the anxiety is still present. It’s different in my younger one compared with older one. My 10 year old is very rigid mentally and my older one is the worrier and gets overwhelmed with even little extra homework. How would you go about implementing a protocol for them. Is there a section in the book for kids/teens.

    Myself I take 5HTP with B complex which has helped but I still feel depressed, have low self esteem, anger, irritability, no focus what so ever, poor memory (because Im just passive most of the time. (have a hard time reading your book and remembering). What wold you advise?

    Reply

    • GMO in the bread may hurt. Gluten is wheat/barley/rye..oats/corn/rice. Organic brown rice is low in gluten and may be ok. Sugar even in fruit may cause swelling. Low sugar fruit may help. Low oxygen in the brain may cause depression/anxiety/no sleep/obsessing/panic/suicidal thoughts. Low Vit D3 may make people sensitive. 5000IU of Vit D3 and sunlight help me. Vit B12 methylcobalamin with intrinsic factor help stress. Stress may steal Zn/B vitamins and progesterone. Coenzymated B vitamins may help. Folate helped give me more circulation. Anger may mean the liver needs detoxing. Sweating/Far Infrared Sauna may help detox. Passive due to being sick may happen.

      This is what I do that helps heal my gut lining/rebuild my cells to burn oxygen which helps depression/anxiety etc.. LDN is less than $1 a day and helps block hidden gluten. The link is the longer version of what I do. I eat nothing with a label…no premade gluten free food since they may have 20ppm of gluten. Best wishes.

      No gluten/dairy/soy/sugar/GMO/food with a label etc. and vitamins/good oils/minerals/probiotic…. LDN and detoxing help me. Vit D3 5000IU, zinc 50mg if detoxing, 2000mg fish oil, 2000mg evening primrose oil. 2000 mg lecithin, Phosphatidylserine/DMAE, krill oil, CLA, Coenzyme Q10, Rhodiola, Mg citrate 400mg, Vit C, 5000mcg of biotin, 10,000IU of Vit A, Nature’s Plus- Source of life multiple, HCl and Now brand- Super enzymes with meals, dairy free strong probiotic, Vit B12 methylcobalamin shot/spray/under the tongue kind/intrinsic factor kind…. MTHF folate, coenyzme Q10, rhodiola, may help brain/body/thyroid/depression/immune system and more. Gluten is wheat/barley/rye/corn…oats has gluten with avenin…and there is a small amount of gluten in rice. GMO corn/soy/canola oil may hurt. Amour thyroid maybe needed since gluten may make antibodies to the thyroid. Coenzymated B vitamins far from synthetic kind made me calm.

      Sunlight (helps the immune system and helps to heal the gut lining),exercise, organic food, good water..not tap water, cooking by scratch pure food….. no food in a box/bag/premade/label/restaurant which may help avoid hidden gluten. Certified gluten free food may have 20ppm of gluten…too much. Nuts not sold in the shell/meat basting/some spices/food with a label/ lotion/make up etc. may have hidden gluten. One restaurant cooks special for me…rice/veg/tea/extra mushrooms (no meat since the woks may have MSG/gluten in them).

      EDTA/DMPS IV chelations from an Alternative doctor, 600mg of cilantro, organic sulfur, Now brand- Detox support, Far Infrared Sauna and more may help detox. Hair tests show good minerals and heavy metals. Heavy metals can block thyroid and other chemical reactions in the body/brain.

      LDN may help block hidden gluten/heal the gut lining and help the immune system, but the Celiac diet is still needed. 100% no gluten..no hidden or microscopic gluten may help. Cutting back on gluten or cheating by eating gluten hurts the immune system. It may take 1 1/2 months to heal the gut lining after getting hidden gluten. HCl and enzymes with meals and gluten enzymes help me. There are now gluten enzymes also a person may use that may help, but LDN helps block gluten in the air/on the skin and all day long.

      Amour thyroid has some T3 and Calcitonin. Synthroid is only T4…may not convert to T3. Zn/Se/enough iron/strong probiotic may help convert T4 to T3 for thyroid.

      Alternative doctors/chiropractors/acupuncturists and more may help with health/vitamins etc.

      Books: No grain No Pain, Wheat Belly, Grain Brain, Dangerous Grains and The Autoimmune Fix and more explain Celiac. Peter Osborne/Tom O’Bryan on Facebook/Youtube.

      Longer version:
      http://articles.mercola.com/members/Shasha/default.aspx

      Reply

  25. Hello Trudy,
    Your website and blog are amazing !
    Wanted to ask you ,for GAD and part OCD , if its possible to mix Curcumin , Tryptophan , Inositol together with active form of B Complex , Magnesium Bisglycinate , MagTein , Omega 3 ,Vitamin C , Vitamin D, Zinc , Selenium.
    Would you add to this mix : Theanine , Ashwagandha , Bacopa , Gotu Kola , Rhodiola , Ginko Biloba ,NAC , Phopsoditilserine ?
    What stack would you recomend and at what dosage for Anxiety with all of this nutritients and herbs?
    Especially anxiety is very high late afternoon/early evening and sometimes in the morning right after wake up
    Thank you very much in advance !

    Reply

    • Depression/anxiety/no sleep/obsessing/panic/suicidal thoughts can be due to gluten which can hurt the gut lining so less nutrients absorb…then cells are not made right to work right to burn oxygen. I can’t have turmeric/curcumin. Each person is different.

      This is what I do that helps me:No gluten/dairy/soy/sugar/GMO/food with a label etc. and vitamins/good oils/minerals/probiotic…. LDN and detoxing help me. Vit D3 5000IU, zinc 50mg if detoxing, 2000mg fish oil, 2000mg evening primrose oil. 2000 mg lecithin, Phosphatidylserine/DMAE, krill oil, CLA, Coenzyme Q10, Rhodiola, Mg citrate 400mg, Vit C, 5000mcg of biotin, 10,000IU of Vit A, Nature’s Plus- Source of life multiple, HCl and Now brand- Super enzymes with meals, dairy free strong probiotic, Vit B12 methylcobalamin shot/spray/under the tongue kind/intrinsic factor kind…. MTHF folate, coenyzme Q10, rhodiola, may help brain/body/thyroid/depression/immune system and more. Gluten is wheat/barley/rye/corn…oats has gluten with avenin…and there is a small amount of gluten in rice. GMO corn/soy/canola oil may hurt. Amour thyroid maybe needed since gluten may make antibodies to the thyroid. Coenzymated B vitamins far from synthetic kind made me calm.

      Sunlight (helps the immune system and helps to heal the gut lining),exercise, organic food, good water..not tap water, cooking by scratch pure food….. no food in a box/bag/premade/label/restaurant which may help avoid hidden gluten. Certified gluten free food may have 20ppm of gluten…too much. Nuts not sold in the shell/meat basting/some spices/food with a label/ lotion/make up etc. may have hidden gluten. One restaurant cooks special for me…rice/veg/tea/extra mushrooms (no meat since the woks may have MSG/gluten in them).

      EDTA/DMPS IV chelations from an Alternative doctor, 600mg of cilantro, organic sulfur, Now brand- Detox support, Far Infrared Sauna and more may help detox. Hair tests show good minerals and heavy metals. Heavy metals can block thyroid and other chemical reactions in the body/brain.

      LDN may help block hidden gluten/heal the gut lining and help the immune system, but the Celiac diet is still needed. 100% no gluten..no hidden or microscopic gluten may help. Cutting back on gluten or cheating by eating gluten hurts the immune system. It may take 1 1/2 months to heal the gut lining after getting hidden gluten. HCl and enzymes with meals and gluten enzymes help me. There are now gluten enzymes also a person may use that may help, but LDN helps block gluten in the air/on the skin and all day long.

      Amour thyroid has some T3 and Calcitonin. Synthroid is only T4…may not convert to T3. Zn/Se/enough iron/strong probiotic may help convert T4 to T3 for thyroid.

      Alternative doctors/chiropractors/acupuncturists and more may help with health/vitamins etc.

      Books: No grain No Pain, Wheat Belly, Grain Brain, Dangerous Grains and The Autoimmune Fix and more explain Celiac. Peter Osborne/Tom O’Bryan on Facebook/Youtube.

      Longer version:
      http://articles.mercola.com/members/Shasha/default.aspx

      Reply

    • Hi Steve
      All of these nutrients can be beneficial in various situations and can often help with anxiety and OCD. I can’t offer specific advice via the blog and even when I working one on one with someone I don’t ever consider a “stack” of nutrients like this and nor would we know what dosage would work. We start with questionnaires and trial of the amino acids GABA and tryptophan and then look at other nutritional deficiencies.

      If it’s mental anxiety late afternoon/early evening that makes me think low serotonin and early morning can sometimes be high cortisol (saliva testing will show this). Inositol is very helpful for OCD if tryptophan isn’t enough.

      All this plus the dietary and gut approaches outlined in my book

      Reply

      • Thanks for the answer Trudy !
        My anxiety is definetly low serotonin and probably sometimes elevated cortisol.
        10 years ago I was on Paroxetine 20mg (SSRI) for 1 year , and took off all my anxiety , bring me back to normal life , 10 years free of anxiety , but in the last few months I notice that come back. So this time I want to go more naturaly as possible. When started in March 2017 , I started with Rhodiola and Aswaganda , together with omega , multi vitamin multi mineral , sometimes mix from valerian ,hops & passiflora. It took some part of the Anxiety , but far from switiching it off. Now I stoped all the herbs ,take probiotics every day in form of Kefir , and 2 weeks ago I start to take again Omega 3 , multi mineral and multi vitamin and I started Tryptophan peptides 500mg at night before sleeping , I add also Mag Tein and Magneisum Bis Glycinate and some extra Zinc and B6 . I start to fell a bit calmer but need to experiment more. I want to add 500mg Curcumin with Bioperine and Inositol , just I’m afraid from the serotonin syndrome , because I read somewhere that Curcumin is also a mild MAOI. Do you know if its safe in this dosages to combine Curcumin , Tryptophan and Inositol , and if you have some suggestion about the dosage and timing , I would appreciate a lot !
        At this moment per day I take :
        Tryptophan peptide at night before sleeping 500mg
        B6 – 3 X 10mg
        Magnesium L Threonate – 1 capsule (which is around 50mg magnesium elemental )
        Magnesium BisGlycinate – 200-300mg
        Zinc – 12 mg
        Multi Vitamin – Multi Mineral – 1 capsule per day ( all vit and minerals in RDA)
        Omega 3 – 180mg EPA , 120 DHA x 3
        Vit C – 500mg per day
        B complex – 3 x 1 pill
        I have L Theanine and True Calm (Now) , but I’m not using them , don’t know if I need to add this one as well.
        The question is if its safe to add the curcumin 1 X day 500mg + Bioperine and how much Inostiol to add?

  26. Hi I’m glad I found this. I’m working with an amino acid therapist. I had a panic attack last year started on a regimen vitamins probiotics, gaba and l tryptophan. I took about 4 or 5 days. I got better. A year later now I have it again, panic attacks started off about obsessive worry. Started on regime again. It’s been about a week. I’ve upped gaba to about 500mg 2x a day. chewable and 1,000mg tryptophan 2 x a day. And 2,000mg at night still not sleeping well. I’ve had to take Ativan 4 or 5 nights because I panic I can’t go to sleep. Not sure what to do now. Just give it more time? I emailed my therapist she said add calms forte and true calm I have but still no luck. Also I’ve been on ketogenic diet for 3 moths. Idk if that has anything to do with it or not. Dr gave me trazedone he doesn’t want me taking Ativan. I don’t want to be on meds. My labs are fine Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

    Reply

  27. Hi Trudy,

    Wow finally someone understands anxiety!

    Unfortunately I live in UK…

    I finished a short AAS cycle in June 2018 and now i’m experiencing anxiety. I m sure that I messed up my brain chemistry… However after plenty blood panels the only thing is high prolactin…

    I’m taking GABA in the evening and triptophan in the morning.

    Do you have any other reccomandation?

    Kind regards and lots of respect.

    Leo

    Reply

    • Leo
      Is AAS cycle anabolic androgenic steroids? We adjust GABA and tryptophan up based on symptoms. GABA is typically used through the day and tryptophan from midafternoon. It’s all explained in the amino acid chapter in my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution”. If cortisol is high then we use Seriphos. Best is to work with a functional medicine practitioner and get saliva testing of adrenals/cortisol and DHEA and saliva or urine testing of sex hormones. Other medical reasons (such as a tumor) need to be ruled out with the high prolactin.

      Reply

      • Thanks for the reply!

        I will definitely buy your book because I like your approach.

        Yes, to answer your question I used anabolic steroids for 2 months to improve my physic.

        I experienced anxiety both during the cycle and after… now 6 months have passed and anxiety is more manageable but still overwhelming sometimes.

        I feel a constant sensation of physical anxiety.

        I checked all the hormones and they are all fine in the normal range, including DHEA, even
        if a bit low. In the next 10 days I will get an MRI done to scan my brain for tumors.

        My doctor told me that I simply need more time and my brain will reach homeostasis. However I hope that by following the advices in your book I can feel better sooner!

        Do you have any particular advice for my situation?

        I would be delighted to hear your opinion.

        thanks a lot

      • Leo
        In this situation I do trials of the amino acids based on symptoms and as I mentioned before adjust up and down based on unique needs. I also address other factors like no gluten, no caffeine etc – anything that can increase anxiety

  28. Hi Trudy,
    I have been taking GABA and Tryptophan with a little tyrosine for over 15 years. Over the years, I decreased dosages. Recently I have dizziness that is constant. I have been to neurologist, ENT, and they have not found anything. Can the dizziness be caused by an imbalance between Serotonin and Norepinephrine/dopamine? My thought are that I need more tyrosine. Driving is difficult and even taking a shower makes me feel like I will fall down. My only relief is laying down. Walking is difficult too especially standing in one place. Also, a general question, can anxiety cause constant dizziness like this? Thank you and I appreciate your help.

    Reply

    • Is it dizziness or difficult maintaining your balance? If it is a balance problem – consider being screened for Parkinson’s

      Reply

    • This sounds like dysautonomia to me. Lots of issues can create dysautonomia. Check out Dysautonomia International for more information. The dizziness may reflect something about blood pooling in your legs. If so, your brain may not be getting enough oxygen. You may wish to take some blood pressure or heart rate readings and see if there are any differences. Take a reading after lying down for 5 minutes, then stand for 1 minute and take a reading , take another reading after 3 minutes and then after 5 minutes. Often cardiologists address dysautonomias.

      Reply

      • Hello, thank you. It feels like Dysautonomia I wish i knew for sure because it seems like it could be other things too. I started seeing a functional Medicine doctor. So far I have two parasites blastocystis and d. Fragilis and have high cortisol , prevotelli Copri is high. I have anxiety depression and fatigue and insomnia. Can the parasites cause Dysautonomia if that is what it is and all these symptoms? To make things more complicated, my b6 levels were 3 times upper limit of normal from taking only 50 mg b6 for 10 years. So maybe all this is b6 toxicity?

    • Hello Mark,
      You write that you take GABA, tryptophan and tyrosine and that you have been decreasing your doses. Interesting to consider that dizziness is associated with low GABA and low serotonin and that balance problems are associated with low dopamine (tyrosine raises dopamine). Perhaps a trial of gradually raising back doses (one amino acid at a time) would be worthwhile using the guidelines in Trudy’s book so that it is done safely. Some folks do better on tryptophan while others raise serotonin more effectively with 5HTP.
      Low adrenal function and low blood pressure can cause dizziness/fainting. So an evaluation of adrenal function and blood pressure would be helpful. Saliva tests are useful to assess adrenal function and cortisol levels. Evaluation for ortho static hypotension should be included: checking for a drop in blood pressure when going from a lying/sitting to standing position. Taking a hot shower can cause dilation of blood vessels and lower blood pressure even more.
      Consuming adequate amount of unrefined salt (Celtic, Himalayan) is important for blood pressure as is sufficient water intake/ hydration.
      Adequate vitamin C and B vitamins (especially B5) are critical for adrenal function.
      When checking adrenal function, also helpful to assess thyroid function as they are very much connected.
      Adequate and balanced minerals are also key. A hair analysis can provide insight into mineral status (and also an analysis of adrenal & thyroid function). Many folks are low on magnesium, potassium, selenium, etc.
      Worth evaluating vitamin D and iodine levels too.
      Health issues are usually multi factorial and therefore checking out multiple systems is best. You are wise to consider such things as B6 toxicity. An organic acids test (OAT) can help assess B6 levels, serotonin levels and many other factors.
      Doing the basics first is a good starting point: drinking enough water , eating enough mineral rich foods such as unrefined salt, avoiding too much caffeine.
      You are asking excellent questions. Wishing you well! E

      Reply

    • Mark
      I have not seen these amino acids causing the kind of dizziness you describe but the best way to know is to stop and reintroduce them one at a time. GABA can lower blood pressure and too much of any amino acid can cause adverse effects and mild dizziness is one of them.

      I’d rule out factors that are easiest to address first: adrenal issues and low blood sugar, low B12 (test B12, MMA and homocysteine), medication side-effects, gluten and/or caffeine issues, and low vitamin D. Then I’d look into Lyme disease and co-infections, neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, effects of heavy metals like lead and mercury, toxic mold and effects from a head past injury.

      I’ve also referred clients to a practitioner for Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) https://vestibular.org/understanding-vestibular-disorder/treatment/treatment-detail-page and to a functional neurologist https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-role-of-functional-neurology-the-cerebellum-and-brain-balance-exercises-for-anxiety-depression-social-communication-adhd-and-obsessions/

      Reply

  29. It wouldn’t surprise me if parasites and/or B6 toxicity could create a situation where dysautonomia becomes a symptom, especially if either contribute to some kind of mast cell reactivity or impact thyroid functioning in any way.

    I cope with dysautonomia. Because my dysautonomia is about sympathetic withdrawal my biggest helps for it has been adderall, salt stick (electrolytes) and avoiding supplements that lead to vasodilation. Maybe your functional MD can refer you to a doctor who does ANSAR testing. Vanderbilt University is probably one of the best places to have a consult.

    Reply

    • Hi Robin,
      Thank you for the information. Wish I could go to Vanderbilt but driving is difficult. Can you please explain more about sympathetic withdrawal what it is and what causes it?

      Reply

      • Hi Mark

        Here is the best resource to learn about dysautonomia: http://www.dysautonomiainternational.org/page.php?ID=122

        No one has ever said what is definitely causing my sympathetic withdrawal. I can also have parasympathetic withdrawal. So, something is interfering with effective switching/engagement of my ANS. We suspect some of the triggers for it are my autoimmune disorder, mast cell reactivity, Ehlers Danlos and a compressed c-spine. I’ve never been to Vanderbilt, but if I was becoming disabled I’d go to the place where the research is being done.

        I hope you get the support you need.

  30. Mark—

    One other area to explore with your functional medicine MD is thiamine sufficiency. Some forms of dysautonomia are associated with B1 (thiamine) issues: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/28531358/.

    Also, the latest chronic fatigue research is finding some orthostatic intolerance issues may be helped with the medicine mestinon: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/28531358/ and https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/orthostatic-hypotension/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352553

    Health Rising is an excellent site for information about anything related to chronic fatigue or concerning neurological symptoms which folks in the allopathic or functional communities are unable to get a handle on.

    Hoping your journey to greater well being gets easier.

    Reply

    • Robin
      Thanks for sharing and being supportive here. And yes low thiamine is one possible deficiency that needs to be considered. As with any condition, a thorough functional workup should be done.

      Reply

    • Hi Robin,
      Really appreciate the information. I’m in the process of waiting for more of the lab work to come in.
      Thank you so much,
      Mark

      Reply

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