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In discussing
remedies for manic depression, the amino acids tryptophan, L-taurine and
GABA should be recommended right off the bat. (Note: The dosages I
take are listed at the end of this article.)
GABA, or gamma amino butyric acid, is depleted in both the manic and
depressed states, as is serotonin. L-tryptophan is the main precursor to
serotonin, so if you take tryptophan, along with B6, B12, C, calcium,
magnesium, and zinc necessary for it to metabolize first into 5HTP and
then into serotonin, you don't need to take those potentially damaging
drugs called serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's).
Some people, whether because of a genetic defect, or damage to
neuroreceptors, or poor circulation, or because of food sensitivities
(wheat and dairy in particular) which have screwed up the ability of
their small intestines to absorb nutrients from food, aren't able to
access or absorb tryptophan properly. So the amount needed to be
ingested can vary wildly from person to person. This is true with all
the amino acids. Tryptophan should not be taken concurrently with an
SSRI.
GABA is available in most health food stores and is an amino acid that
is in itself a neurotransmitter that is a specific inhibitor of dopamine
and norepinephrine. It metabolizes more easily if it is taken with
inositol and niacinmide (B3). It's also a proven antidepressant. Many of
the anti-convulsants now regularly given to manic-depressives try and
mimic GABA. Obviously they can't be the same as GABA as its against the
law to patent a naturally-occurring substance, and as a result, their
side effects for many people are appalling.
L-Taurine counters the "up" effects of dopamine and norepinephrine by
helping stabilize the excitability of the membranes in the nervous
system. It's both a neuroinhibitor and a neurotransmitter. It suppresses
the releases for excitory neurotransmitters like dopamine and
norepinephrine. It is a non-essential amino acid in that it is made in
the body, but many bodies can't manufacture enough of the stuff to
satisfy its own needs. Its basic function is to help get sodium,
potassium, calcium and magnesium ions in and out of cells and thus
stabilize electrically the cell membranes. And we all know how important
calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium are for manic-depressives! Its
extremely helpful in controlling seizures and seeing as so many of the
drugs given for mania are anti-seizure medications, it is obvious that
Taurine is the healthier option as it is an ortho-molecule (natural),
not a man made synthetic that your body recognizes as somewhat poisonous
(thus the side effects). According to a couple of articles I read in the
New England Journal of Medicine, its been found to be depleted in many
manic-depressives. As was, apparently, L-tyrosine.
Tyrosine is a precursor to both dopamine and norepinephrine and it
transmits nerve impulses to the brain. It is thus a strong
anti-depressant and an excitant and should not be taken by anyone
experiencing anything close to hypomania or mania, or by people who are
"rapid cyclers." It is synthesized from phenylalanine, which is an
essential amino acid, meaning the body doesn't make it and it must be
ingested in some way. (Wild game has 3 to five times more of this amino
acid than does domesticated beef!) It needs B6, C, iron, magnesium,
copper, manganese and zinc in order to be metabolized into
norepinephrine and dopamine. It should be taken in the morning to ensure
that it doesn't interfere with sleep, just as GABA, Taurine, and
tryptophan should be taken in the evenings to aid sleep.
The amino acid balance in the body/mind is an essential component of
mental health and it's imperative that people understand this.
Important: Get Enough Sun!
People should also try to get at least an hour in the sun every day in
order to help stabilize their circadian rhythms.
My Nutrition Regimen
I have found the following regimen to work for me:
MORNING
1000 mg of L-Tyrosine
500 mg of L-Glutamine
(Note: Glutamine is a stimulant and can trigger mania, so is only used
if a stimulant is needed.)
500 mg combination of choline and inositol
Nature's Life soft gelatin multiple vitamin (it digests better than
pills and has extra B vitamins. This provides the nutrients the amino
acids need to work)
EVENING
500 - 1000 mg of L-Taurine
500 mg GABA (if a little hyper, can take 1000-2000 mg)
1000 mg L-tryptophan (doctor's prescription needed)
Nature's Life soft gelatin multiple vitamin
AS NEEDED
500 mg Phenylalaline to boost mood
Margot Kidder
DISCLAIMER:
The information of this Website is for educational
purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of physicians or
health health care practitioners. It is also not intended to diagnose
or prescribe treatment for any illness or disorder. Anyone already
undergoing physician-prescribed therapy should seek the advice of his or
her doctor before reducing the dosage or stopping such treatment.
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