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.
This is a collection of past blog posts on the topic of amino acids in preparation for my season 3 interview on the Anxiety Summit: “Pyroluria, Amino Acids and Anxiety: Troubleshooting when you are not getting results”
In season 1 of the Anxiety Summit, I interviewed my hero, Julia Ross, MFT, pioneer in the field of Amino Acid Therapy and the author of best sellers The Mood Cure. The topic was Eliminating Anxiety – Amino Acid Therapy and Adrenal Balancing
I just love this quote from our interview:
On a scale of zero to ten, zero is not an unrealistic goal when it comes to anxiety. It’s really the human potential and GABA and tryptophan give us access to it
And then this was the topic of my interview on season 2 of the Anxiety Summit: Targeted individual amino acids for eliminating anxiety: practical applications
- Glutamine: how it’s calming and helps with blood sugar balancing
- GABA: how it eases physical tension
- Tryptophan: how it eases anxiety in the head/busy ruminations (and when not to use 5-HTP)
- DPA and tyrosine: how they help you quit the comfort-eating and coffee
- Precautions when using individual amino acids
- Factors that make them more effective and factors that make them less effective
My interview on season 3 will be taking a deeper dive in to this last bullet: Factors that make them more effective and factors that make them less effective, and how to troubleshoot when they are not working.
Today I’d love feedback, comments and questions from you. I want to address your questions. I encourage you to read the blog posts I’m linking to below and learn if this is new to you. Or read them and get a recap if you’ve been following me for awhile. And then PLEASE ASK YOUR QUESTIONS in the comments section below.
Here is the Amino Acids Mood Questionnaire from The Antianxiety Food Solution. I encourage you to do and see which sections may be an issue for you (or see how much you’ve improved if you’ve been using amino acids)
There are some precautions to be aware of when taking supplemental amino acids. Here are the Amino Acid Precautions
If you are prone to low blood sugar and have adrenal issues glutamine is wonderful: Glutamine for low blood sugar and calming effects
Of course, if you need them, the aminos are also very effective for eliminating emotional eating and comfort eating. I write about this here:
- Amazing Amino Acids for Ending Emotional Eating – No Willpower Required! Really!!
- End emotional eating – no willpower required!
Of course I have to share some great success stories because the amino acids really are amazing:
The Anxiety Summit: amazing amino acids client success with Meme Grant
Meme had anxiety, had panic attacks, didn’t enjoy speaking in public, had insomnia and was an emotional eater. She found answers with the amazing aminos acids and the pyroluria protocol.
No coffee, adrenal support and amino acids: free of anxiety, high energy and great sleep!
The above great client testimonial shows how a few small changes can make the world of difference; that you don’t have to resort to drugs for anxiety or sleep or energy drinks for fatigue! And that you can feel on top on the world!
Unfortunately not everyone responds as expected when using amino acids. Some people
- Don’t get any benefits
- Get some benefits but they are marginal
- Get an adverse reaction and may even feel more anxious
- Get benefits that seem to come and go
My troubleshooting interview will be addressing the above scenarios and other related amino acid questions that come up. PLEASE ASK YOUR QUESTIONS in the comments section below.
If you’re not already signed up do join us here: season 3 of The Anxiety Summit
Hello. I have a client that started GABA and 5HTP ten days ago. She has multiple issues. Anyway she feels that the amino acids are making her angry (or rather angrier) though she begins to sleep better and not have panic attacks and feel some happiness. In your experience, is this possible? (100mg 5HTP 2x daily, 250mg GABA in the evening). My gut instinct is to explore where the anger is coming from but I just wanted to be on the safe side.
Hi Summer
Too much of any supplement can cause a reverse effect. Too much of 5-HTP could potentially making her angrier. You could have her try less or switch to tryptophan instead (some people just do better on one vs the other). Since sleep is better and happiness is better and no panic attacks it may not be this at all but may be a gluten reaction or low blood sugar so I’d look at food log too. And also see where she is in her cycle and ask if anger is a typical PMS symptom for her. Hope this helps
Trudy
Thanks Trudy. That’s very helpful. PMS not an issue, more of a menopausal hormone situation. Yes she has a gluten issue but continues to eat gluten and yes she has a blood sugar regulation issue and continues to not eat for this. She already had anger, pre- amino acids. But she would rather blame the amino acids. Tryptophan is not available here.
Many thanks! Love your work, advice and book, loving the summit too!
I was wondering if supplementing with GABA and 5-HTP is safe during pregnancy?
Erika
Neither have been tested during pregnancy. With that being said I’d prefer someone used GABA instead of a benzodiazapine and tryptophan instead of a SSRI during pregnancy – both with the approval of the person’s doctor. The best situation, of course, would be to address nutritional and neurotransmitter imbalances before falling pregnant.
Trudy
Hi Trudy..I sent you a message earlier on insomnia and anxiety..I feel I am getting worse..I have high cortisol in the morning and at night..Can I work with you or should I continue to try the GABA and tryptophan..I am sensitive to meds and sometimes feel opposite effect from amino acids..I want to try these again if its the only thing that will help me..I do not want to take the Xanax..Please offer some help. Thank you..I am desperate.
Hi Eileen
I’m sorry to hear you are not doing well. I’d love to see if I can help – we start with this: 15-minute Complimentary Initial Assessment (no charge). You can read about it and book the initial session here https://www.everywomanover29.com/services.html
Trudy
Hi Trudy!
Just a quick question, since you offered on Diane Sanfillipo’s post. So my boyfriend is experiencing slight constipation since starting gaba, and I read that it is one of the possible side effects. He has taken 500mg in the evening before bed for two days now and is starting to feel uncomfortable as of this morning. Should he try another brand, or try another amino acid? Does he need to drink more water with the amino acid or is there something else we could address?
His first impression was very positive and he slept really well the first night. He then felt really good throughout the next day until around 3pm. He took another dose that evening, but didn’t feel as good and was noticing the bloated/constipated feeling.
Thank you! I’ve been feeling more in control about food since starting the L-glutamine a few days ago. I think I have some other deficiencies going on, but I wanted to start with one and see how that worked for me.
Hi Rebecca
Constipation is not a common side-effect of GABA so I’d look at what else is in the GABA product your boyfriend is using – the fillers. I also like GABA and not pharmaGABA. You could also ask him to drink more water and see if that helps.
It’s great that he’s getting good results!
Great to hear about you and the glutamine too!
Trudy
Hi Trudy
I have just started l-tryptophan yesterday, 500mg mid-afternoon and 500mg at bedtime. I have lots of symptoms of low serotonin and also fibromyalgia. I’m not on any anti depressant medication. I chose tryptophan as I’ve had bad reactions to various AD meds in the past and 5htp gave me nightmares. The tryptophan has had immediate positive effects on my mood but also, the afternoon dose has made me feel very sleepy (almost like I’ve had a sleeping tablet) and last night (the first night of taking it) my sleep was quite disturbed, though no nightmares. Is this sort of thing normal and is it likely to settle, or does it mean that tryptophan isn’t going to work for me either? Many thanks.
Susie
Good to hear your positive mood results. I don’t like any bad effects from aminos and have my clients start lower than 500mg if they are sensitive to supps and to reduce the amount if they feel too sleepy or have disturbed sleep. Opening up the capsule and using a 1/4 or 1/2 is the way to do it
Trudy
Thanks very much for your reply Trudy. I tried 1/4 capsule yesterday evening and my sleep was still disturbed, though not as bad, but my brain feels very irritated this morning. Wondering if I need to look at something else instead.
Hi Susie
I really can’t be “consulting” here when I know nothing about you 🙂 As I mentioned I don’t like any bad effects from aminos and some people need less (even a dab) or something else entirely.
Also, I only ever use Lidtke tryptophan so brand/quality is a factor I consider.
Sleep problems can be due to low blood sugar, SIBO, parasites, high cortisol, gluten and more so these factors would need to be ruled out
Trudy
Trudy
Hi, I started 5htp Sunday, recommended for better sleep, to help with body pain…100 mg, 1st 3 nights at 1/2 hour before bed, then next 2 days 100 mg afternoon and 100 at bed, I’m having nightmares…which woke me …what would you suggest I try instead? I have adrenal fatigue, am using Standard Process symplex F 2 tablets 3x per day and B complex, magnesium, omega and vit c. Suggestions please
Hi Teri
I can’t make specific recommendations but can say that for some people tryptophan works better than 5-HTP (assuming you have low serotonin symptoms per the amino acids questionnaire). Also for some people 100mg of 5-HTP may be too high, even the starting amount of 50mg may be too high.
Also, sleep issues can also be due to high cortisol, low blood sugar, parasites, SIBO, gluten and more so we’d need to rule these out too
Trudy
Is it safe to take gaba and triptophan with medications for anxiety.
One of them is clomethiazole (heminevrin) and it lower my anxiety, but I feel I can’t quit.
So I think I can start taking GABA slowly to replace drugs.
My symptoms are mostly physical.
thanks
Mike
I’m not aware of any issues with clomethiazole and GABA but I would check with your doctor
Do you have a list of specific supplements somewhere? I am looking for specific brands to buy. I scored high on the need for Serotonin and GABA on the questionnaire. I have anxiety, and panic attacks and also low blood sugar. I have terrible PMS and endometriosis.
Hi Hayley
I’m in the process of creating a blog post with a list if all the supplements I recommend and will come back and share it here.
I’m sorry to hear how anxious you are
Trudy
here it is https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
Hi Trudy
Do you recommend NOW zinc 50mg (Gluconate)
What is the best form of zink by the way?
Thanks
Milan
I like Optizinc
Hallo Trudy,
Many thanks for the great works you are involved in.
We have OCD in our family and I’d like to be pointed in the right direction for help naturally.
The drug bring taken currently has no beneficial effect whatsoever.
Thanks again,
Cynthia
Cynthia
I like to see if low serotonin symptoms exist and then use tryptophan and inositol. I’d also always look into strep/PANDAs
Hi Trudy- I have a 16 yr. Old who suffers from quite a few of the symptoms you described for pyroluria (spelling?) She also was diagnosed w/ ADD. She has focus issues but not on any meds. functions OK but has lots of headaches, if given the choice, she prefers not to be in a crowd among other symptoms. I have started her on zinc, htp b6, primrose oil, omega 3s. Is this okfor her age and whats the recommended dosages? Are there any others that might help? Thank you very much.
Kau-Ling
I use weight and 120lbs and above is considered adult. I typically don’t use omega-3s with pyroluria as it’s often not needed but with ADD it may be – I suggest getting fatty acid testing done.
With ADD I always look at diet – gluten/grains, sugar, blood sugar, protein at breakfast, salicylates etc. I also look at low catecholamines and a trial of tyrosine.
Hi… I know this is old, but I thought it might help. My son was severe adhd. I went through 8 hours of neuro psych tests…I am adhd. Same with my mom and my nephew. My son and I completely reversed our add. Seriously, his teachers said they saw no signs. Here’s what we notice in my son and myself. Good food based multivitamin. Greens. (Foods or supplement). Eat real salt! And, make sure you have enough fiber, preferably in your food. Also, I tested extremely deficient in vitamin d. Was put on 100,000 per week by m.d. . Here’s the biggest, we started an organic farm. Eat what we want, but only organic! This was the biggest difference! Sum it up: organic, multi vitamin, greens, fiber, and vitamin d, real salt!!! Made huge differences! Off all meds! No add symptoms. I was previously on Ritalin, and before that, Dexedrine. The Dexedrine landed me in the hospital with Bp so high they were afraid I’d stroke out. So, I really tried everything, from meds, to you name it! Tried it all! Make these simple changes, they will help!!!
Thanks for sharing Rebecca – how wonderful for you and your son!
Hi Trudy,
I recently had my neauritransmitter levels tested and found out my GABA and Glutamate levels were way too high. My Naturopath started me on Calm G and already after a day I finally have relief from debilitating anxiety, worry, fear and countless sleepless nights. I’m 42 and have suffered panic attacks and anxiety my entire life. I have gone down the benzo road and care to never go back. Thank you for all you do, natural is the way to go!
Susan
Thanks for sharing and how wonderful that you have found relief so quickly! Nutritional solutions are so powerful – I personally found immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks using GABA Calm in the day and a product called GABA Relaxer at night.
I have not used Calm C with my clients but see it contains theanine which works to raise GABA levels. I wish it contained folate rather than folic acid.
Just so you know I also don’t do urinary neurotransmitter testing as it often doesn’t correlate with symptoms – but not so in your case. I’m very happy for you!
It’s actually Calm ‘G’ and I thought it contained Folate rather folic acid, as I have the homozygous mutation of the MTHFR gene and can not tolerate folic acid. Hmm. I better check on that. I was at such a loss to find relief from my anxiety/panic attacks that’s why I opted to give the neurotransmitter urinary test a try. I’ll certainly look into the supplements you just mentioned as well.
Susan
Yes my typing error – I did see it was Calm G and it does seem to have folic acid (at least the online links I saw)
I think you are right about the folic acid, perhaps that’s why my ‘relief’ has been so short lived. The Calm G helped for two days immensely and now today I feel like I have crashed and feel very depressed, not something I typically deal with, only anxiety. Ugh. I’m at a complete loss..
Trudy I have low cortisol levels and low serotonin. I feel jittery and anxious when I wake up. How do I know if I need to do more work on my cortisol levels or if I need to use something more to boost my serotonin? I was using 5htp for terrible insomnia and it worked for about a week but then stopped. It was also helping to calm my nerves during the day. I tried Tryptophan last night and that got me to sleep but I still felt so jittery and anxious when I woke. I have started L glutamine but am wondering if I can take 5 htp in the morning to calm and then tryptophan at night for sleep?
Tracey
I like to work on low cortisol and low serotonin (and all the other root causes too). I start with clients on tryptophan at night and increase until we don’t see added benefits – this sometimes helps the morning anxiety. 5-HTP in the morning is an option too, as is GABA if it’s physical tension
Hi Trudy,
a family member was put on QC10 for energy and reduced fatigue. She has OCD – the extreme end where she is hardly functioning. She claimed that she experienced some strange brain electric activity during the time she took QC10 so she stopped taking it. I’m wondering whether QC10 can make a person have things like what she experienced – minor epiliptic like shaking, and very dark/scary dreams. She also couldn’t get herself to sleep on it, despite being tired.
Do you think that since she had reactions from this, it will be unwise for me to put her on inositol or tryptophan. I’m scared now for her brain health – I don’t want to give her something that may cause more harm than good. Thanks
Essra
I’m not sure what QC10 is – maybe Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)? If yes, I’ve not seen that kind of reaction in someone but it sounds serious and I’d discuss this with the practitioner who recommended it. To be safe I’d also discuss inositol/tryptophan with the same practitioner.
I am taking inositol, tryptophan, L arginine with orthinine, and glucamine and GABA with L Theanine but really I have no idea what to take when. I am taking inositol each am on an empty stomach, 1500mg with Tryptophan with 3mg of melatonin at bedtime. I have insulin resistance and not sure when or if to take Glutamine? L arginine I can take between a meal, but I feel like I am stuffing pills in my mouth all day! How long do I take these and do I take Vitamin C three times a day too?
Help! Thanks!
Hi I want to try amino acids for my OCD and tics. I am highly sensitive and my tics are really bad this year. I am not on any medication. Is there a amino blend that I can buy? I dont want to have to worry about balancing a variety of different ones and dosages etc; Im stressed enough. 🙂
Would taking an amino supplement be the same thing? Ie Braggs liquid amino’s, or the body builder’s style capsules. It seems so complicated reading around..
Your input would be most appreciated. Thank you.
Ps Im wondering whether to try Inositol. Can I take it alone, or do you recommend another amino? I dont want to do 5HTP or tryptophan; It made me very dizzy.
Thanks again
Anne
Individual amino acids are typically more effective. I’d want to know how much of the 5-HTP and tryptophan caused issues and what brand before ruling them out as not being beneficial.
Inositol would be an option to trial and I’d also make sure the diet is gluten-free.
For someone with a diet low in protein or with absorption issues I’d recommend a free form amino acid blend (that does contain tryptophan). You can see an example here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
I had feedback from one mom – the pyroluria supps zinc and vitamin B6 helped her child’s tics and OCD. They are precursors for making serotonin.
Hi Trudy,
Thanks so much for all of the great information. I had the NutrEval done and it showed very low Arginine. I am wondering if that has anything to do with anxiety? It also showed very high glutamine and glutamic acid, among other high amino acids. I have tried supplementing with a very small amount of glutamine, and it made me even more anxious, jittery, just horrible. I had other low amino acid results as well. I am wondering if I should try Arginine or just go straight to GABA Calm. This all started when I turned 30, two years ago. I never had issues before then, but it has since been mentally and physically debilitating in every way. I believe there could be other factors in play as well, such as hormone imbalance, adrenal, gut, etc…
Laura
There is some research showing that “a combination of L-lysine and L-arginine as a potentially useful dietary intervention in otherwise healthy humans with high subjective levels of mental stress and anxiety” (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17510493) but it’s not something I’ve used with clients.
I have also not used the NutrEval amino acid results for determining which amino acids may help with anxiety. Instead I use the amino acid questionnaire and amino acid trials https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-amino-acids-overview/
If someone has an adverse effect when using an amino aid they stop so I would not continue with glutamine. With high glutamic acid on the test I suspect that GABA would be useful but again I’d use the questionnaire and a trial
I would work with your practitioner on a complete interpretation of the NutrEval and addressing hormone imbalance, adrenals and gut.
Dear Trudy,
I’m on your waiting list but I just wondered if you can shed light on something for me?
I have cPTSD and ASD and now also CFS for six years. I’ve had terrible mental health constantly since I was 13. (Lots of drugs)
Anyway, I have pyroluria (the blood test said I don’t under or over methylate) but I can’t tolerate B6.
I’m still taking the zinc picolonate although it doesn’t make any noticeable difference – which is the case with all nutritional supplements and dietary changes I’ve tried, except for amino acids which I’ve just started playing around with.
(Having some success with GABA; 5HTP was over-stimulating; L-Glutamine is great for me but extremely constipating so I can’t use it. Have just ordered some Tryptophan Litdke?)
I’ve just spent 14 months tapering off my antidepressants and am feeling extremely bad. I’m still on Lithium and occasionally take a micro dose of Valium which is very helpful.
It puzzles me that even 5 mg of the B6 (P5P?) is overstimulating and makes my face and hands tingly and numb.
I have a lot of trouble with feeling overstimulated / hyperaroused / wired. I’m either slowed down & depressed or going way too fast (psychomotor retardation / agitation). I was also diagnosed bipolar but I don’t think that’s correct.
Sorry this is long!
Thanks for your time, Su.
Su
Some of this could be related to side-effects and withdrawal from some of the medications. Also some people are super sensitive and need very small amounts
Hi Trudy,
thanks for your reply. No, it’s not connected to withdrawal as I’ve had this problem for years.
Best, Su.
Hi Trudy
I believe Lidtke products are not available in Australia, do you have any other quality recommendations for Tryptophan in our country? Thanks
I am on 5 mg Valium daily. I have been taking Valium for 10 years. I was put on it for painful pelvic spasms and didn’t know how addictive it is. I have break through between dose withdrawal almost daily. I also have chronic pain from sacrum surgery and internal pelvic and genital itching since taking cipro 4 years ago. My anxiety is almost always in the morning when I wake up or it wakes me up at an early morning hour. My psychiatrist says the Valium is making me sick anyway so I should either just stop it using a beta blocker or go off a mg every other day so I would be off in 10 days. He says why prolong the agony when I have some daily anyway. What enzymes would help me get through this and help control anxiety What is your opinion on such a fast withdrawal? His expertise is in pain Med withdrawal and PTSD. I have looked on line at various tapers and am so confused.
Kathy
The benzodiazepines are best tapered via the Ashton protocol (www.benzo.org.uk) – which is very very very slow. I consider advice to do a 10-day benzo taper to be gross negligence and recommend finding a doctor who will support you. Support groups like http://www.benzobuddies.org are wonderful for help and support. They do say no supplements which I don’t agree with.
I have my clients follow the program in my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” (http://amzn.to/2kptFWm) before starting a taper. This does include using amino acids like GABA and tryptophan for quick relief of anxiety
Here is a resources on pelvic health https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/vulvodynia-oxalates-gaba-tryptophan-physical-therapy/
Thank you for your recommendation. I have your book and will make sure I go off slowly with enzymes and gaba. My morning body anxiety is too difficult to deal with without something with all the other body pain I have.
I am a 63 year old male and I found your info enlightening. I have struggled for a long time, and I have many issues. Sleep has been most problematic, with high cortisol. I have tried many things but can’t seem to crack it. Problem is waking, anywhere between 11PM (I am in bed by 8PM) and 2:30AM. Usually once I am awake it is only fragmented sleep I can get. I am trying to get your book from our library.
I started with 750mg GABA, 100mg 5-HTP, 200mg Theanine and 500mg California poppy. I do use MM to help but it is not restorative. I have used Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager and that has helped. After 3 days it seemed I was getting more lethargic so I switched to 2x500mg Tryptophan and California poppy. I did not wake early but it was hard to wake up. Seemed too much so the next night I took 500mg Tryptophan at 5PM and another 500mg at 7:30PM. This was not good as I woke at 11:30PM and I could not get back to sleep. I took 750mg GABA at 12:30AM Tryptophan made me feel really tired, but seemed to keep me awake. GABA did not have the effect I expected. When I finally pulled myself out of bed I expected to feel exhaust but I didn’t. Seems I have more energy and focus today that I have for a long time, even though I only got about 4 hours of sleep total. Can you help?
Hi Larry
Thanks for the kind words. If the sleep issues are due to high cortisol none of the nutrients you mention will help. For example GABA and theanine only help if GABA is low, tryptophan and 5-HTP only help if serotonin is low.
I use Seriphos with clients with high cortisol and find it works the best – better than Cortisol Manager. If someone did better on this I would use this fact as a clue to continue – with more or something similar but more effective.
If sleep issues do also have a low GABA and/or low serotonin aspect I do trial one by one starting low (based on a trial) and increasing based on results – logging results carefully. Using multiple combo products and switching to new combos every few days makes it hard to figure out what is working and what isn’t working.
Keep in mind that insomnia can have other causes too – parasites, low blood sugar, gluten issues, SIBO, EMFs/WiFi etc
This is a great question so I’m going to do a blog write-up sharing it because I know it’s how many people tackle their sleep issues because you get so desperate for a good nights sleep! Hopefully my feedback helps you and others in my community. I’ll share a link here.