DPA

DLPA vs DPA for pain, food cravings, depression, grief, lack of joy; and impacts of DLPA on sleep, and feeling more stressed/anxious

April 5, 2024 By Trudy Scott Leave a Comment

A very common question I get is from folks asking about the difference between the amino acids DPA (d-phenylalanine) and DLPA (dl-phenylalanine) for endorphin support and endorphin/dopamine support. I dedicate an entire blog to this question explaining the differences and which one I use for weepiness, heart-ache, pain and energy. I also discuss where tyrosine (for dopamine support) fits in. If you missed that or need a recap you can read about this on the blog.

The blog post generated some great questions that I’m sharing today, with my feedback, in case you have similar questions. I discuss a question about DLPA vs DPA for pain and impacts on sleep; a question about DLPA (used by mistake) raising already high dopamine levels and why DPA isn’t working any more for food cravings; a question about using DPA with GABA; and a question about DPA for depression and lack of joy caused by grief.

Here is the question from Gloria who shared this feedback about her use of DLPA (as part of a pain relief product) but says she can’t use it past noon. She also wants to know more about DPA for pain relief:

My experience with DLPA is as part of a supplement called Curamin for pain relief from arthritis that also has curcumin and boswellia. It works quite well in the AM but I can’t tolerate it past noon or it negatively affects my sleep.

Interesting to learn it is similar to tyrosine which I have had sleep problems with in the past.

Does DPA work as well for pain? Is it best to take amino acids on an empty stomach for best absorption? Does that mean an hour before a meal or two hours after? Thank you for your blogs and book!

It’s great that this combination product offers pain relief and it’s good that she has made the connection to poor sleep when it’s used after noon. This is a popular product that I would like to see include the possible impacts on sleep and the other precautions for DLPA . It is a proprietary formulation so you don’t actually know how much DLPA you’re getting. I really don’t like not knowing.

One other concern is that curcumin is high-oxalate and for some this can make pain worse. Otherwise, curcumin and boswellia are excellent for pain relief and reducing inflammation.

DPA is more effective for pain than DLPA because it offers a bigger endorphin boost. If oxalates are not an issue, one option could be to continue with the Curamin before noon and if needed, add standalone DPA in the afternoon and evening, for added pain relief.

Amino acids are more effective on an empty stomach and even more effective when opened on to the tongue. I share more about opening DPA onto the tongue in this blog.

DLPA (used by mistake) raised already high dopamine levels and why isn’t DPA working any more for food cravings?

Rhonda shared how she found out the difference between DPA and DLPA the hard way and wants to go back to DPA:

I certainly found out the difference the hard way. I had used Lidtke Endorphigen for a few years and I think it helped a bit with food cravings. As I am in Australia, I depend on my sister’s visits from US for my supply. When I ran out last year, I bought DLPA by mistake.

After 1 week I was unable to cope with life, totally stressed out about everything, wanting to cry or scream or run away. Zero tolerance towards anyone. After 10 days I realized my mistake and I went back to normal in 24 hrs.

I believe DLPA resulted in very high dopamine as I already have a very slow COMT gene activity for breaking down dopamine.

I now take Endorphigen again but not seeing much effect on sugar cravings this time.

That is quite the reaction she experienced but I’m glad she figured it out so quickly. It’s not uncommon for some folks to react to DLPA like this, feeling more stressed and even anxious. High dopamine, and norepinephrine and epinephrine (so a huge adrenalin rush), related to slow COMT activity could well be the cause.

When Endorphigen (or any of the amino acids) work well initially we continue with trials of higher doses to find the ideal dose. It may also be that a reset is needed after the shift in dopamine.

Rhonda did say she thinks Endorphigen “helped a bit with food cravings.” When it only helps a bit it may be that the dose isn’t high enough or we may need to consider other neurotransmitter imbalances. They can all cause cravings for slightly different reasons: GABA/stress, serotonin/worry or low mood, glutamine/low blood sugar. More on that and the respective amino acids here.

Can GABA be used with DPA?

Ray asks: “Can I use GABA 25mg and also take DPA? Would either/or offset the other?”

My feedback: If someone has low GABA symptoms and GABA helps and they also have low endorphin symptoms and DPA helps then they are absolutely fine to use together and even at the same time. However, I have my clients trial one at a time in order to find the ideal dose and so you know how each one is working

What can I use for my depression and lack of joy, caused by grief?

Vee says she needs something “to get through my grief depression”:

Completely flat, no joy. I always had a calm flat disposition, but now it’s a complete zero. I need my brain to produce some oxytocin so I can like myself, my family and remember all I should be grateful for. I sleep good. I don’t take any meds, and I don’t abuse alcohol. Does tyrosine affect the brain in the way of producing oxytocin?

My feedback: I use DPA/Lidtke Endorphigen for this very purpose. It’s wonderful for grief, depression, lack of joy and the weepiness we see with low endorphins. It also helps with emotional eating that can show up as we try to self-medicate with treats in order to try and feel better.

When the depression also includes being flat, blah and curl-up in bed we use DLPA instead of DPA, or a combination of DPLA/DPA or tyrosine/DPA. Trials of each, one by one, helps you figure out what works best for your unique needs.

And for some folks GABA is helpful as shared by this woman who found GABA allowed her to sit with a feeling of peace and calm most of the time after her mum passed away.

Research does shows a link between dopamine and oxytocin, with oxytocin “emerging as one particular neural substrate that may be influenced by the altered dopamine levels.” Also, for oxytocin support I’d focus on hugs, massage, touch, laughter, making love, yoga, and petting a dog or cat.

DPA and DLPA product options

Products I recommend include Lidtke EndorphiGen (which is DPA) and Pure Encapsulations DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA). You can purchase these from my online store (Fullscript – only available to US customers – use this link to set up an account).

If you’re not in the US, these products are available via iherb: Doctor’s Best D-Phenylalanine (or DPA) and Life Extension D, L-Phenylalanine (or DLPA) (use this link to save 5%).

Additional resources when you are new to using DPA and DLPA, and other amino acids as supplements

As always, I use the symptoms questionnaire to figure out if low endorphins or low dopamine 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 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 (over and above the few I mentioned above).

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 too). This is a paid online/virtual group program where you get my guidance and community support.

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

I do always appreciate questions and feedback like this so keep your questions coming. I do hope my sharing these ones have been helpful to you.

How has DPA or DLPA helped your pain, depression, lack of joy, weepiness, and grief? And has DLPA affected your sleep or made you feel more anxious or stressed?

If yes, which products have helped and do you find swallowed or capsule opened is more effective?

If you’re a practitioner do you use DPA and/or DLPA with clients/patients?

And please let me know if it’s helpful that I’m now including product recommendations and where to get them?

Feel free to share and ask your questions below.

D-phenylalanine (DPA) for easing both physical pain (tooth pain) and emotional pain over the holidays

January 5, 2024 By Trudy Scott 33 Comments

Today I share how the amino acid D-phenylalanine (DPA), used as a supplement multiple times a day, and opened on to my tongue, eased both the physical tooth pain I experienced for 14 days and the emotional pain I was feeling over the holidays.

In this blog I share more about DPA and endorphins when it comes to pain – both physical and emotional. I also share two DPA products I recommend, product label confusion and more about how DPA differs from DLPA (DL-phenylalanine). I am often asked this question and even long time users of DLPA are sometimes surprised to learn how different DPA is. As always, I like to share some research and other related blogs on the topic. Here is my recent and very positive personal experience with DPA, a firm favorite of mine:

I’m just back from the dentist – my crown was re-cemented and I’m a happy camper now. It popped off just before Christmas and I had to wait until now! There was a tiny cavity beneath the crown which is why I was having daily pain.

Thank goodness I always have DPA (the amino acid d-phenylananine) on hand. I gravitate to it for pain relief – sports injuries like muscle sprains, the rare headache and this time for tooth/jaw pain.

I opened a DPA onto my tongue as soon as I could feel the dull ache start and the pain relief lasted a few hours. It works by boosting endorphins to provide pain relief – kind of like acupuncture. I call it “powdered acupuncture”.

Some days I used 3-4 and one day I needed 6. Taking one before bed was wonderful.

I also got bonus benefits for emotional well-being over the holidays. It’s the first Christmas without my darling mom and I really needed the endorphin boost to help with the emotional pain.

The DPA product I used was Doctor’s best (details below) and I opened up the 500 mg capsule onto my tongue each time I needed pain relief.

The number of capsules I needed seemed to vary by how much chewing I was doing (for example, I had more pain after a steak meal vs smoked salmon) and what I was eating or drinking (for example, I had more pain after drinking something cold). I simply used a DPA capsule when the dull pain started, making sure it was away from protein (not always but most of the time).

UPDATE: Sept 13, 2024
DPA has come to my rescue yet again and this time the tooth pain has been very severe. I initially suspected it was the crown again but when I got into the dentist an xray confirmed an abscess at the tip of one of the roots.

It’s a first for me and I’ve never experienced a toothache like this. The pain ramps up from zero to 10 (with 10 being most severe) in a matter of seconds. The only thing that helps right now is DPA. I’m opening a capsule every few hours and have even had to use it every 30 mins when it’s really severe like after drinking or eating something. It brings to pain down to a 3 in a matter of minutes.

I’ve figured out that using a straw to drink liquids helps a ton. I’m also using a soft ice-pack a few times a day too. Strangely it’s worse just before bed, after I take my bedtime supplements. I need the DPA and ice-pack but fortunately I have no pain through the night. Thank goodness for that!

I’m also using a herbal antibiotic and herbal mouth swish from my naturopath while I get a second opinion, learn about my options, and decide next steps.

All this has solidified DPA as my go-to supplement for pain relief.

One of the DPA products I recommend: Doctor’s Best D-Phenylalanine

There are not many d-phenylalanine/DPA products available but of those I have two that I recommend: Doctor’s Best D-Phenylalanine and Lidtke Endorphigen. Both contain 500 mg DPA but the labels can be confusing at first – at least until you’re familiar with them.

Also, this amino acid, DPA, is not to be confused with docosapentaenoic acid (also abbreviated as DPA), an omega-3 fatty acid similar to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Here is the Doctor’s Best D-Phenylalanine description:

Doctor’s Best D-phenylalanine is a non-protein amino acid that acts as an inhibiting agent to enzymes that degrade enkephalins, naturally occurring peptides in the body that metabolize endorphins. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that play a key role in the function of the nervous system and are associated with feelings of pleasure. By limiting production of enzymes that break down endorphins, the supplement can help support a healthy mood and normal functioning of the nervous system.

Helps support healthy mood
Helps support endorphin metabolism
Help support neurotransmitter function

This is the actual product that I used over the past 2 weeks and have used it on and off as needed for a few years. It was one of the nutrients that helped when I sprained my ankle when visiting my brother in Las Vegas. More here

As you can see there is no mention of pain on the label or product description. I share more on the pain/endorphin connection below.

You can purchase this online from their website or from iherb. If you use my iherb link you’ll save 5%. This is a good option if you’re not in the USA and already use iherb for one-stop shopping of quality products.

The other DPA product I recommend: Lidtke Endorphigen

The other product I recommend is Lidtke Endorphigen which also contains 500 mg DPA and a small amount of vitamin B6 and riboflavin (vitamin B2). As you can see, this product does mention pain but not the emotional support/mood benefits on the front label.

Here is the Lidtke Endorphigen description

Ease Minor Pain & Feel Good with Healthy Endorphin Level Maintenance

Endorphins are nature’s way to relieve common minor pain and promote a cheerful mood. Research shows that endorphins are released in response to pain and stress, bringing relief. The second wind and runner’s high during and after a vigorous run are results of endorphins. Acting as an analgesic and sedative, endorphins diminish our perception of pain…. But there is more.

Recovery centers report that endorphins promote recovery from a wide variety of unhealthy cravings.

Low endorphin symptoms and typical dosing of DPA

I use the symptoms questionnaire to help clients identify if they have low endorphin symptoms (you can see that here).

Typical dosing is 500 mg to 1000 mg DPA 3-4 x day between meals/away from protein. I do find having clients open the capsule onto their tongue to be more effective for quick pain relief – with results as quickly as 5-10 minutes.

DPA vs DLPA: they are quite different but have some overlaps

I am often asked if DPA and DLPA are the same – they are quite different but have some overlaps as outlined in this blog post on the topic: What is the difference between DPA and DLPA (amino acids) and which one do I use for weepiness, heart-ache, pain and energy?

The precautions are also not the same so I always review contraindications with all my clients and encourage you to do the same.

DPA for MS pain, weepiness, emotional pain and more

Here are a few blog posts illustrating the use of DPA in multiple sclerosis, weepiness, physical pain, emotional pain and resilience, cravings/emotional eating and even helping to wean off prescription pain medication:

Multiple sclerosis: low endorphin research and the amino acid DPA (d-phenylalanine) for pain, depression, comfort and trauma support “The endogenous opioid system is …well known to play a role in the development of chronic pain and negative affect [i.e. depression], both of which are common comorbidities in MS.”
DPA for weepiness, pain and comfort and reward eating
The individual amino acids glutamine, GABA, tryptophan (or 5-HTP), DPA and tyrosine are powerful for eliminating sugar cravings, often within 5 minutes
When using the amino acid DPA (d-phenylalanine) I have more resilience and more buffer in the caregiving work I do, and just the oops’s of life As I mentioned above, using DPA over these holidays also gave me more resilience and the endorphin boost I needed help with the emotional pain of losing my mom.
Wean off prescription pain medication, improve sleep and reduce emotional eating with DPA (an endorphin-boosting amino acid)

Be sure to use the search feature on the blog to find additional applications of DPA.

DPA research on pain and depression

The use of DPA is not new as you can read in this paper from 1982 – D-phenylalanine and other enkephalinase inhibitors as pharmacological agents: implications for some important therapeutic application

A number of compounds have been shown to inhibit the degradation of enkephalins. As expected, these compounds produce naloxone reversible analgesia and potentiate the analgesia produced by enkephalins and by acupuncture.

One of these, D-phenylalanine, is also anti-inflammatory.

D-phenylalanine has proven to be beneficial in many human patients with chronic, intractable pain. It is proposed the enkephalinase inhibitors may be effective in a number of human “endorphin deficiency diseases” such as depression, schizophrenia, convulsive disorders and arthritis.

Additional resources when you are new to using DPA and the other amino acids as supplements

We use the symptoms questionnaire to figure out if low endorphins or other neurotransmitter imbalances may be an issue for you.

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, sugar cravings, anxiety and mood issues.

Also mentioned above is Doctor’s Best D-Phenylalanine which can be purchased on iherb.

Have you had success using DPA for toothache, dental abscess or your other pain issues – what kind of pain has it helped and how much has helped you?

Has DPA also helped with emotional pain and weepiness? And cravings/emotional eating?

If you’re a practitioner do you have success using DPA with your clients/patients?

Feel free to share and ask your questions below.

“Potion” of tyrosine, Endorphigen, GABA and tryptophan has been nothing less than a miracle for my depression and anxiety – how long can I remain on these?

August 11, 2023 By Trudy Scott 21 Comments

Amy shares how much her particular “potion” or combination of amino acids has helped her depression and anxiety and wants to know how long she can remain on them:

I currently take 500 mg of l-tyrosine in the morning, 1 Endorphigen 2xday, 1 GABA calm 2x day and 1000 mg of tryptophan before bed with some natural calm & true calm. This “potion” has been nothing less than a miracle. I feel pretty good.

The past few years have been rough, managing depression and anxiety with frequent relapse, and I finally feel ok.

I don’t want to wean off yet and am curious as to how long I can remain on these. Is it dangerous to keep on it too long? Is there a maximum time? I follow your blog and reached out to you last year. Your information has been extremely helpful. Thank you.

I’m glad to hear Amy is doing so well on this miracle combination and finally feels ok. Before stopping the amino acids, the goal is to address diet, gut health, nutritional imbalances, toxins and all the underlying factors that lead to low catecholamines, low endorphins, low GABA and low serotonin.

It’s fine to stop taking them and see how you do and add some or all of them back if you find you still need that neurotransmitter support. This is one of a few approaches I use with clients. But here are times when it’s best to wait and continue using them (like when on the pill and when affected by seasonal depression). I share my insights on this and other ways to cut back below.

How long can you remain on amino acids and when do you consider stopping them?

There is no set time frame for staying on the amino acids. As I mentioned above you can stop taking the individual amino acids and see how you do and then add some or all of them back if you find you still need that neurotransmitter support. This is one of a few approaches I use with clients.

Other approaches include: completely stopping one amino acid at a time and monitoring symptoms or reducing the amount one amino acid at a time, also monitoring symptoms. I prefer the latter especially with someone like Amy who has been “managing depression and anxiety with frequent relapse.”

I can also hear that she has some hesitation about stopping her “potion” and going with your gut is a good thing too. She also has a few confounding factors that make me feel staying on them longer may be in her best interest. One factor is her long-term use of birth control pills.

Long term use of birth control pills and the impact on mood and nutritional status

Amy also shares about her use of the birth control pill and how she suspects it’s a factor in her depression and anxiety:

I should also mention I just went off birth control pills. I have taken them since age 16 only stopping for 3 pregnancies and breastfeeding. I am 46. I’ve been on for painful periods. I made the decision to stop for fear of clots, cardiac issues and most importantly my mental well being. I truly believe they contributed to my depression. I believe I’m in perimenopause and have higher than normal anxiety. I’m extremely worried about my periods if I stop the pill and think my amino acid supplements help these worries and I cope better. That’s why I’m reluctant to stop the supplements but still worried about long term use.

Because Amy has been using the birth control pill for around 25 years I’d have her continue with the amino acids for now and address the effects on her gut health and nutritional status first.

Women taking the pill and other hormonal contraception are more likely to be depressed. A Danish study published in JAMA Psychiatry of more than 1 million women aged 15 to 34, with no prior history of depression, were included in the study and followed for 13 years. The researchers found that those women who used the pill were 23% more likely to be depressed and use antidepressants.

You can read more about the effects of the birth control pill on this blog and my book review of “Beyond the Pill” by Dr. Jolene Brighten. As you’ll read it causes vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant depletion (such as folate, B12, vitamin B6 and zinc).

She did actually come back and share that she tried and it didn’t work out going off the birth control pill. She was unable to manage the pain. She needs to address all these root causes first.

There is also no reason for her to be worried about long term use of the amino acids when they are clearly addressing her neurotransmitter imbalances.

The seasonal impact on mood and anxiety

I don’t have clients make changes to their amino acids in the Fall or Winter when there can be seasonal impacts on mood and anxiety. She had shared this too:

I’m more prone to depression this time of year. I think with these 2 factors [seasonal mood changes and the pill] I’ll stay on the regime until the spring.

This is a wise decision for Amy.

I would also hold off on making changes if someone is prone to airborne allergies. This is because there can be a higher need for neurotransmitter support when there are allergies.

Amy has already made many diet and lifestyle changes so she is heading in the right direction:

I have given my diet an overhaul. Not perfect but significantly less refined carbs and sugar. Plenty of fresh produce, healthy fats and protein ( especially animal). I also have committed to daily “body movement”: yoga, Pilates, max trainer, light weights or bike.

All of these changes are starting to support her overall nutritional status and resilience.

A recap of the amino acids Amy is using and the rationale for each one

If you’re new to using individual amino acids, here is a quick recap of the amino acids Amy is using and the rationale for each one.

She is using 500 mg of l-tyrosine in the morning. This supports low levels of dopamine/catchecolamines and improves the curl-up-in-bed kind of depression. You can read more about tyrosine here.

She is also using Endorphigen twice a day. This is a Lidtke product called Endorphigen and provides 500 mg DPA/d-phenylalanine per capsule. It raises endorphin levels, offering a mood boost, typically helping with weepiness and also emotional eating. You can read more about DPA here.

Amy is also using GABA Calm 2x day. This is a sublingual/chewable product made by Source Naturals and is a nice low dose of 125mg per chewable. You can read more about GABA here.

And finally, she is using 1000 mg of tryptophan before bed. This supports low serotonin and improves worry-kind of anxiety and depression, ruminating, obsessive tendencies and also sleep issues. You can read more about tryptophan here.

Keep in mind this is what Amy found works for her unique needs and would have done trials of the amino acids one by one to figure out which ones to use and how much of each to use. There is no one size fits all.

It’s not unusual for folks using the amino acids to describe their results as miraculous!

Resources if you are new to using amino acids as supplements

If you are new to using amino acids as supplements, here is the Amino Acids Mood Questionnaire from The Antianxiety Food Solution (you can see all the symptoms of neurotransmitter imbalances, including low GABA, low serotonin, low dopamine, low blood sugar and low endorphins).

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, sugar cravings, anxiety and mood issues.

Thanks to Amy for sharing her results and asking this question.

Have you seen similar benefits when using individual amino acids? If yes, which ones have helped you?

What approach have you used to stop or reduce your doses?

And have you continued using the amino acids because of the effects of the pill, seasonal mood shifts or seasonal allergies (or some other reason)?

If you have questions and feedback please share them here too.

Multiple sclerosis: low endorphin research and the amino acid DPA (d-phenylalanine) for pain, depression, comfort and trauma support

April 28, 2023 By Trudy Scott 8 Comments

The research on the role of low endorphins in multiple sclerosis (MS) is exciting because it creates more awareness about a powerful way to offer pain and mood support if you have been diagnosed with this condition. Typically, I ignore the diagnosis when assessing for low levels of neurotransmitters (via a symptoms questionnaire) and have clients do a trial of the amino acid DPA (d-phenylalanine) if they have physical pain symptoms, experience emotional pain symptoms with excessive weepiness/crying and seek comfort via treats/rewarding foods or the numbing effects of alcohol. However, we now know low endorphins play a role in MS (via the endogenous opioid system). By addressing low levels with DPA, you can find some relief of the above pain/depression symptoms and a need for comfort and numbing. DPA may also offer some trauma support if past trauma is a contributing factor (more on all of this below).

Low endorphins play a role in multiple sclerosis: the research

This 2021 paper, Multiple Sclerosis and the Endogenous Opioid System describes MS and the fact that current therapies have limited efficacy: “Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation, neuronal degeneration and demyelinating lesions within the central nervous system. The mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis and progression of MS are not fully known and current therapies have limited efficacy.”

What is exciting is the identification of the role of the endogenous opioid system and specific opioid peptides in MS:

Preclinical investigations using the murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS, as well as clinical observations in patients with MS, provide converging lines of evidence implicating the endogenous opioid system in the pathogenesis of this disease.

In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that endogenous opioid peptides, binding μ- (MOR), κ- (KOR) and δ-opioid receptors (DOR), function as immunomodulatory molecules within both the immune and nervous systems.

The endogenous opioid system is also well known to play a role in the development of chronic pain and negative affect [i.e. depression], both of which are common comorbidities in MS. As such, dysregulation of the opioid system may be a mechanism that contributes to the pathogenesis of MS and associated symptoms.

Endogenous means internal i.e natural compounds produced by the body and involved in pain relief and mood improvement. This article, Opioid Peptides, describes peptides as compounds that “produce the same effects as the chemicals known as classic alkaloid opiates, which include morphine and heroin.”

It also mentions three major categories of opioid receptors – mu, delta, and kappa – referred to as MOR, DOR and KOR above.

D-phenylalanine for human “endorphin deficiency diseases”

Unfortunately neither of these papers mentions the amino acid DPA (d-phenylalanine) and the fact that it supports endorphin production (by inhibiting the breakdown of endorphins), reducing pain and improving mood – quickly (as in 5-10 minutes).

The use of DPA is not new information as you can read in this paper from 1982 – D-phenylalanine and other enkephalinase inhibitors as pharmacological agents: implications for some important therapeutic application

A number of compounds have been shown to inhibit the degradation of enkephalins. As expected, these compounds produce naloxone reversible analgesia and potentiate the analgesia produced by enkephalins and by acupuncture.

One of these, D-phenylalanine, is also anti-inflammatory.

D-phenylalanine has proven to be beneficial in many human patients with chronic, intractable pain. It is proposed the enkephalinase inhibitors may be effective in a number of human “endorphin deficiency diseases” such as depression, schizophrenia, convulsive disorders and arthritis.

Such compounds may alleviate other conditions associated with decreased endorphin levels such as opiate withdrawal symptoms.

Prevalence of anxiety/depression and alcohol abuse in MS

As I shared in the recent post addressing low GABA symptoms (anxiety, muscle stiffness, swallowing/voice issues and pain) in multiple sclerosis, anxiety and depression is common in this condition. Alcohol abuse is also high. I shared this paper, The incidence and prevalence of psychiatric disorders in multiple sclerosis: A systematic Review, with the following results:

Among population-based studies, the prevalence of anxiety was 21.9% (and up to 35.0% in some papers), 23.7% for depression …and 14.8% for alcohol abuse.

The above Opioid Peptides paper highlights that the endogenous opioid system may be related to excessive alcohol-drinking behavior. In the work I do with amino acids, I see alcohol used as a way to numb out.

All this supports the fact that the amino acid DPA may help ease symptoms of depression and weepiness seen in MS, and self-medicating with alcohol.

The goal is to use these amino acids instead of needing to use benzodiazepines (covered in the above GABA blog), antidepressants and pain medications.

DPA may help trauma in MS, and the freeze response

This paper, Childhood Trauma in Multiple Sclerosis: A Case-Control Study, suggests an association between childhood trauma and early-life stress and MS:

Although childhood trauma was not associated with the degree of current MS-related disability, patients with MS with histories of physical and/or sexual abuse had significantly higher relapse rates than patients without early-life stress.

DPA may also offer some trauma support if past trauma is a contributing factor. I learned about trauma and the low energy freeze state (a survival mechanism) from Dr. Aimie Apigian, MD, MS, MPH. There is the feeling of numbness and being disconnected when in the freeze state and this eventually becomes the default pattern that the nervous system has been wired into.

Individuals with low endorphins are often in the freeze state and are more emotionally sensitive to everything and because of this they experience much more stress. They also experience a feeling of numbness and feel disconnected. The encouraging news is that the amino acid DPA helps ease the low endorphin symptoms while they are addressing their trauma in other ways, like with somatic work and addressing other biological underpinnings of trauma.

DPA is comforting, helps you feel safe and is often described as feeling like someone just hugged you.

Endorphins and the amino acid DPA (d-phenylalanine) and DLPA (dl-phenylalanine)

If you’re new to endorphins and the amino acid DPA and DLPA here are some blog posts:

Low GABA and low serotonin are common in multiple sclerosis too

Low endorphins are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the underlying neurotransmitter imbalances in MS. Low GABA and low serotonin are common too.

As mentioned, I recently blogged about the GABA research and applications of GABA when it comes to multiple sclerosis. Here is that link.

When that blog was published I had a number of questions (see the comments in the above link) from folks asking if GABA could help with similar symptoms in Parkinson’s: swallowing and voice problems, pain and hand spasms. I said yes – if GABA is low, the amino acid GABA will help. As important as your diagnosis is, it’s always the questionnaire/symptoms that help you figure out if it’s worth trialing GABA, DPA or one of the other amino acids.

Both GABA and DPA can help pain symptoms via different mechanisms, so it’s a matter of doing a trial of each amino acid, one at a time and monitoring your response.

Tryptophan and/or 5-HTP may help ease some of the low serotonin worry-type of anxiety, fear, panic attacks, obsessing, low mood and MS-specific pain issues and insomnia.

If you do have more than one imbalance (which is not unusual), you need to figure out which imbalance you have and address that with the relevant amino acids, one at a time. I have clients pick the area that is more problematic for them and start there.

I gathered some of this research while preparing for an interview with the wonderful Dr. Terry Wahls, MD and author of “The Wahls Protocol.” We were both pleasantly surprised to see these endorphin/MS and other neurotransmitter connections.

I really look forward to seeing future research on the use of the amino acids DPA, GABA and tryptophan in MS. And I’d love to be involved in some studies if you are associated with a research facility or do research.

Resources if you are new to using amino acids as supplements

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, sugar cravings, anxiety and mood issues.

Do you have multiple sclerosis and has the amino acid DPA helped with your low endorphin symptoms: pain, depression, alcohol addiction, comfort and trauma support?

How much has helped and which product do you use?

Do you find opening a capsule of DPA helps more than swallowing the DPA capsule?

Were you surprised that DPA would help so much?

What else has helped your multiple sclerosis symptoms? And have you also addressed low GABA and serotonin with amino acids GABA and tryptophan?

If you have questions and other feedback please share it here too.

Her mum just passed away and although she is sad, GABA allows her to sit with a feeling of peace and calm most of the time

April 7, 2023 By Trudy Scott 33 Comments

Sandra shared this heartening feedback on how GABA helped right after the passing of her mum. She also voiced her surprise that it could have such a profound effect at a sad time like this, asking me if this was possible:

I recently started taking GABA Calm lozenges. I settled on a small dose of one lozenge at bedtime. Initially I took this for tense neck and shoulder muscles due to years of anxiety.

What I have noticed in the past month is that I seem quite calm although I do still have tense neck muscles.

Last week I experienced a profound bereavement with the passing of my mum who I have been caring for. I am genuinely surprised at how I have handled this stressful situation including the funeral. I have always been quite emotional and I have found myself, although sad, sitting in a feeling of peace and calm most of the time.

Is it possible that the GABA Calm is contributing to this? It was my understanding this product would assist with my tense muscles but I feel like it has helped me tremendously with my mindset, emotions and mood.

I look forward to your reply.

I offered my condolences for the loss of her mum and said how heartened I felt, hearing that she had a feeling of peace and calm most of the time. And the fact that GABA had helped with the stressful events of the funeral and her mindset, emotions and mood. I would expect the feeling of peace and calm, and helping reduce overall stress. The calming amino acid supplement, GABA, has long been recognized to help ease the more physical type of anxiety.

But because the amount of GABA she was taking didn’t help with her tense muscles, some of the benefits may have been as a result of GABA reducing the distressing unwanted thoughts. The emotions and mood are added benefits that we don’t always hear about with GABA but are not unheard of (more on this below).

I thanked Sandra for sharing this wonderful feedback, letting her know I’d share it as a separate blog, so we can offer support to others in similar situations. I’ll also be sharing this blog with her so she understands some of the mechanisms better too. In fact, I only made the unwanted thoughts connection after having responded to her.

GABA helps with inhibition of unwanted thoughts

In the past I’ve blogged about how Scientists identified a mechanism that helps us inhibit unwanted thoughts:

We are sometimes confronted with reminders of unwanted thoughts – thoughts about unpleasant memories, images or worries. When this happens, the thought may be retrieved, making us think about it again even though we prefer not to. While being reminded in this way may not be a problem when our thoughts are positive, if the topic was unpleasant or traumatic, our thoughts may be very negative, worrying or ruminating about what happened, taking us back to the event.

Scientists have identified a key chemical within the ‘memory’ region of the brain that allows us to suppress unwanted thoughts, helping explain why people who suffer from disorders such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and schizophrenia often experience persistent intrusive thoughts when these circuits go awry.

Professor Anderson, Dr. Schmitz and colleagues showed that the ability to inhibit unwanted thoughts relies on a neurotransmitter – a chemical within the brain that allows messages to pass between nerve cells – known as GABA.

GABA is the main ‘inhibitory’ neurotransmitter in the brain, and its release by one nerve cell can suppress activity in other cells to which it is connected.

Anderson and colleagues discovered that GABA concentrations within the hippocampus – a key area of the brain involved in memory – predict people’s ability to block the retrieval process and prevent thoughts and memories from returning.

You can read more on the blog post here: GABA helps with inhibition of unwanted thoughts

If you are using the GABA with success already and experience the loss of a loved one, you may find you need to increase your dose for a period of time.

There is individual variability in the capacity to cope with stress during bereavement

Research supports that there is “individual variability in the capacity to cope with stress” during bereavement and there are differences in symptoms and physiological changes. This paper, Long-term immune-endocrine effects of bereavement: relationships with anxiety levels and mood, identified changes in depression, anxiety, adrenocorticotropin and cortisol plasma concentrations, beta-endorphins, and reduced “functional activity of natural killer cells.” And the two different groups of people in the study had different symptoms and physiological changes.

GABA and glutamate, and the HPA axis in depression/bereavement

The above paper doesn’t mention GABA but growing evidence indicates that glutamate and GABA, and the HPA axis/corticotropin-releasing hormone, plays a role in depression and presumably bereavement too. This may be another mechanism that led to the feelings of calm that Sandra experienced.

You’ll need to figure out your unique biochemical needs

When you experience the loss of a loved one, you’ll need to figure out your unique biochemical needs and address them one by one. You may need GABA support like Sandra and/or may find you need serotonin support (with tryptophan or 5-HTP) and/or may need endorphin support (with the amino acid DPA/d-phenylalanine).

Both GABA and serotonin support also helps to address sleep problems. DPA helps especially with the emotional pain and weepiness, and if you’re self-medicating with comfort foods while grieving.

If you have high cortisol you may benefit from Seriphos or Lactium.

Keep in mind that nutritional support is immensely helpful during caregiving too. Here is just one example: When using the amino acid DPA (d-phenylalanine) I have more resilience and more buffer in the caregiving work I do, and just the oops’s of life

Helping Sandra ease her still tense neck muscles

For her ongoing tense neck and shoulder muscles I suggested a higher amount of GABA may be needed. She reported back that taking it in the morning made her sleepy and a couple of times she noticed a headache.

When GABA in the day causes sleepiness I have clients use less GABA more frequently or to take more at night to carry over the next day. In this case probably a GABA-only product because of her headaches.

She did share that GABA was her starting point with the intention of including tryptophan for ruminating and fearful thoughts which do stop her from participating in various activities. Low serotonin does cause TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain and it’s possible this is contributing to her ongoing tense neck and shoulder muscles, and tryptophan may be the solution.

We also address low magnesium if applicable. I’d also suggest looking into dietary oxalates too and getting checked for physical issues by a chiropractor and/or osteopath and/or physical therapist.

You can read our discussion on this blog.

Resources if you are new to using GABA or tryptophan or DPA as supplements

If you are new to using GABA or tryptophan or DPA as supplements, here is the Amino Acids Mood Questionnaire from The Antianxiety Food Solution (you can see all the symptoms of neurotransmitter imbalances, including low GABA, low serotonin and low endorphins).

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, sugar cravings, anxiety and mood issues (which include rage/anger/irritability/self-harm).

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.

Has GABA or tryptophan or DPA helped you after the loss of a loved one? How did each one help?

Were you surprised that they would help so much?

If you were using the aminos with success already did you find you needed to increase your dose for a period of time?

What else has helped you at a time of loss?

If you have questions and other feedback please share it here too.

Irukandji syndrome: severe pain, nausea, breathing difficulties and a feeling of impending doom (impact on serotonin and other neurotransmitters?)

December 30, 2022 By Trudy Scott 14 Comments

Irukandji syndrome is in the news again. In addition to the jellyfish sting causing severe pain, nausea and breathing difficulties, the research states there is a feeling of impending doom after you’re stung. I’m sharing this current news from Australia and a recent study because I’m curious about the mechanisms and short- and long-term impacts on serotonin and other neurotransmitters, likely affecting anxiety, depression, pain and insomnia. And I’d like to help create awareness since there is not 100% consensus on what to do right away after a sting and less awareness in the medical community than I feel comfortable with.

From the ABC article published this week in Australia: “Another child has been flown to Hervey Bay Hospital with a suspected Irukandji sting after swimming in a creek off Wathumba Road on K’gari (Fraser Island) in Queensland, Australia on Wednesday afternoon.

The key points of the article:

“Three young girls and a boy have been flown to hospital with suspected Irukandji stings in the past two days
The jellyfish stings can cause severe pain, nausea and breathing difficulties
A Toxicologist is calling for more research into their movements and physiology”

The yahoo news article expanded on the symptoms: “They have this severe body pain, often low back pain, nausea, vomiting, and this feeling of impending doom that sort of lays over the top of this whole thing.”

I found the latter interesting as impending doom is a classic sign of low serotonin. So I went digging into the research. I was enlightened and surprised by what I found.

Raising awareness on this worldwide increasing threat

This 2022 paper, Raising Awareness on the Clinical and Forensic Aspects of Jellyfish Stings: A Worldwide Increasing Threat is eye-opening and concerning and also mentions the impending doom symptom.

Irukandji syndrome is a severe illness produced by the envenomation i.e. injection of venom, of some species of small jellyfish from the Cubozoa class, known as box jellyfish.

It consists of a clinical picture dominated by systemic symptoms similar to a catecholamine surge, including hypertension, tachycardia, intense pain, and muscle cramping, eventually leading to pulmonary edema, shock and cerebral hemorrhage.

Also listed are symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, headache, localized sweating and impending doom. A feeling of impending doom is a classic symptom of low serotonin.

With regards to Irukandji syndrome it’s becoming a worldwide problem: “The first cases described happened in the northern Australian territories. However, similar disorders have been observed all over the tropical waters, including Thailand, the Caribbean, Florida, and Hawaii.”

The good news is that the authors state “Irukandji syndrome is typically not deadly, especially if supportive care is given early” and “not all encounters with species capable of producing Irukandji syndrome result in this clinical state.” They also share that typically the severe pain only lasts a few hours but do mention one case where “pain recurred up to a year later.” I discuss possible longer term effects below.

As you read the paper, be aware there are many types of jellyfish with many different mechanisms. Cubozoa includes the deadliest jellyfish species and includes Carukia barnesi and Chironex fleckeri. (commonly known as the Australian box jelly). It’s the Carukia barnesi that causes Irukandji syndrome.

The images in the above paper are graphic so be warned.

There is not 100% consensus on what to do right away

What is also really concerning is that there is not 100% consensus on what to do right away. This 2017 paper, Cubozoan Sting-Site Seawater Rinse, Scraping, and Ice Can Increase Venom Load: Upending Current First Aid Recommendations, published by Hawaiian researchers, found the “best outcomes occurred with the use of venom-inhibiting technologies (Sting No More® products)” and they state not to use a sea water rinse. They also found vinegar and heat treatment were less effective with certain types of jellyfish.

And yet the tentative recommendation from the above 2022 paper is to use vinegar, heat, sea water, and careful removal of remaining tentacles with tweezers quickly because only “about 1% of nematocysts (stinging cells) discharge upon initial contact.” They do suggest using Sting No More® before removing tentacles in order to deactivate the nematocysts.

I’m not sharing any of the above as conclusive in all situations but more to illustrate what both papers state: further research is needed in different places of the world, as different jellyfish species seem to react differently to the treatments.

There is also less awareness in the medical community than I feel comfortable with hence my desire to share this so you are more aware if you or a family member is stung by a jellyfish.

Are there possible long-term impacts on anxiety, depression, pain and insomnia? (and the potential role of amino acids)

Just like we have long-term impacts on anxiety, depression, pain and insomnia with Lyme disease and other infections like Bartonella – due to effects on serotonin, GABA and other neurotransmitters – do we need to consider these long term impacts after a jellyfish sting too?

I have to wonder if there are also longer term impacts given the trauma of the situation and the many medications that are needed to save your life: nitroglycerin, opioids, benzodiazepines and others.

If mood, anxiety, pain and sleep issues persist after the acute recovery phase (which can take up to 3 months and more) and there are other signs of low serotonin, GABA, dopamine and endorphins, it’s important to consider the use of targeted amino acids. I recommend tryptophan or 5-HTP for low serotonin symptoms (worry type of anxiety, insomnia and low mood), GABA for low GABA symptoms (physical anxiety and tension), tyrosine for low dopamine symptoms (depressed with low energy and poor focus) and DPA for low endorphin symptoms (pain and weepiness).

It would be wonderful to see research in this area.

Is there a possible role for GABA right after the sting too?

Given there is “hypertension, tachycardia, intense pain, and muscle cramping”, would the amino acid GABA help?

With Irukandji syndrome, “there have been reports of blood pressures as high as 300/180 mmHg” (normal is 120/80 mmHg). In one study, 80mg GABA was found to reduce mild hypertension and it’s possible that a higher dose of GABA may help right after the sting. It may also help to alleviate pain and muscle tension/muscle cramping too.

It would be wonderful to see research on GABA use right after the sting too.

Resources if you are new to using amino acids as supplements

If you are new to using GABA or any of the other amino acids as supplements, here is the Amino Acids Mood Questionnaire from The Antianxiety Food Solution (you can see all the symptoms of neurotransmitter imbalances, including low GABA and low serotonin).

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, sugar cravings, self-medicating with alcohol and more.

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.

I do hope these 4 young Australian children are doing well after having been stung.

Have you or a family member been stung by a jellyfish? Where did it happen and what type of jellyfish? What symptoms did you experience? What was the treatment and what was recovery like?

Have you or your family member had any long-term lingering symptoms of anxiety, depression, pain and insomnia? Have the amino acids or other solutions helped?

If you’re a practitioner have you seen long-term lingering symptoms of anxiety, depression, pain and insomnia in your clients/patients who have had a jellyfish sting?

Feel free to post your questions and feedback in the comments below.