Has anyone tried amino acids or supplements?
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Join Date: Mar 2017
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Has anyone tried amino acids or supplements?
Hi all,
I truly believe that we need to work on our thinking, spirituality, but also our body to fully recover from alcoholism. Bill W. even suggested such a thing.
It has been proven that alcoholics have issues with dopamine dysfunction and low GABA problems are likely too.
Has anyone tried Amino Acids or any other supplements or vitamins to balance their brain chemistry?
The list of Amino acids I most commonly see recommended is:
Has anyone tried any of these to feel more "normal"? Or any other herbs or natural supplements? Any benefits or side effects?
I truly believe that we need to work on our thinking, spirituality, but also our body to fully recover from alcoholism. Bill W. even suggested such a thing.
It has been proven that alcoholics have issues with dopamine dysfunction and low GABA problems are likely too.
Has anyone tried Amino Acids or any other supplements or vitamins to balance their brain chemistry?
The list of Amino acids I most commonly see recommended is:
- 5-HTP (regulates serotonin levels in the brain)
- GABA (In the form ofL-theanine, since GABA doesn't cross the brain barrier (anti-stress)
- DLPA (fights depression)
- L-Tyrosine (building block for neurotransmitters)
- L-Glutamine (nourishes brain cells)
Has anyone tried any of these to feel more "normal"? Or any other herbs or natural supplements? Any benefits or side effects?
There are 2 books that talk about these:
"Seven weeks to sobriety" and "Mood Cure."
The amino acids really help me feel more balanced and energy wise.
I take the dlpa in the morning (helps provide energy and mild pain relief) and l-glutamine in the afternoon for cravings.
"Seven weeks to sobriety" and "Mood Cure."
The amino acids really help me feel more balanced and energy wise.
I take the dlpa in the morning (helps provide energy and mild pain relief) and l-glutamine in the afternoon for cravings.
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 42
both. Great to read about your experiences. I do think the brain needs healing to give us the best chance of success. I'm so glad you're both doing well. What doses are you on?
The only thing I am concerned about is I get very bad migraines with dizziness and stroke-like symptoms (so Tyrosine and L-glutamine may be a no-no).
It's so hard to tell what will work without experimenting I guess. So far, L-theanine is good for me and I've also been taking Rhodiola Rosea, which seems to be helping my mood and migraines to some extent too.
ps. Apparently Bill W took megadoses of Niacin (B3).
The only thing I am concerned about is I get very bad migraines with dizziness and stroke-like symptoms (so Tyrosine and L-glutamine may be a no-no).
It's so hard to tell what will work without experimenting I guess. So far, L-theanine is good for me and I've also been taking Rhodiola Rosea, which seems to be helping my mood and migraines to some extent too.
ps. Apparently Bill W took megadoses of Niacin (B3).
Dee hit the nail on the head. Supplements, even over the counter and natural, should really only be taken in consultation with a medical professional. Many of them can have unintended side effects or reactions with other meds.
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Join Date: Mar 2017
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Thanks all. I am not on any other meds and I see a Balance Scientist where we discuss possible supplements for my migraine illness.
But it's got me to thinking about correcting the brain imbalances linked to alcoholism, which I'm not sure she knows too much about.
I don't want to make one thing worse because a supplement is not suited to both things (i.e. Tyrosine and glutamine can worsen migraine).
I don't feel like there's anything actually "wrong" with me (ie. major depression or anxiety) but certain relapses have shown me, I need to fix a few things in my brain for sure. I need to fix some of my neurotransmitters or give them more of what they need.
I do need to balance my brain and of course I will check nothing is contraindicated.
But it's got me to thinking about correcting the brain imbalances linked to alcoholism, which I'm not sure she knows too much about.
I don't want to make one thing worse because a supplement is not suited to both things (i.e. Tyrosine and glutamine can worsen migraine).
I don't feel like there's anything actually "wrong" with me (ie. major depression or anxiety) but certain relapses have shown me, I need to fix a few things in my brain for sure. I need to fix some of my neurotransmitters or give them more of what they need.
I do need to balance my brain and of course I will check nothing is contraindicated.
A good start is always to work on your diet. And I don't mean weight loss 'dieting'. Eating proper nutrition for your body is the first step. Try to eat clean non processed foods. Cut out foods with too many chemcals. Remember suppliments are there to suppliment things that may be missing. If you plan on buying a certain suppliment google what foods have it in them naturally. Hope that helps.
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 42
Yeah I already have reactive hypoglycemia so I eat very clean. I don't buy anything without checking the label. I mostly eat salad, veg and meat, with the occasional pure dark rye cracker and cheese thrown in.
I am not sure if we are allowed to give our dosages?
I have tried l-tyrosine and it does provide some energy but can make me fill on edge so I avoid this one.
It sounds like your diet is perfect! I try but am not that good. Talk to your Balance scientist about trying dlpa and the dose he recommends for you.
I have tried l-tyrosine and it does provide some energy but can make me fill on edge so I avoid this one.
It sounds like your diet is perfect! I try but am not that good. Talk to your Balance scientist about trying dlpa and the dose he recommends for you.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 42
Thanks. I've only just come across DLPA so am still looking into it. Looks very interesting through.
I've also been looking at what some of the ocumolecular (sp?) scientists have recommended, like Lecithin. It's very interesting.
It bothers me that I can't take Glutamine. I'm wondering if I can just take the GABA (theanine), which it converts to anyway, and that will still help with cravings.
I've also been looking at what some of the ocumolecular (sp?) scientists have recommended, like Lecithin. It's very interesting.
It bothers me that I can't take Glutamine. I'm wondering if I can just take the GABA (theanine), which it converts to anyway, and that will still help with cravings.
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