Posted by blueberry on January 14, 2006, at 7:02:58
In reply to Re: Phenylethylamine inhibits noradrenaline uptake » Shawn T., posted by Sarah T. on January 14, 2006, at 1:30:07
You might be able to get the same effect, except lasting continuously, with a simple amino acid supplement. A book I'm using says not to use heavy exercise to build up the feel good endorphins, because eventually what happens is it drains the adrenal glands and the endorphin reserve pools. Moderate exercise is what they recommend, but not the "runner's high" kind of exercise. Instead, they recommend supplying the body with more of the endorphins naturally.
Anyway, you could try one of three amino acids, one at a time for a few days each. DL-phenylalanine (health food store). D-Phenylalanine (internet mail order). L-phenylalanine (health food store). They all boost the feel good endorphins. But each person's chemistry and metabolism is different, so trial and error is the only way to find which one you like the best. Doses can range anywhere from 100mg to 3000mg a day. Precautions are possible insomnia if taken too late in the day, possible increased blood pressure at high doses, and possible jitteriness if they aren't right for you (usually means the dose was too much). Break tablets into custom sized pieces, or dump powder out of capsules for custom doses.
Personally I favor the idea of combining moderate exercise with a low dose of one of the three amino acids. Just an opinion though.
> Hi Shawn,
>
> Do you have any ideas about why exercise is such an effective antidepressant for so many people? When I'm on an antidepressant, my meds don't seem to kick in until I've exercised, but the exercise has to be pretty intense and sustained. Although walking is an excellent exercise, just plain walking doesn't provide much of an antidepressant effect for me. I have to get my heart rate and breathing up for at least 30-45 minutes. Once the antidepressant effect kicks in, it lasts for at least 12 hours or until I wake up the next morning. Then, like Sisyphus, I have to start all over again!
>
> Sarah
poster:blueberry
thread:598500
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20051208/msgs/598965.html