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Post by ohmama on Sept 17, 2004 22:31:10 GMT -5
Amino acids are made up of proteins that are found in the body's cells and have a critical part in almost everything that happens with physical and mental processes. They actually have more functions than any other nutrients, contributing to the formation of muscles, neurotransmitters, and cellular energy production. Imbalances in these can affect many mental functions and can show up as disorders not to be taken lightly. There are many different amino acids used depending on what is needed to correct these deficiencies. Often it is advisable to have amino acid analysis done as a tool to determine what is out of balance rather than guess. This can provide answers for what may be lacking as in vitamin and mineral deficiencies, as well as diagnosis of metabolic disorders so corrections can be made. There are labs that do this testing. There is also information available that is listed according to symptoms to give us a clue if any are wanting to try this as an alternative treatment. You may want to discuss this with your doctor or nutritionist if you are giving meds as some of these should not be used in conjunction with them and would require medical supervision if given in therapeutic doses. Many of these are powerful substances. I would be glad to look up the information and refer you to the best publications that have reliable information. I am not a doctor and this information does not originate with me. In my opinion Dr. Billie Sahley's clinic is the best choice for detailed information about testing. 1-800-669-2256 or go to www.painstresscenter.com She also has pharmaceutical grade amino acids available.
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Post by crillmom on Sept 23, 2004 10:25:36 GMT -5
oh mama, At one point my son was taking a supplement that contained 5-htp that really helped to reduce his anxiety with out meds. i remember you once said to be careful with this . How come? do you know any of the risks at some point i want to take my son off lexrepro which has been wonderful but still it would be nice to be med free again. thanks again for being a wealth of knowledge.
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Post by ohmama on Sept 23, 2004 11:43:16 GMT -5
Crillmom, You have a good memory! I will post the information I have on 5-HTP: The process by which 5-HTP is converted into serotonin is called decarboxylation. If decarboxylation occurs before 5-HTP is absorbed by the brain, blood levels of serotonin will elevate significantly, but very little serotonin will enter the brain. When Europeans take 5-HTP, they are often prescribed the decarboxylase inhibitor carbidopa that prevents 5-HTP from being converted into serotonin until it reaches the brain. Americans do not take carbidopa with 5-HTP and the result is possible serotonin overload in the blood, with virtually no serotonin reaching the brain. Americans taking 5-HTP are more vulnerable to blood serotonin overload because, unlike most Europeans, Americans who use 5-HTP usually take vitamin B6 as well. Vitamin B6 rapidly converts 5-HTP into serotonin before it reaches the brain. Even when combined with cargbidopa, high levels of B6 will break through the carbidopa barrier and ensure that 5-HTP converts into serotonin in the blood before it can reach the brain. (source of this info There is also a caution if you are using this to increase the dose slowly to avoid possible side effects of Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that could occur at higher dosage levels. I would conclude then, that one should avoid Vitamin B6 when taking the 5-HTP? There is some interesting information on this amino acid with the treatment of anxiety and depression. Check this out www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/5htp_myth.htm It's just another opinion but one you may want to consider. If you know it worked for you before then it's worth a try. I don't want to discourage you. Are you sure the 5-HTP is what was helping or could it have been another ingredient in the supplement? If you go to www.lef.org and do a search under Anxiety, you can get some good ideas on what else has proven benefits. I'm leaning toward the amino acid L-theanine. See what you think.
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Post by crillmom on Sept 23, 2004 14:12:42 GMT -5
ohmama, the supplement also had phenylalinine(sp?) that also could have an effect all of this is so confusing also, what do you know about sam-e my mom told me about it that also looks good
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Post by ohmama on Sept 24, 2004 8:01:05 GMT -5
Crillmom, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get back with you. Something happened to the cable yesterday and I was without a computer.
Starting with the Phenylalanine (DLPA) ....
This is converted to norepinephrine in the brain. A deficiency of norepinephrine causes depression and so this would be helpful if that was the major symptom you were concerned with. I realize anxiety and depression often go hand in hand. DLPA has other benefits as well, but does he suffer from depression? He was, or is he now using Lexapro? Isn't Lexapro used for depression? Was that part of his diagnosis?
Sam-e is very good for many symptoms that include depression. This product has been like a miracle for my depression, but I think for anxiety the focus should be on Magnesium Chloride. This is the number one stress mineral for the body and brain. Magnesium plays an important roll in the control of Anxiety. It is also a cofactor for all the amino acids. You will need to give this along with B6 when using amino acids. I think this should be on the top of your list along with L-Theanine.
There is information on the dose of Magnesium that you will find helpful over in the Vitamins & Minerals subject area posted by Catatonic. Please look this over.
Studies show that L-Theanine increases alpha brain waves, like deep meditation, while reducing stress and anxiety. Another study in the Journal of Food Science and Technology show that L-Theanine releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.
As I remember, you are giving omega 3 fatty acids right? This is another of the supplements that will help along with the Magnesium and L-Theanine.
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Post by crillmom on Sept 29, 2004 9:13:29 GMT -5
thanks for responding ohmama, he is on lexepro for ocd, obsessional thoughts, he is not depressed. the lexepro raises his seritonum levels which is what is needed with patients with ocd. His anxiety was very low when he was taking becalm, but it wasn't helping in other area so we stopped I remember talking with you about what it was that was helping with his seritonum levels. if i can fiqgure that out i would consider weaning him off lexepr and start on amimo acids. you are so knowledgable i don't know what we would do with out you.
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Post by ohmama on Sept 29, 2004 10:27:12 GMT -5
Can you find anyone in your area that works with amino acids? All I really know is what I get from reading about this. I would like to find someone who could guide me in applying these amino acids also. None of us wants to use meds because of the side effects and so we try to figure it out ourselves. I wish I had the answer about the best serotonin balance. Dopamine and Serotonin draw on each other... if there is an abundance of Dopamine there will be less Serotonin and visa versa. There is some good information and advice given when you take the brain system test at www.brainplace.com It would be good to check this out if you haven't done it in a while. I know I often have to read some of this 3 or 4 times to have it understood.
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Post by crillmom on Sept 29, 2004 11:04:40 GMT -5
thanks ohmama, I just took the brain chechlist and there was great information about what I need to do to increase his seritonum levels. I just have to be brave enough to take him off lexepro and try this method in the hopes it works, io really do believe it will work but i just have to find the right time to do it. thanks again for your help
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Post by ohmama on Sept 29, 2004 11:37:38 GMT -5
Keep us posted on what you do and how it works. I hope you will try to do this by including your doctor? No one knows your child like you do so I know you will be able to figure out the best time.
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Post by Mayleng on Nov 5, 2004 18:29:21 GMT -5
This is a post from Sharon that is being moved here from the Vitamins & minerals thread:
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Post by Sharon on Nov 5, 2004 18:38:26 GMT -5
Sorry guys! I keep screwing things up here.
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Post by ohmama on Nov 5, 2004 19:13:06 GMT -5
Sharon, You're not screwing things up. Don't give it a second thought ;D.
Lysine is an essential amino acid and so it must be obtained from your diet. It cannot be produced by the body. Lysine is a critical protein required for growth, tissue repair, and production of hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. This amino acid is found in large quantities in muscle tissue. B6 is important for increasing the absorption of this and acts as a cofactor.
Symptoms of lysine deficiency include fatigue, inability to concentrate, irritability, bloodshot eyes, retarded growth, anemia, hair loss, and reproductive problems. It is effective against herpes because it reduces viral growth. It suppresses the virus by restoring the balance of nutrients. The proper balance of lysine to arginine ratio helps suppress this virus.
Most of the information I could find on this was related to the treatment of herpes and skin problems. Clinical studies demonstrated lysine effective in reducing the severity of herpes and cold sores. A lysine cream is available for topical use to help relieve pain. In reduced doses it is also safe for children.
Good food sources of lysine include eggs, meat, fish, milk, cheese and yeast. Cereals, rice, millet, wheat, and sesame seeds contain very little lysine. Amounts required for optimum health varies widely from person to person depending on the particular biochemistry.
Are you using this for adhd? Perhaps for stress and anxiety? Stress, as with all emotions, has a negative effect on our emotional skin. Within 24 to 48 hours after an emotional outpouring or stress reaction, the skin reflects it. Cold sores, facial and body blisters, and herpes are the most prevalent. I can see where it would be useful for help with this if you are having an outbreak that shows up on your skin.
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Post by catatonic on Nov 5, 2004 21:44:40 GMT -5
If your child has a disorder on the autistic spectrum, I wouldn't try using lysine without medical advice. There is some clinical evidence that lysine levels may be abnormally elevated in autistic children. Other research indicates that their lysine levels may be depressed. So who knows??? Lysine also may provide hormonal support, and does improve calcium absorption. While one of the symptoms of lysine deficiency is poor concentration, there is no evidence whatsoever that supplementing with lysine when there is not a deficiency will have any effect on concentration. Some supplement sellers make this claim, but there are no facts to back it up.
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Post by notab on Jun 24, 2005 23:10:00 GMT -5
Has anyone had any experience with using Acetyl-carnitine for ADHD? I read that it increases GABA better than taking GABA supplements. Just looking for someone with experience with it.
Same question for L-theanine. I see some discussion of this one above, but I couldn't tell if anyone thought it was working.
I need to talk with the environmental allergist about these next time we go (in a month), but I wanted to see if I could get any information on experience before then.
Thanks! Cindy
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Post by catatonic on Jun 25, 2005 8:43:11 GMT -5
I know that OhMama is familiar with the use of both of these amino acids, so you'll have to get her knowledgeable input. frontclap* We've used the carnitine because it enhances transportation of essential fatty acids and therefore is thought to improve the effectiveness of any Omega-3 supplements you take. I can't say I noticed any real difference, but then again, the carnitine plays a supporting role so you wouldn't necessarily see what it's doing. If you are going to be supplementing with individual amino acids, make sure to take a general protein supplement at the same time (something like a protein powder you can stir into a drink). Otherwise you run the risk of upsetting the balance of amino acids in your body, which could have effects you don't intend and don't want.
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Post by ohmama on Jun 25, 2005 12:54:01 GMT -5
Notab, I use Acetyl-L-Carnitine for myself and my boys take L-Carnitine. We started this supplement to help with fatty acid transportation and later, after much research I found out that the benefits were far more than I realized. Acetyl-l-carnitine is the acetylated ester of the amino acid L-carnitine. Both are absorbed into the bloodstream efficiently and both are very effective at carrying fatty acids across the membrane into the cell where they are burned as energy and is utilized efficiently in the mitochondria of the cell. This supplement easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and has great potential in preserving neurological function.
Besides enhancing fatty acid transportation and utilization, it also increases the density of neurotransmitter receptors, levels of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and dopamine. In addition, it reduces the accumulation of metabolic waste, and promotes melatonin production. One side effect is vivid dreams. This may be due to increased melatonin. It functions as an antioxidant. Also, counteracts ammonia toxicity. This is essential if taking an anticonvulsive med such as Depakote to help stabilize blood ammonia levels. It improves memory and learning ability though I could not find a specific refrence on the internet to brain function improvement with treating adhd it would have to be helpful with that also. What have you read that connects the two? There has to be a connection and I know I've also read this but I read several books at a time and so it is difficult to remember which one it was.
I love this supplement. Here's more, It protects neurons against stress along with using Omega 3's and other energy cofactors. Remember, increased energy production = a greater generation of free radicals so take this with antioxidants to compensate for this. We use vitamins C & E.
I am using this to prevent medication side effects with Depakote and treating adhd, anxiety, ocd, and bipolar with one of my twins and for depression & add on the other. Also, to help with fatty acid transportation. I personally think this supplement should be used by everyone taking the fatty acids if nothing else. I havent read that it increases GABA??
I wouldn't say that it is better to take L-Theanine than GABA since the Theanine increases GABA (and Dopamine) production anyway. I don't know that it could do it better than just taking the GABA but would think to take both together would work well depending on what your target dose was. You probably already know that an excellent source for Theanine is green tea. I have used both Theanine and GABA but could not find them to be effective, probably because I was treating bipolar and did not have any guidance with using this. I am suspicious that it does not cross the blood-brain barrier from what I've read. I have heard many people sware by it so I can't say what was up with not finding that it worked for us.
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Post by notab on Jun 25, 2005 18:03:16 GMT -5
Ohmama,
Wow, lots of great information! Thank you for the reply. I will try the Carnitine. Sounds like it is definitely worth a try. Why do you and your kids take different versions?
I am trying to remember where I read that it will help ADHD. I did a search on the internet but can't find anything official. I know that I found something in the past. If I come across it again, I will let you know.
Thank you, Cindy
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Post by catatonic on Jun 25, 2005 21:30:59 GMT -5
great answer, girlfriend
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Post by ohmama on Jun 26, 2005 21:37:54 GMT -5
Awe shucks, thanks.
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Post by sarahsmom on Oct 15, 2005 19:46:37 GMT -5
Hi I wanted to know what the safest amino acid to use to help with adhd. My dd is on Metadate cd and aslo, been giving her omegas and vit e. Wanted to try tyrosine but not sure how much. And if this werer the best one to try? Attention and focus still an issue at school even with the meds. Been on the med merry go round for awhile now. Thanks LIsa
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Post by catatonic on Oct 17, 2005 7:42:10 GMT -5
Lisa, tyrosine is good for increasing the neurotransmitter dopamine. We found it quite helpful for a while, but then it simply stopped working. Apparently this has been noted in clinical research as well. For some reason, the benefits are temporary. We use a high-protein diet instead of tyrosine now to up the dopamine.
The other amino acid that may be helpful is 5-htp. This will increase the neurotransmitter serotonin...which is the same effect that SSRI anti-depressants have. Stimulants may actually increase both dopamine and serotonin. I give my son 5-htp at bedtime (200mg), since it also helps with sleep problems. Don't use 5-htp, though, it you are already taking anti-depressants. It can cause "serotonin syndrome", a dangerous condition that results from raising serotonin levels too high.
If you're supplementing with individual amino acids, make sure that you are also providing a good source of ALL of the amino acids, to avoid disturbing the body's balance. You can do this with protein-rich foods, or by using a whey or soy based protein powder.
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Post by jair101 on Oct 17, 2005 9:00:22 GMT -5
Hi, I've been lurking and reading and learning for a long time now on this site. I have 10 year old daughter with anxiety/possible adhd and definite faceblindness and have learned so much here to help. However, my question now is actually for me! I too have anxiety and have difficulty getting to sleep. After reading this thread, I decided to try 5-htp to help with anxiety and sleep and bought Swiss brand. I find the label a little confusing to read. It says that there are 60 capsules at 500 mg. The 500 mg is of griffonia simplicifolia (20:1) standardized to contain 5% (25 mg) of 5-htp. Would I be right in assuming I should ignore the 500 mg amount and treat each capsule as 25 mg of 5-htp? I have tried taking 2 at night and it does help with sleep, though I feel a trifle groggy and headachy in the morning. Should I be bumping up the 5-htp to 100 mg? The bottle label says take two capsules and the health food store clerk frowned when I mentioned taking 100 mg and said he thought that was too much. I have been taking a complete protein source every day. Is there anything else I should keep in mind?
Thanks for any info,
Jair
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Post by catatonic on Oct 17, 2005 23:42:21 GMT -5
Jair, you're right, the 25mg is the important number. 5-HTP is typically used in clinical studies at doses of 100 - 300mg 3 times a day (for a total of 300mg - 900mg daily). My son and I both normally take 100mg at bedtime and have found that this is sufficient for sleep problems. For anxiety and depression, Whole Health MD recommends 50 - 100mg 3 times daily. 300mg daily appears to be a perfectly safe (and effective) dose, though you may want to start low and build up, in case it bothers your stomach.
Don't take 5-HTP if you also take anti-depressants or other psychiatric medications, St. John's Wort, cold medicines with ephedrine. Also avoid taking it with muscle relaxants or narcotic pain killers (like codeine) since you can become extremely drowsy.
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Post by crillmom on Oct 18, 2005 8:32:38 GMT -5
is 5-htp safe to take with a stimulant and fish oils?
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Post by catatonic on Oct 19, 2005 0:36:17 GMT -5
Certainly it is safe with fish oil. No problem there. With the stimulants, they typically act more on the dopamine/norepinephrine system than on serotonin, so you ought to be fine there as well. There are no documented cases in the clinical literature to indicate a problem with 5-htp and stimulants. What I'd do to be safe is start with a low dose of 5-htp (such as 100mg at bedtime) and see how that goes. You can increase if you don't see any problems.
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Post by steven95 on Feb 17, 2006 21:48:34 GMT -5
Hello everyone-I am new to this site but it is wonderful. I've been on the SchwabLearning web site and was recommended to look at this site. Great information. Anyways I'm looking into trying a supplement called ATTEND. I found it at a website called www.add-adhd-help-center.com/attend_ingredients.htm It seems to have alot of natural healthy ingredients such as amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins & minerals. Has anyone heard of this/or tried this supplement? Thanks, Janine
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Post by ohmama on Feb 18, 2006 1:01:04 GMT -5
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Post by steven95 on Feb 20, 2006 17:40:32 GMT -5
Thank you ohmama-makes me think twice about ATTEND and I will look into some threads about magnesium and fatty acids. Appreciate the advice:)
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Post by ohmama on Feb 20, 2006 21:55:50 GMT -5
You're welcome. There's a lot of good information on many of the different supplements here. Just click on the search word at the top of the page and fill in the key word of what you are looking for. If you don't find it feel free to ask. I always set the time for 365 days and request 55 or more posts to search.
The search feature is at the top (home, help, search, members, calendar, admin, profile, logout).
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ksera
Full Member
Posts: 30
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Post by ksera on Mar 6, 2007 19:49:52 GMT -5
Hi. I have been a visiting this site for a while now and need some info. I have a 10 DS who has already been on several stims (unsuccessfully) as well as Strattera (with some success) We are currently med free. At age 8 we had Tonsil/Adnoidectomy. Had been on Adderall, focaliln and concerta (different doses). We then switched to Strattera and had relative success. DS broke his femur Sept 06--Needed transport to specialty hosp for surgery --very complicated surgery. Needless to say although we had taken him off Strat for Tonsil surgery, we didn't have this option. Good thing was all was fine with anethesia during 5 hour surgery. He was wheel chair bound for 3 month along with physical therapy. We continued his strat the entire time. Unfortunately once he began walking again he gained 20 lbs and strat was not working well. He had an episode at school (right after black box warning) and we took him off. It did, however help his anxiety, etc. I am now looking into going to the Amen clinic and have visited their website. He is typically more anxious, nervous type and am interested in maybe starting him on the 5-HTP but really do not have much info. Could anyone out there give me some help with what I would need to give with along with the 5-HTP. He currently takes flax seed oil, but I'm looking into also changing him on that as well. I just want to make I have the right info on this amino acid or is there something else I should look at. He has also continued to gain weight and has gained 35 lbs. since 9/06 Thanks for your help.
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