I recently discovered your work and felt a sense of hope regarding an amino acid trial. I was diagnosed with Cervical Dystonia and Essential Tremor 15 years ago. I have tried Botox injections and various prescriptions (Bacolfen, Propranolol, Trihexyphenidyl, Gabapentin), with no success. Because alcohol is the only thing that currently provides relief for my spasms and head tremor, I’ve developed a habit of 2–3 glasses of wine nightly.
My neurologist recently suggested Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), but I want to exhaust all natural options first.
After listening to some of your podcasts, I am ready to try a nutritional approach. I purchased your book today and am eager to start with GABA and potentially Tryptophan, but I need guidance on where to begin safely. I look forward to learning from you and your community.
Lisa shared this recently on a GABA blog post on the site. I responded saying how glad I am that she has found my site and work, and now has my book, “The Antianxiety Food Solution”. I also shared that if alcohol provides relief for her neck spasms and head tremors it’s a good clue that low GABA is an issue. It’s one of a number of possible issues including low serotonin, as she concluded, and these are the amino acids I would recommend starting with, ideally one at a time.
A week later she thanked me for my response and shared her initial wonderful results:
I began with a GABA trial and noticed subtle relief, but after adding 500 mg of L-Tryptophan a few days later, all I can say is WOW. The combination provided immediate, noticeable relief for my tremors. For the first time, I am truly hopeful about managing these dystonic tremors.
Read on to learn more about pyroluria and dystonia connection; tryptophan and tremors; my feedback about Lisa finding her optimal dose of amino acids and ideally using one amino acid at a time; more on alcohol and low thiamine, and GABA for healing a leaky gut; and additional resources if you need guidance using amino acids like GABA and tryptophan.
Pyroluria and dystonia connection
In my initial response to Lisa, I had also encouraged her to search the blog for dystonia and essential tremor as I have blogged about both. With regards to dystonia and pyroluria, I’ve had a number of wonderful success stories, even though mainstream sites like Mayo Clinic will tell you: “There is no cure for cervical dystonia. The disorder sometimes resolves without treatment, but sustained remissions are uncommon.”.
Lisa searched the blog and is very motivated despite her lack of success with Botox and various medications:
While I hadn’t researched pyroluria before, I completed your questionnaire and scored very high.
My next steps are to implement your pyroluria protocol, gradually find my optimal amino acid dosages, and pursue genetic testing.
Your book and expertise have been a turning point for me. I can’t thank you enough for opening this door to healing. I am truly humbled by your guidance.
I’m guessing she found both of these blogs – they are well worth a read:
- Pyroluria and focal musician’s dystonia or musician’s cramp and the
- Essential tremor, dystonia, anxiety and cravings – diet, GABA, tryptophan, zinc and vitamin B6
There is an entire chapter on pyroluria in my book and she’ll be using zinc and vitamin B6 and other key nutrients like a B complex and evening primrose oil, all of which help pyroluria, help ease dystonia symptoms and help with neurotransmitter production.
I’m not surprised she has hope for the first time in 15 years! I also never get tired of feedback like this and look forward to sharing her ongoing improvements. I really do hope she shares all this with her neurologist too.
Finding her optimal dose of amino acids
I’m really glad to hear Lisa has grasped this key aspect of using amino acids such as GABA and tryptophan (and others like DPA for pain relief, another one she may benefit from in the future): finding her optimal dose.
We always start low during the initial one-off trial, track the response and then slowly but surely increase, continuing to track improvements. And drop back to a previous dose if there is an adverse effect.
I see too many folks give up too soon when they simply try one dose and then stop, or try only one product and stop or try tryptophan and stop when it doesn’t help (some folks do better on 5-HTP so both may be worth trialing). The same logic applies with GABA and theanine and sometimes a combination is better than one or the other.
Lisa was fortunate in finding an initial combination that works for her very quickly, although she does plan to optimize further. For others it can take longer with a number of permutations. But once you find your unique protocol, immediate and noticeable relief is what we expect.
My recommendation is to use one amino acid at a time
I will add that my advice is to trial one amino acid at a time and find the optimal dose and then move on to the next amino acid – it makes it so much easier to know which amino acid is helping. Lisa didn’t do this so I just want to point this out. Going forwards, it’ll be better if she just adjusts one at a time.
I did also mention the Serotonin QuickStart Program and GABA QuickStart Homestudy Program in case she hits a wall and needs additional help fine-tuning (more on these programs below).
Alcohol and low thiamine, and GABA for healing a leaky gut
Because of Lisa’s daily wine intake, it would also be prudent to consider and address low levels of thiamine, a common deficiency with excessive alcohol consumption. I write more about classic signs of thiamine deficiency here. Assessing for and addressing other possible nutritional deficiencies would be key too, because of leaky gut caused by alcohol intake.
The good news is that both GABA and tryptophan (and glutamine too) helps to heal leaky gut and also help break the addictive aspect of wine and other alcoholic beverages so it’s easier to quit. Feel free to search the blog for additional information on these topics.
Additional resources when you are new to using tryptophan or GABA and other amino acids as supplements
We use the symptoms questionnaire to figure out if low serotonin or low GABA or other neurotransmitter imbalances may be an issue for you.
If you suspect low levels of any of the neurotransmitters and do not yet have my book, The Antianxiety Food Solution – How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood, and End Cravings. I highly recommend getting it and reading it before jumping in and using amino acids on your own so you are knowledgeable. And be sure to share it with the practitioner/health team you or your loved one is working with.
There is an entire chapter on the amino acids and they are discussed throughout the book in the sections on gut health, gluten, blood sugar control (this is covered in an entire chapter too), sugar cravings, anxiety and mood issues. The importance of quality animal protein and healthy fats is also covered.
The book doesn’t include product names (per the publisher’s request) so this blog, The Antianxiety Food Solution Amino Acid and Pyroluria Supplements, lists the amino acids that I use with my individual clients and those in my group programs.
If, after reading this blog and my book, you don’t feel comfortable figuring things out on your own (i.e. doing the symptoms questionnaire and respective amino acids trials), a good place to get help is the GABA QuickStart Program (if you have low GABA symptoms). This is a paid online/virtual group program where you get my guidance and community support. Another option is the budget-friendly GABA QuickStart Homestudy Program.
If you need serotonin support, the Serotonin QuickStart Program is a good place to get help. This is also a paid online/virtual group program where you get my guidance on using tryptophan and 5-HTP safely, and community support during 5 LIVE Q&A calls. You can sign up to be notified when the next live launch of this program is happening.
If you are a practitioner, join us in The Balancing Neurotransmitters: the Fundamentals program. This is also a paid online/virtual program with an opportunity to interact with me and other practitioners who are also using the amino acids.
Wrapping up and your feedback
Thanks to Lisa for asking these questions and sharing her feedback.
Now I’d love to hear from you – have you had success using GABA or tryptophan for tremors or cervical dystonia (or other types of dystonia)?
What about the pyroluria protocol for cervical dystonia (or other types of dystonia)?
Feel free to post your questions below.
Dear Trudy:
Thank you for your excellent work!
Are there any amino acids recommended for hyperacusis?
Here’s some information from the Cleveland Clinic:
Hyperacusis is a rare hearing disorder in which sounds that others perceive as normal seem uncomfortably loud—often unbearably so. It’s also called decreased sound tolerance, or DST.
People with hyperacusis experience sound, in general, with the volume turned too high. Sounds may feel intolerable to someone with this condition. The experience can take a toll on your mental health. It can make you feel irritable and anxious. This condition can impact your social life, too. Some people avoid social situations to reduce the risk of experiencing intense loudness.
My sister gets very anxious listening to classical music at a concert or being in a room or restaurant in which many people are talking. She tries to wear earplugs to soften the noise.
Thank you for any assistance!
Jan
Thanks for your kind words! And sorry to hear your sister is struggling. May I ask her age?
This autism research mentions both GABA and serotonin – What is the mechanism of loudness hyperacusis in autism? https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306987721002784. In this case they state high serotonin but hyperacusis may also be a factor with low serotonin, and some research doesn’t find a neurotransmitter connection so doing amino acids trials are the easiest way to confirm.
My book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a good place to start if you’re new to my work and includes a high level overview in one chapter. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/ It also allows all root causes of low GABA/low serotonin to be addressed – gluten issues (there is a possible link), gut health, caffeine, adrenals etc.
I’d also be looking specifically at low magnesium, zinc and vitamin B6 and doing a full nutritional workup.
If she finds she needs additional support with tryptophan/5-HTP and GABA/theanine my online programs may be a good fit. GABA Quickstart program is wonderful and is now available as a homestudy version – more here https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart-hs/
The Serotonin Quickstart homestudy will be available soon. Here is the waitlist signup https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/sqs-wl/
There does also seem to be an oxalate connection. I don’t address oxalates in my book but have many posts on the blog (feel free to search)
hi trudy, just recently saw this post about essential tremor and stacking GABA and l -tryptophan.
for several years now, I have had lower leg clonus/tremors. after many studies, I’m still not any closer to a diagnosis. My tremors are not essential, they only present with particular movements. doctors and numerous physical therapists discuss Central nervous system versus peripheral nervous system cause. meanwhile, I seek other types of treatment. could this possibly help ? I have taken tryptophan for sleep before, but couldn’t get past the vivid dreams. thanks in advance for any help.
K
I would discuss low GABA and low serotonin with the medical team as there may be a connection, This study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2165012/ mentions 5-HTP but some indiv do better on tryptophan Vs 5-HTP.
The good news is that a trial of the respective amino acids will confirm benefits quickly.
If you find you need additional in-depth guidance the Serotonin Quickstart homestudy will be available soon. Here is the waitlist signup https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/sqs-wl/
Also the GABA Quickstart for GABA support (with actual product options, cases, detailed tracking instructions etc), is now available as a homestudy version – more here https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart-hs/
Doing a full nutritional workup is also key as low vitamin B12, low vitamin B1 etc are possible factors and so is celiac disease, excessive alcohol intake etc.
My book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a good place to start if you’re new to my work and nutritional root causes (applicable to anxiety and many other conditions too). More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
Thank you for your suggestions. I will take a look at the links provided.
My sister is 79 years old. Note: She does not have autism.
Jan
You are welcome. I asked about age because this increases the chances that dietary oxalates may be a factor.
And keep in mind the autism research is often applicable to those who don’t have autism. There just happens to be more research in this field because of the severity. They are often considered canaries in the coal mine.
Dear Trudy
Your recent blog GABA and Tryptophan relief for dystonia and spasms has raised my hopes. I have been dealing with Spasmodiic Torticollis since the age of 35. I am now 70. The first 25 years or so I relieved my neck tension and resulting spasms with Chiropractic Manipulation and some stress relieving anti anxiety medication.
The spasms are now more frequent and my Primary Care Physician references my head movement as tremors. The neurologist PCP referred me to recommend Botox for the Spasmodic Torticollis/Cervical Dystonia. I prefer to implement additional natural options before any Botox or Deep Brain Stimulation that has also been offered as future option if Botox was not successful.
I could relate to Lisa’s preference to research alternative options via your website. As backstory my mother suffered a severe case of Spasmodic Torticollis, Cervical Dystonia. Her neck was turned severely to the right permanently and she suffered constant pain. In the 60/70’s decades her treatment options Acupuncture, traction, muscle relaxants did not result in relief. Alcohol became her primary relief agent.
I am fortunate that I do not have the severe pain or permanent neck turn at this time. I do experience temporary head turning to the right which can result in challenges to return it to the central position. When stress arises the neck tension and spasms increase. I too can find relief from one alcohol drink be it wine, beer or pre-made Seltzer following increased stress/ anxirmety situations. I have the typical spasmodic torticollis compensating behaviors…placing hand on chin to stabilize neck, use pillows behind neck when seated on Couchs or tall lounge chairs for support and comfort during relaxation reading, tv viewing times etc.
Higher stress times definitely cause anxiety to rise and increase tension, spasms and discomfort. My nervous system kicks into overdrive quickly.
I am currently reading your Anti-anxiety foods book and am familiar with benefits of the Mediterrsnean diet .) I enjoy research and am comfortable experimenting at home with investigating your website for products home study etc. How do you recommend I start?
Patricia
I’m so glad to hear this blog has raised your hopes – that is a long time to have been dealing with Spasmodic Torticollis/Cervical Dystonia. And sorry to hear about your mom too.
There are so many overlaps with Lisa’s story and approach and with it being triggered by higher stress and anxiety, doing amino acids trials are the easiest way to confirm. And then exploring a possible pyroluria connection.
Glad you have my book – the amino acids chapter provides a high level overview with the symptoms questionnaire (and an updated version on the blog here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/). There is an entire chapter on pyroluria too (plus all the dietary changes etc).
Since you are comfortable experimenting at home and doing homestudy, if you find you need additional in-depth guidance on GABA support (with actual product options, cases, detailed tracking instructions etc), the GABA Quickstart program is wonderful and is now available as a homestudy version – more here https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/gabaquickstart-hs/
If there is also a low serotonin aspect (based on the low serotonin symptoms), the Serotonin Quickstart homestudy will be available soon. Here is the waitlist signup https://www.anxietynutritioninstitute.com/sqs-wl/
Hello Trudy,
I appreciate your prompt followup and will proceed thru your book and product site investigation. With so many similarities with Lisa’story I neglected to mention one of my unique biggest concerns is dizziness that has become problematic affecting balance. Are you aware of any connection to Spasmodic Torticollis/ cervical dystonia or can recommend a product that can provide relief?
I look forward to your thoughts!
Patricia
With dizziness my first recommendation is to find a physical therapist who specializes in dizziness and vertigo – they can assess, diagnose and treat if it’s BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), an inner ear issue or refer out if needed.
Doing a full nutritional workup is also key as low vitamin D is a factor with BPPV as is low B12 and other nutritional deficiencies.
Hello Trudy
Thank you so much for responding to my dizziness inquiry. I am encouraged that your response aligns with the path that traditional medical practitioners ( PCP, PT specialist, Neurologist,ENT) have me following. I have been losing faith in them as positive outcomes have not resulted. Started investigation 2023. PT determined not BPPV. 1 &1/2 years of PT with limited results. I currently take D3 and B12 and confirm numbers in range annually. ENT acknowledges right ear canal very tiny and I see him 3x a year for wax removal.
I am restarting PT this week to have a new evaluation and exercises. Long journey…appreciate your validation of the path. PCP states “we really don’t know what causes dizziness”.
The good news is I have received my first order to address dystonia and stress/ neurologic challenges. Will be starting with Gaba Calm once a day; B6 once a day, zinc once a day. Also ordered Evening Primrose oil to start after seeing effects of Gaba. I see that it is not recommended to take Tryptophan if currently prescribed SSRI ( mine is Lexapro generic). That was disappointing as Lisa saw great muscle spasm dystonia relief from Tryprophan.
I will keep you posted on my findings.
Also received first order of Assorted Paleo Wild Pastures beef stick packages. Delicious and you can taste how clean it is!! My husband loves them too.
Patricia
Good to hear about all the PT work and the arrival of supps and beef sticks!
Keep in mind that I have clients use tryptophan in a very specific way when someone is taking an SSRI, and only with the the approval, guidance and monitoring of prescribing doctor.
I also let clients know that dizziness is a common side-effect of Lexapro and other SSRIs. And also check side-effects of all other prescription meds too.
Trudy,
Thank you for your informative response. I was not aware that taking Tryptophan in addition to an SSRI was an option ( with provider input). I will seek my PMP thoughts, though I get the feeling she may not be receptive to the supplements. FYI I have been taking the B6, Zinc, Evening Prim Rose and Gaba Calm since May 5th. I do notice the anxiety calming effect of Gaba quite quickly. I also must say that I didn’t think I dreamt every night but I am more aware of my dreams since starting B6. Haven’t noticed any identifiable decrease in the spasms or tension in the neck from Spasmodic Torticollis but I do believe Lisa found that relief as a result of the tryptophan.
Fortunately this time around, PT was able to alleviate the dizziness when arising from bed as a result of therapy for BPPV. That was a relief. I do still have the chronic lightheadedness that has been with me since 2021 after my 2nd Covid vaccine. May not be related but that is when it started.
I also have Hashimotos and have been taking NP Thyroid since 2013 and never felt side effects from that medication for the 7 years preceeding the 2021 dizzy/ lightheadedness onset. So I have been under assumption that medication was not the cause. Lexapro is only other prescription med which I have also taken for years before onset of lightheadedness.
As always appreciate your follow up responses and efforts to guide me forward!
Patricia