Posted by JLx on November 13, 2003, at 5:37:47
In reply to An Idea » Francesco , posted by DSCH on November 13, 2003, at 2:12:43
>I don't quite understand how one would go about finding a balance between tryptophan or 5-HTP and tyrosine given that tyrosine beats out tryptophan and the LNAAT can be easily saturated (IIRC). Meanwhile, I don't think gingko would interfere with tryptophan at all.
I hope you don't mind me butting in on your thread...
Could you please explain what you mean by "the LNAAT can be easily saturated (IIRC)"?
When I took the Amen Clinic brain checklist, I came out "highly probable" in four categories: ADD Inattentive Type, Cingulate System Hyperactivity, Limbic System Hyperactivity, & Basal Ganglia Hyperactivity.
Some of the recommendations for those conditions are the opposites of the others.
For the inattentive ADD he recommends, tyrosine, OPCs and gingko to raise dopamine.
For cingulate gyrus overactivity, to raise serotonin: St. John's Wort, 5-HTP, tryptophan, and inositol.
For limbic problems, to raise norepinephrine and dopamine: tyrosine, DLPA and SAM-e.
For basal ganglia hyperactivity, the anti-anxiety B-vitamins and herbs.
I'm trying something to address all of those -- together, which can be a problem, as you know. As Dr. Amen notes,
"Since serotonin and dopamine levels tend to counterbalance each other: whenever serotonin is raised dopamine tends to be lowered and when dopamine is raised serotonin is lowered."
I was hoping it would be possible to maintain a certain balance between dopamine/serotonin so one gets the benefit of both. So I cut down my tyrosine/phenylalanine doses and added some 5-HTP at night (50 mg) and also started adding a meal of potatoes/small amount of protein for the serotonin boost. It has helped, but it feels nervewracking and unpredictable. And I don't sleep well since the tyrosine. I keep waking up every couple hours, and sleeping only about 5-6 hrs. Sometimes less.
Any suggestions? I already take magnesium, B vits, C, etc. and am experimenting with the TMG.
I've been wondering if I should try tryptophan at night instead of 5-HTP. I hate to spend the money if it's going to be comparable, but from what folks are reporting, it has a different effect.
poster:JLx
thread:272902
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20031104/msgs/279294.html