tryptophan

PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome): GABA helped ease lifelong anxiety, wean off anxiety medication, ovulate each month and stop PCOS meds

May 19, 2023 By Trudy Scott 19 Comments

I was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) when I was 27. (I’m currently 43 now). When diagnosed they immediately put me on birth control and metformin.

I also eventually went on anti-anxiety medication. I’ve been anxious my whole life, even as a kid, but my anxiety increased through my late 20s and peaked in my late 30s when panic attacks started taking over, even with anti-anxiety medication(Lexapro). It was debilitating.

I first heard about GABA/amino acids and how they can help with anxiety from a podcast you did with Wellness Mama about 3 years ago. I started to wean off my anxiety medication and I started taking GABA and noticed a huge difference [in my anxiety].

I eventually got off birth control and all medication for my PCOS and started regulating my cycle with diet, lifestyle changes and supplements, all while still taking GABA. Now I ovulate every month! Which I could never do on my own before.

Debbie shared this wonderful feedback on this blog: GABA eases anxiety and is protective against metabolic and reproductive disturbances in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?

I love that GABA helped her so much with her anxiety and allowed her to get off her anxiety meds. And that GABA helped her resolve her PCOS, together with making diet, lifestyle changes and using other supplements too.

As you can read on the above blog, the study reports some very specific benefits of GABA being protective against metabolic and reproductive disturbances in PCOS. It’s an animal study but the results are profound: “the effects observed with GABA were comparable to that with metformin” with none of the side-effects (which can actually include anxiety, a racing heart, shakiness and depression).

If you’re new to PCOS, I share this in the above blog:

Research suggests that 5% to 10% of females 18 to 44 years of age are affected by PCOS, making it the most common endocrine abnormality among women of reproductive age in the U.S. Women seeking help from health care professionals to resolve issues of obesity, acne, amenorrhea, excessive hair growth, and infertility often receive a diagnosis of PCOS.

If you’re interested, here is the podcast where Debbie first learned about GABA – 105: Trudy Scott on How to Beat Anxiety & Resolve Panic Attacks

I commend her for taking control and making changes and then for seeking answers when her panic attacks returned.

Debbie started having panic attacks again – this time it was collagen causing low serotonin

Then about three and a half years ago, Debbie started having panic attacks again out of nowhere! She was very surprised and shared this:

I couldn’t understand why [I started having panic attacks again]. I wasn’t stressed. One attack even landed me in the ER (again). I was disappointed to be on this road again. Then I came across your interview talking about collagen and how it can lower your serotonin. I also have the MTHFR gene variant so I run low on serotonin already. I had started taking some collagen supplements not knowing that it was probably setting me into a panic attack mode.

As soon as I stopped taking collagen (and switched all my supplements that were in gelatin caps to veggie caps) I never had another episode again. Or if I felt one coming on, I know now to take Tryptophan to help counteract it.

Here is the interview she is referring to – Collagen Can Cause Anxiety and Insomnia with Trudy Scott: The Anxiety Summit 5

And here is the blog where I first wrote about this topic – Collagen and gelatin lower serotonin: does this increase your anxiety and depression?

Debbie mentions the MTHFR polymorphism and it’s impact on serotonin but another aspect is a predisposition to low serotonin in PCOS. This review paper, Neuroendocrine Determinants of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, states that “different neurotransmitters (gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine) can also be involved in neuroendocrine etiopathogenesis [i.e. cause and development] of PCOS.”

As you’ll read in the latter collagen blog, collagen affects a subset of susceptible individuals in this way. We can now add PCOS to that list.

Different root causes of anxiety (low GABA and then low serotonin) and different solutions

Debbie’s story illustrates that things can change and we need to figure out the root cause and course-correct if anxiety and panic attacks show up again. Earlier on, her anxiety and panic attacks were caused by low GABA, which also contributed to her PCOS symptoms.

Then later, the addition of collagen lowered her serotonin levels, because as someone with PCOS she was susceptible. What helped her was stopping the collagen and using tryptophan as needed. This was smart of her to connect the dots with her panic attacks and collagen, and use tryptophan as needed.

I will add that another option would have been to continue using collagen and use tryptophan at the same time. I’m also not sure how big an impact gelatin capsules would have been but switching them clearly gave her peace of mind.

Debbie’s oldest daughter asks for GABA, her “happy pills”

She also shared this lovely feedback when she commented on the blog:

My oldest daughter who is 9 has been showing early signs of developing PCOS and other of my issues. When her mood started changing and she was getting angry out of nowhere and very dark and moody, I started her on a small dose of GABA. Immediately both of us saw the difference in her mood. She now asks for her “happy pills” daily because she doesn’t want to feel those dark feelings anymore. I wish this information was around when I was young. It could’ve helped so much of what I had to struggle with for years.

What an amazing healing journey Debbie has had and she gets to help her daughter too!

She thanked Katie Wells and myself saying: “I want to thank you so much for both of those podcasts/interviews that I feel literally helped save my life.”

I never get tired of hearing this and thanked her for the kind words. I also appreciate her for sharing her wonderful results and said I’d share it as a blog post so you get to learn, be inspired and have hope.

And finally, all this illustrates that there is no one-size-fits-all and we often get unexpected side-benefits when using amino acids.

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 and low endorphins).

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, 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. You can find them all in my online store.

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.

Do you have PCOS and has GABA helped you or your loved one in any of these ways – easing anxiety and being able to quit anxiety meds, birth control and PCOS medications?

What other approaches have helped your PCOS?

Has collagen lowered your serotonin and does tryptophan or 5-HTP help?

What about low GABA and dark moods/anger – has GABA helped you or a loved one?

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

Tryptophan had the added benefit of turning me completely off alcohol when I took it to improve mood and sleep during perimenopause

May 12, 2023 By Trudy Scott 33 Comments

I started taking tryptophan 3 years ago to improve mood and sleep (not recognizing I was in perimenopause which it helped), but had the added benefit of turning me completely off alcohol! Lol. What serendipitous timing! I use amino therapy with pretty much all my perimenopause patients now. Thanks to you and Julia Ross’s work. Forever grateful.

Victoria shared this wonderful feedback about the benefits she experienced with tryptophan on a recent Facebook thread and kindly gave me permission to share.

Self-medicating with wine (and other alcoholic beverages) is common when we are anxious or stressed and typically we use it to wind down at the end of the day and to fit in socially. This is common when GABA levels are low and also happens due to low serotonin which declines from mid-afternoon into the evening.

I asked what she had been drinking and how often? And if it was calming for her? This was her response:

Red wine the minute I walked in the door in the evening. I guess it was calming… maybe more reward driven? It would be my reward for getting home from work via picking kids up from sport and doing a grocery shop and … (fill in the blank) that we working mums do and then having to walk straight into the kitchen to start on dinner.

The wine was like my little treat or reward to motivate me to just keep moving with my chores. No time to sit and unwind, just pour the wine and start chopping! Lol… I had tried to stop before but just couldn’t pick up a knife without the wine glass!

Within days, the tryptophan made the wine taste like cat’s pee! Haven’t touched it since. No desire at all. Almost hypnosis like?

How much tryptophan Victoria used and how did it help her quit?

Victoria used the Now Tryptophan 1000 mg at 3pm and 9pm for about a year, eventually stopping it and saying: “Alcohol still does not interest me at all.”

What wonderful results! A typical starting dose for tryptophan is 500 mg midafternoon and evening and she increased this to find her ideal dose of 1000 mg twice a day. She did report that 5-HTP didn’t work for her the way tryptophan did. This is not unusual as some folks do better with one versus the other.

She has a great explanation regarding how tryptophan helped her quit without having to use willpower. She had no time to sit and unwind ….. so she was experiencing some of the calming aspects of getting serotonin support with the amino acid tryptophan. This is a very common benefit.

Serotonin appears to regulate the secretion of beta-endorphins

It is interesting that Victoria mentions a reward/treat benefit which is often due to low endorphins rather than low serotonin. This paper, Roles of β-Endorphin in Stress, Behavior, Neuroinflammation, and Brain Energy Metabolism, states that β-endorphins, in addition to their “potent analgesic effects” i.e. pain relief (both physical and emotional pain), are also involved in “reward-centric and homeostasis-restoring behaviors.”

However, as stated in this same paper, beta-endorphins play a role in stress-relief (common with working moms like Victoria) and are closely connected with serotonin. In fact “serotonin appears to regulate the secretion of β-endorphins” and vice versa. The body is fascinating and so smart.

Amino acids for alcohol addiction: 5-HTP, DLPA and glutamine

We know that amino acids help with alcohol cravings and addiction and have even been used in inpatient settings. This blog illustrates this well – An amino acid supplement with DLPA, glutamine and 5-HTP (and a few other nutrients) eases alcohol withdrawal symptoms at an inpatient detoxification program.

The study authors state that: “the physiological craving for alcohol may be the result of a deficiency of the naturally occurring opiate like substances as well as other neurochemical deficits (i.e., dopaminergic, GABAergic, and serotonergic).

Both tryptophan and 5-HTP support low serotonin worry-type anxiety, low mood and insomnia. Victoria happened to benefit from tryptophan. Someone else may benefit more from 5-HTP or DLPA or glutamine or a combination as illustrated in the above study. And even GABA, which can help with stress-drinking or stress-eating, as well as physical anxiety.

DPA and DLPA support endorphins and provide the reward/treat benefits from red wine that Victoria mentions. You can read about the difference between DPA and DLPA here.

What if you have afternoon and evening sugar cravings instead of wine?

You may self-medicate with sugar, carbs, gluten, dairy instead of wine. Late afternoon/evening cravings are typically related to low serotonin when there are other low serotonin symptoms like low mood, anxiety, ruminations, worry, insomnia, PMS etc. You can see all the low serotonin symptoms here.

In this case, tryptophan or 5-HTP can be used in a similar way to stop the cravings with no willpower required and no feelings of being deprived. You’ll also experience reduced anxiety, improved mood and better sleep. Read more about this on this blog: Would using 5-HTP or tryptophan help when you crave sugar (as a sort of antidepressant) late afternoon/evening?

Other changes Victoria made and how is she doing now?

Victoria did also share that hot flushes “got me in the end though and I gave in to body identical progesterone for the final year of peri” and takes estradiol transdermally now that she is in menopause. Based on seeing these benefits while in perimenopause, she is now trialing tryptophan again for increased irritability. That is a huge plus with amino acids: once we’ve experienced the benefits, you have them at our disposal again and again in the future as your hormones or situation starts to change.

I love that she now uses tryptophan with her patients. She is a physio/physical therapist and exercise scientist turned Functional Health Practitioner having studied with IFM during the pandemic.

Of course, I thanked her for the kind words and shared how fortunate I was to work in Julia Ross’ clinic for 2 years. I also appreciate her for sharing this feedback and allowing me to share it here as a blog post so you get to learn, be inspired and have hope.

And finally, all this illustrates that there is no one-size-fits-all and we often get unexpected side-benefits when using amino acids.

Tryptophan and 5-HTP product options

Victoria happens to respond well to tryptophan and yet some folks do better with 5-HTP so it’s a matter of doing a trial of each.

Products I recommend include Lidtke 500 mg Tryptophan, and Pure Encapsulations 50 mg 5-HTP. 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, Doctor’s Best L-Tryptophan 500mg and Source Naturals 50 mg 5-HTP are products I recommend on iherb (use this link to save 5%).

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.

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), if you need serotonin support, the Serotonin QuickStart Program is a good place to start. This is 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. We take a deep dive into product options including Lidtke products and others if you’re not able to access Lidtke.

Low GABA can also affect sleep and cause stress eating. If you also have low GABA symptoms, the next step to get help is the GABA QuickStart Program. This is also a paid online/virtual group program where you get my guidance and community support. Another option is the budget-friendly GABA QuickStart Homestudy Program.

Wrapping up

Now I’d love to hear from you ….

Has tryptophan helped you quit alcohol easily when you could not do so with willpower alone?

Does tryptophan also help with your low mood, anxiety and sleep issues?

What about 5-HTP (some folks do better on one versus the other)?

And has either tryptophan or 5-HTP helped with other afternoon/evening cravings like sugar and other carbs?

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

A 12 year old’s Diet Coke consumption and obsession with collecting the cans: can tryptophan and tyrosine help him quit with ease?

March 24, 2023 By Trudy Scott 14 Comments

A concerned mother, Rebble, posted a request for help for her 12 year old son who has suddenly started drinking Diet Coke and obsessively collecting the cans. I explain about the biochemistry of addiction and obsession. If your child, another loved one or even you, are hooked on Diet Coke, this blog offers practical solutions in the way of amino acids to balance brain chemistry and make quitting no longer about willpower. I share why I’d consider starting with the amino acid supplement tryptophan for serotonin support and the amino acid supplement tyrosine for dopamine support. And then looking into low blood sugar. I also share some of the many harmful effects of soda/diet soda and some practical tips for her as she encourages her son to make changes.

Here are her questions and what she has already tried to help him quit:

To my horror, my 12yo son has just started buying/consuming Coke and principally Diet Coke regularly from our village shop. He has got obsessed about collecting the cans, some of which are from his friends’ consumption but more and more from his. He used to hate these drinks but now peer pressure has kicked in and he wants to consume what his friends (who live on the stuff and a horrendous amount of sugar) consume.

I’ve pointed out the ingredients, that they are toxic to his brain. He doesn’t care.

I’ve shown him a brilliant video clip of Renaldo removing coca cola bottles from the press table and promoting water instead (with good effect).

Yet still he keeps buying the stuff.

I’ve made it known with the shopkeeper that I don’t approve of my children buying caffeinated sugary drinks full of neurotoxic ingredients but he doesn’t wish to police my children (though he did give me a refund on the 8 cans he had just sold my son!) which I understand.

Do you have a short summary of why it’s so bad, for children in particular? Either something I could show my children, their friends and/or the shopkeeper?

Is it the caffeine that makes it addictive?

My son does exhibit some challenging behaviors (e.g. torturous noise at home, not able to sit still without fidgeting with things at meals, etc.) but seems to be able to turn this on / off at will. I don’t think he does this at other people’s homes or at school. I can’t say they are necessarily linked to the drinks as they precede the start of him consuming them but I’m certain the drinks cannot help.

This is tough but I’m glad Rebble is horrified and working to do something about it. Sadly many parents have no idea how harmful these drinks are for pre-teens and teens.

She mentions his challenging behaviors preceded his diet soda drinking. It’s common that we see someone self-medicating with sugar and/or artificial sweeteners. And it’s likely that that peer pressure was the tipping point for him and then once she started he was well and truly addicted.

This is the feedback I shared for her and my observations on where to start: when I hear obsessed, peer pressure and challenging behaviors, I immediately think neurotransmitter or brain chemicals imbalances and would look into low serotonin and possibly low dopamine because of his inability to sit still. Low blood sugar may also be an issue.

What emotions are driving his addiction and obsession?

With an addiction you need to figure out what emotions are driving the addiction and use the respective amino acid supplement/s (one or more of them) to help break the addiction and improve the mood/behavioral symptoms at the same time.

These are the questions I review with my clients who have a Diet Coke addiction, or other diet soda or regular soda addiction (or even alcohol or carb addiction):

If you drink it to feel happy (and especially from late afternoon into the evening) then your cravings are likely due to low serotonin, and tryptophan (or 5-HTP) stops the cravings and boosts mood and reduces anxiety.
If you drink it for an energy boost or to give you focus then it’s likely due to low catecholamines and tyrosine will stop those cravings and give you a mood and energy boost, and also help with mental clarity.
If you have to drink it when you haven’t eaten in awhile it’s likely low blood sugar. Glutamine on the tongue stops the desire almost immediately and also helps with the low blood sugar symptoms of shakiness and irritability.
If you stress-drink, your cravings are likely due to low GABA, and GABA will stop the stress-drinking and calm you down too.
If you drink it for comfort or a reward then it’s likely due to low endorphins and DPA (d-phenylalanine) will stop that feeling of “I deserve-it” and also give you a hug-like mood boost.

Ideally mom would have him complete the amino acids symptoms questionnaire in order to figure out which areas are issues for her son.

This is where I would start

I don’t have all this information but based on mom’s feedback this is where I would start: serotonin support, dopamine support and address low blood sugar.

We do know he is obsessed with collecting the cans. Obsession and cravings for a sweet taste is a clear sign of low serotonin i.e. a big clue that #1 may apply to her son and that he may benefit by using tryptophan or 5-HTP.

We do also know he is “not able to sit still without fidgeting with things at meals.” The Diet Cokes may be helping him focus and this is a big clue that #2 and low dopamine may also apply to her son, and that he may benefit from tyrosine. Keep in mind tyrosine also helps to break the caffeine addiction too.

I’m not sure what his “torturous noise at home” could be related to but it may be a clue to #3 i.e. low blood sugar and irritability. It may also be a symptom of rage or anger, also a sign of low serotonin and #1.

I would also look at his diet and make sure he is eating for blood sugar stability (quality protein for breakfast with healthy fats, healthy fats/protein at each meal and healthy snacks). And address everything else I cover in my book – gluten, microbiome etc.

It’s not unusual for someone to have imbalances in multiple areas. If this is the case, I always recommend doing a trial of one amino acid at a time, so it’s easy to see the benefits.

Role models, the harmful effects of soda/diet soda and other things I’d try with this young man

On one hand, you could be surprised that the Renaldo press conference clip removing the Cokes (watch it here) didn’t make enough of an impression because having a sporting hero as a role model is powerful. BUT on the other hand, based on what I know about soda/diet soda.caffeine and addiction, role models are unfortunately just not enough for some folks.

I shared these other things I’d try:

1) Have someone other than mom tell him about the harmful effects of diet sodas – a respected teacher, favorite uncle or nutritionist.

2) Appeal to things that may make him think twice about it like acne and not being fit enough to play his favorite sport. Concerns about weight gain or not being able to get into his desired university (because of impacts on his academic grades) may be a driver too. It’s doubtful that he’d be concerned with tooth decay, adrenal dysfunction, diabetes, heart disease, inflammation, increased risk of osteoporosis or increased anxiety/depression and insomnia.

3) Suggest that he does a school project on the topic so he understands the many harmful effects and facts (the research confirms that adolescents lack knowledge regarding health risks of soda and diet soda consumption. The project could hail Renaldo as a hero and he could get his buddies to help.

4) Help him find something else he likes to drink. Fruit juice isn’t a good option but fizzy fermented drinks are and so is fruit-infused water.

5) Be sure the rest of the family is setting an example at home and when you go out

6) Keep planting the seeds with love and encouragement

However, none of the above or flat-out saying he cannot buy diet sodas will work if there is the addiction aspect and unbalanced brain chemistry.

Keep in mind there is a continuum with sugar/carb/artificial sweeteners/caffeine addiction i.e. some kids (and adults) can quit sugar/carbs/artificial sweeteners/caffeine more easily and others need some nutritional support and some need much more support for balancing brain chemistry with amino acids. If there are also behavioral issues/signs that’s the clue they likely need the amino acid support.

Once he has the facts and understands the harm he also has to be willing to make the changes to break the addiction if it’s severe. I have parents gently recommend a month trial to see if it will work. “No diet soda forever” is too much for a pre-teen/teen (and adults too) to grasp and be ok with especially when they are addicted.

Rebble posed her question on a blog about Diet Coke addiction: I need help with my Diet Coke addiction – when I stop, my fatigue, brain fog, anxiety/depression increase big time!

Be sure to read the above blog for further insights.

I appreciate her for reaching out and hope this additional information helps her son and helps you too.

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

If you are new to using tryptophan or GABA 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 low serotonin and low doapmine).

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 one of the amino acids helped with your preteen’s soda or diet soda addiction? Which one/s helped?

What helped your preteen be open to the idea of using the amino acids to quit?

What else helped?

Has any of the above helped you too? Or your clients/patients?

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

GABA lessens anxiety, agitation and defiance in 98 year old mother who has been “sundowning” for a couple of years

March 17, 2023 By Trudy Scott 11 Comments

Marsha shared this feedback on one of the blogs, saying that GABA lessens anxiety in her 98 year old mother:

My mother is 98 and has been “sundowning” for a couple of years. It starts around 3pm, sometimes earlier. Some days it’s no big deal. It is on those other days when she starts and then it goes to anxiety, agitation, then she can get sort of defiant which is so not her. She is a gentle soul, friendly, and kind so this is difficult on her as well as our family.

I just started to use my pestle and mortar to crush up a 125 mg GABA CALM supplement (Source Naturals) and I mix a little into her flavored yogurt when I start to see her having difficulty. I give it to her throughout the day. She only gets the 125 mg amount so I feel safe with that.

I believe that I do notice it lessens her anxiety. I pray that this will be helpful for her because that anxiety can be really draining for her. I will keep you posted. I have not noticed any adverse reactions. Thank you Trudy for all your info.

Anxiety, fear and agitation in sundowning syndrome: circadian dysfunction and low GABA

I responded, saying how wonderful to hear that she is noticing supplemental GABA lessens her mother’s anxiety (and presumably her agitation and defiance too). And I shared that GABA may be involved in sundowning syndrome.

This paper describes “sundowning syndrome,” as “a poorly understood (and even controversial) clinical phenomenon in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients that is characterized by agitation, aggression, and delirium during the late afternoon and early evening hours.”

The authors are focusing on potential pathways for circadian rhythm – physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle – dysfunction in sundowning. They also mention the presence of fear and anxiety and the fact that there is a circadian aspect of these emotional processes.

What is interesting is that the “master circadian pacemaker” i.e. “the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus” has impacts on both GABA and serotonin, and also dopamine and orexin (involved in sleep-wake processes).

Given the circadian aspect addressed in the above paper, “properly timed light exposure” i.e. early morning sunlight, is also worth exploring.

This paper, Implications of GABAergic Neurotransmission in Alzheimer’s Disease, focuses onGABA and shares that “of the two major types of synapses in the central nervous system (CNS): glutamatergic and GABAergic, which provide excitatory and inhibitory outputs respectively, abundant data implicate an impaired glutamatergic system during disease progression.”

The amino acid GABA helps to ease anxiety symptoms and agitation and restlessness, also helping with disturbed sleep.

GABA Calm dosing in the elderly with sundowning syndrome: my observations

I also expressed how this is a smart way to use the GABA Calm. I’m going to make some assumptions and share my observations:

Marsha uses GABA Calm herself and has a good level of comfort based on personal results. She knows how she feels after using it and is observing her mother’s symptoms. I have guided many family members in doing the same type of thing – mom’s working to help a child and a granddaughter helping a grandparent – and it works well.
Marsha has also started with a low dose of 125 mg. This is a typical starting dose and is a reasonable dose that may suffice for the entire day for someone this age. She may also need more and increasing the dose and observing is the way to go when someone can’t articulate how the amino acid is helping them. For some folks, 125mg may be too much – making them too sleepy or even more agitated/anxious – the dose can be reduced in this case (after using vitamin C as an antidote).
Marsha crushes the GABA Calm chewable/sublingual and mixes it into her mother’s flavored yogurt, since having her suck on the chewable is not an option. This is a great plan but as she continues to help her, she may see better results using a non-protein source to mix it in – like apple sauce or mashed banana.
Finally, she gives it to her mother when she starts to see her having difficulty. Again, it’s wonderful she is observing and helping her at the moment, but this could be a clue that she needs more GABA to provide even better results. We also don’t want to wait for the anxiety and then address it. Instead, we want to get GABA levels up and prevent it.

You can read more about Source Naturals GABA Calm product and why I use it with clients here.

Low serotonin, tryptophan and melatonin in sundowning syndrome

I also told Marsha that when I hear symptoms like agitation and defiance, especially with the 3pm start, I also would also consider low serotonin since it starts to decline afternoon into evening.

Her mother’s anxiety may be a mix of low GABA physical-type anxiety and low serotonin worry-type anxiety. She’ll only really know once she trials the respective amino acids.

I’ve seen low serotonin worry-type anxiety, agitation and defiance symptoms improve with tryptophan and/or melatonin and share more about this in this blog post – Sundowning in Alzheimer’s and dementia: melatonin/tryptophan for the agitation, restlessness, anxiety, disturbed sleep and aggression

Dietary factors and low dose lithium

Marsha says some days it’s no big deal. I would recommend keeping a food-mood log and make sure it’s not something in her diet that may be a trigger: hidden gluten, dietary oxalates or even blood sugar swings.

These are mentioned in the above blog, together with low dose lithium orotate which can help keep moods more even.

Microdose lithium is also capable of halting signs of advanced Alzheimer’s and improving cognition. More on that here.

It’s with much appreciation that Marsha shared this feedback. I’m thrilled for her and her mother. Hopefully, my feedback on this blog means she’ll be able to fine-tune things. And you get to learn and benefit from this feedback too – for your loved one.

A few GABA product options – a sublingual, a powder and a cream

A product I use and recommend is Source Naturals GABA Calm lozenges. This is one Marsha uses for herself and is using with her mother. It’s a good low dose of 125 mg and is convenient and effective because it’s a sublingual lozenge.

Now GABA Powder is another product I use and recommend. It does need to be measured out to provide a 125 mg typical starting dose or less (as needed), and could be mixed in water in a situation like this. I have clients use a handy mini measuring spoon like this one (my Amazon link) and share more about how to measure out GABA powder on this blog).

For Source Naturals GABA Calm lozenges and Now GABA Powder:

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, you can purchase these at iherb (use this link to save 5%).

Somnium GABA Cream is another option that could be considered especially for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia who may struggle with using a supplement. It is available in the US and elsewhere with international shipping. Read more about the product and who else may benefit from using a cream, and grab my coupon code to save 15%.

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

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.

Have you found GABA to help in a situation like this?

If yes, which symptoms have resolved and how much GABA/which product are you using/did you use?

What time did the symptoms start to ramp up?

And has serotonin support with tryptophan and/or melatonin also helped?

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

“I’m In An Abusive Relationship That I Will Never Walk Away From”: tryptophan, a gluten-free diet, lithium and other nutritional solutions

March 10, 2023 By Trudy Scott 16 Comments

This mom’s story really struck a nerve for me… “I’m in an abusive relationship that I will never walk away from.” She shares this …

I can’t exactly pinpoint when I first felt the shift between our dynamic. One minute, things were as they always were. Before I could blink, though, I found myself engrossed in an alternate reality that resembled less and less of life as I knew it with each passing week. Trickles of rage and anger bubbled to the surface, threatening to break through until they could no longer be harnessed. I’ve been riding the waves ever since.

I currently exist in a heightened state of fear and anxiety, unsure of what each day will bring. When I wake each morning, I silently hope that today will be a “good” day; that he won’t be angry. That he won’t hurt me. Sometimes I’m lucky, and I get my person back. Other times, it feels like I’m living in a battle ground.

Her story really struck a nerve for me because of what she is going through but also because NO solutions are provided for her son. Stories like this help create awareness, make you feel less alone, create empathy and better understanding – which is important – but we want to offer nutritional solutions to families who are dealing with this.

(You can read her entire story on the ScaryMommy blog.)

Functional medicine and nutritional psychiatry as a solution

My heart goes out to this mom, this young man and the rest of the family. My hope is that this mom and all mom’s in similar situations are open to functional medicine, nutritional psychiatry and the power of food and nutrients to dramatically reduce and in many cases reverse behavioral issues like this in the child.

Sugar, caffeine and junk food must go and a gluten-free diet will very possibly make a difference. Having her son eat for blood sugar control is key too. It may also mean switching to a low-salicylate and/or, low-oxalate and low histamine diet. And addressing low lithium, low zinc, low vitamin D, low vitamin B12, high copper, low magnesium and/or low vitamin B6. Low serotonin and low GABA are common and this is where I would start with this young man (more on this below). They may also need to address his gut health/parasites, infections (like Lyme), PANS/PANDAS, mold toxicity, metals and environmental toxins etc.

I’ll highlight many of these in this blog and share links for further reading, plus the approaches I may consider. The important thing to recognize is that there is not one-size-fits-all.

Address low serotonin and low GABA

For a mom in the midst of all this, it can seem overwhelming and very daunting but when you start by addressing low serotonin and low GABA it becomes so much easier. Her son gets some relief very quickly and all the root causes can be figured out and addressed one by one. It also gives mom and the family a much-needed glimmer of hope. As I mentioned above, this is where I would start.

These are clues from her story as to why we’d want to look into and address low serotonin: her son’s explosive anger and rage, the physical and mental abuse, threats to hurt himself (self-harm) and his mother and siblings, and being argumentative.

You can see how the above fits into the list of low serotonin symptoms here. The amino acid that addresses low serotonin is tryptophan or 5-HTP and you can expect to see results in a few days.

I worked with an 11 year old girl with explosive rage issues (and anxiety, cravings & insomnia) and chewable tryptophan started to turn things around very quickly. You can read more about this here.

If he has low GABA symptoms of physical tension and anxiety, we’d do a trial of GABA next.

A gluten-free diet and eating for blood sugar control

The next change I’d make is to have him start to make dietary changes, starting to switch to gluten-free eating and real whole food. As you can see from the above blog, a gluten-free diet and getting the 11 year old off the sugar made a big difference too. Tryptophan helped with this process, making it easy to break the addiction and not feel deprived.

Gluten issues (celiac disease and gluten sensitivity) are typically associated with gut issues but the psychiatric symptoms are less recognized. This 2023 paper, Psychiatric and Neurological Manifestations of Celiac Disease in Adults states that “Celiac disease is associated with mood disorders, such as manic-depressive disease, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, as well as other disorders such as depression and anxiety.”

In this blog I share how gluten was found to be the cause of a childhood case of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Symptoms resolved on a gluten-free diet.

Having him starting to eat for blood sugar stability may help with the irritability and mood swings, and may also help with his rageful outbursts.

Low dose lithium orotate for the rollercoaster of emotions

Next I’d likely explore the possibility of low dose lithium orotate as something that may help this young man too. The hallmark of low lithium is a rollercoaster of emotions and this mom shares how there are really good times amongst the really tough times. I use this lithium questionnaire with clients. In addition to the ups and downs, these are clues that he may benefit: he’s rebellious, exhibits disruptive behavior and aggressiveness, is irritable, restless and engages in risky behavior.

Next steps: explore all the possible root causes and do nutritional testing

We’d want to explore all possible root causes and next steps would be decided based on his specific situation. Here is a list of 60+ root causes that I work through and the nutritional/functional testing that I do with my clients. You can replace anxiety with anger/rage in the blogs – for some people their symptoms show up as rage and for others it’s anxiety.

And here are some links for further reading:

Bartonella infection in mom and both sons: anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, inconsolable crying, irritability, ADHD, rage and pain
Christmas tree phenols as a trigger for anger, meltdowns, anxiety, hyperactivity, insomnia, aggression, self-injury and autistic symptoms? (dietary salicylates – a type of phenol – can cause similar issues)
Sex and Aggression Characteristics in a Cohort of Patients with Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome “Among patients with PANS, males exhibit more aggressive behavior when compared with females” (typically the clue it may be PANDAS/PANS is sudden onset of symptoms, although it’s not the case in all instances)
Neuropsychiatric Lyme Disease by Dr. Suruchi Chandra Lyme disease “can remain dormant for years and then later mimic a number of psychiatric illnesses, including anxiety disorders, mood disturbances, psychosis, and autism-like behaviors.”

This is not a conclusive list but a good start for seeing what the possibilities may be. Feel free to search the blog for more on some of the above and some of the other factors mentioned above and in the 60+ root causes blog.

As you can see above, we start with the simple changes – amino acids and a few simple dietary changes (all covered in my book) and lithium orotate – and then continue to dig deeper.

Mom and the other children need nutritional/trauma support too

This mom and the other children need support too – from family and community, from a therapist who specializes in trauma – and with GABA/tryptophan, adrenal support and B vitamins. You can read more about nutritional solutions for psychological stress here.

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

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.

Have you found tryptophan, GABA and/or lithium orotate to help in a situation like this?

What about a gluten-free diet and eating for blood sugar control?

What bigger root causes were found to be contributing factors too?

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

Sundowning in Alzheimer’s and dementia: melatonin/tryptophan for the agitation, restlessness, anxiety, disturbed sleep and aggression

March 3, 2023 By Trudy Scott 8 Comments

The terms “sundown syndrome” or “sundowning” are used to describe a wide range of neuropsychiatric symptoms occurring in individuals with dementia in the late afternoon, evening, or night. These symptoms include confusion, restlessness, anxiety, agitation, aggression, pacing, wandering, screaming, yelling, and hallucinations. The treatment of sundown syndrome is challenging, and pharmacological therapies are not particularly effective.

This definition is from a very encouraging case study published as a letter to the editor of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society – Melatonin for Sundown Syndrome and Delirium in Dementia: Is It Effective?

This case study is very typical in terms of symptoms and a pharmacological approach:

An 81-year-old man with Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed 4 years previously was admitted to the elderly department because of behavioral disturbances, sleep disorders, and wandering. His wife said that his cognitive and functional impairments had gradually worsened over the past 4 years and that, in the last 6 months, her husband had become verbally aggressive, agitated, and restless; wandered; and paced. He did not sleep for long and had difficulty falling asleep. The symptoms increased in the late afternoon and at night. He had no hallucinations or delusions. One month before admission, delirium was suspected, and his general practitioner prescribed haloperidol, but it was not effective.

During admission, sundown syndrome was diagnosed, and he received pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for behavioral and sleep disturbances, but none was effective, and some aggravated symptoms. The pharmacological interventions consisted of benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, cholinesterase inhibitors, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants, all given in an optimal dosing schedule.

Melatonin led to much improved symptoms within a few hours

None of the medications were effective and some made his symptoms worse. This case study is atypical in that his doctors were open to the use of melatonin. This led to much improved symptoms within a few hours and complete resolution in 2 weeks with a second dose:

After extensive review of his history, the effect of past treatments, and the published literature, melatonin was started at a dose of 2 mg at 8:00 p.m. for sleep disorders. Not only did his sleep quality improve within a week, but there was also significant improvement in his behavior within 2 hours of initiation of melatonin. A therapeutic trial with an additional dose of 2 mg given at 3:00 p.m. was started, and his symptoms gradually improved over the subsequent 2 weeks (NPI score 20). No behavioral changes were observed in the 2-month follow-up.

These results are powerful and mirror what a number of other studies are showing, for sundowning and to also slow “down the progression of cognitive impairment”). We also see melatonin working clinically for this population.

I share this case study so if you are a carer or have a parent or loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you have a resource to share with the medical team. There is growing awareness of this research and some neurologists are prescribing melatonin with success. Typically 0.5 mg to 5 mg melatonin is used once or twice a day.

My hope is that this becomes the standard of care instead of prescribing psychiatric medications which the authors acknowledge are not particularly effective. And they don’t get to the root cause that is triggering these symptoms: low melatonin and low serotonin (more on low serotonin below).

Melatonin and anxiety

Melatonin also improves sleep quality and reduces anxiety after a TBI (traumatic brain injury). I blogged about a study that used timed-release melatonin here. The study participants used 2 mg of timed-release/prolonged-release melatonin for 4 weeks. This improved sleep quality and melatonin was also associated with a small decrease in self-reported anxiety.

As outlined in this paper, Melatonin as a Potential Approach to Anxiety Treatment, “melatonin’s benefit in anxiety may reside in its sympatholytic action, interaction with the renin-angiotensin and glucocorticoid systems, modulation of interneuronal signaling and its extraordinary antioxidant and radical scavenging nature.”

The serotonin connection and using tryptophan or 5-HTP

Keep in mind the strong serotonin connection: these sundowning symptoms start late afternoon and evening (hence the name sundowning) and serotonin is a precursor to melatonin production.

I look forward to seeing research on the use of tryptophan or 5-HTP for sundowning symptoms too. Until then, based on the above, and the fact that many of these symptoms are classic signs of low serotonin, I feel comfortable recommending either of these amino acids.

As always, we start low, use afternoon and evening doses and increase based on symptom resolution. The typical adult dose of tryptophan is 500 mg and 50 mg of 5-HTP. I recommend starting with 100 mg tryptophan and 10mg of 5-HTP. The amino acid precautions are always reviewed. I would not recommend either tryptophan or 5-HTP if the individual is currently prescribed an antidepressant, unless you are working with a knowledgeable practitioner and always with the approval and monitoring of the prescribing doctor. This is because of the possibility of serotonin syndrome.

Dr. Dale Bredesen recommends tryptophan and melatonin

Dr. Dale Bredesen is the author of The End of Alzheimer’s (my Amazon link) and a number of other books on Alzheimer’s. He is an authority on Alzheimer’s and recommends both tryptophan and melatonin. In this paper, Reversal of cognitive decline: A novel therapeutic program, he reports the use of 0.5 mg melatonin and 500 mg tryptophan used (3 x week) for sleep issues.

Interestingly and surprisingly, he doesn’t mention sundowning in his books or papers. However, if you are new to his work, I encourage you to look into his functional medicine approach, which is extensive and offers results and hope for many.

Low GABA in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

This paper, Implications of GABAergic Neurotransmission in Alzheimer’s Disease, shares that “of the two major types of synapses in the central nervous system (CNS): glutamatergic and GABAergic, which provide excitatory and inhibitory outputs respectively, abundant data implicate an impaired glutamatergic system during disease progression.”

The amino acid GABA may also help anxiety, disturbed sleep and restlessness. And it’s common to have both low serotonin and low GABA.

This case study illustrates how using the amino acid GABA can help ease the anxiety often experienced in those with Alzheimer’s disease.

It’s too entrenched in our thinking that there is nothing to be done

It saddens me that it’s too entrenched in our thinking that there is nothing to be done. Unfortunately, many family members and medical professionals consider sundowning a normal part of the disease progression and question whether it’s worth doing anything.

My feedback is this: please don’t discount the power of the amino acids, melatonin and other nutritional approaches to offer some relief and improved quality of life for the patient. And when they are calmer, less aggressive and sleeping better it’s so much easier for the caregivers too.

Resources if you are new to using tryptophan or GABA 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, 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.

Have you used melatonin to help with sundowning symptoms with your loved one and if yes how much helps?

Was melatonin prescribed or did you research it and bring the information to the doctor?

Have you used melatonin to help with sundowning symptoms in your clients/patients? What ranges have you seen to help?

Have you also found tryptophan, 5-HTP and/or GABA to help?

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