Nutrition & Your Mental Health

INTRODUCING AMINO ACIDS

BY ASHLEY CARTER YOUNGBLOOD

FOOD IS NO LONGER ENOUGH

Due to the depletion of The Earth’s soil health, sources like The American Society for Horticultural Science and the Journal of American College of Nutrition report a reduction in the percentage of nutrition in our food by a median of 5-40%. Even the Journal of the American Medical Association determined in 2002 that diet alone can no longer supply adequate amounts of nutrition. This change in nutrient density means that someone would have to eat eight oranges to equal the same amount of vitamins that our grandparents would have gotten from just one orange. And, to consume that amount of fruit as “one serving” would cause another whole set of problems with caloric excess during our current obesity epidemic. As a country, we may be over-fed. But, we (including our brains!) remain undernourished.

This means that, separate from any trendy “diet” that touts itself as the “perfect” way of eating, even if we ate the “perfect human diet” (whatever that is!) every day, we simply cannot get as many nutrients to the brain that are needed to prevent mental health symptoms. So, while food is no longer enough, there is a straightforward and powerful option to help provide your brain with the nutrition it needs to be happy and stable: amino acids!

AMINO ACIDS

Amino acids are commonly known as “the building blocks of life” as we need them to survive and for our bodies to function well. Where do these magic molecules come from? Dietary protein. (Which reminds me: are you SURE you are getting enough protein? Without regular and substantial protein, our bodies cannot make enough amino acids to keep our brains well despite our other efforts toward our well-being!)

Where can you find these lovely little helpers? Over the counter! The best part of this powerful intervention is that it is not rocket science. You do not even need a doctor to prescribe them for you (although you should always consult with your healthcare provider before any lifestyle change as there are some contraindications for certain amino acids related to certain health conditions or symptoms). There is even a general blend by Genesa called “Total Amino Solution” that is recommended by the leaders who are using this intervention successfully in mental health and addiction treatment, such as Julia Ross, the author of The Mood Cure and The Craving Cure, and Dr. Joan Matthews Larson, the author of Seven Weeks to Sobriety: The Proven Program to Fight Alcoholism through Nutrition.

WHAT THEY CAN DO

While you can get amino acid support for your mental health through even things like protein powder, therapeutic doses are needed to affect significant changes in mental health. And while a general amino acids solution like the above can be supportive, the ideal way to use amino acids to address mental health symptoms is to use “targeted” treatment. This means that you work with a practitioner well-versed in amino acid therapy to explore your symptoms and how you can use amino acids within five categories of brain health to improve stability.

AMINO ACIDS WITHIN CATEGORIES

SEROTONIN – When this

chemical in the brain is affected, Depression is the result. To address this chemical imbalance, the amino acids of 5-HTP and L-Tryptophan can be used to offer a more positive outlook, improved confidence, a greater sense of humor, and emotional flexibility. Melatonin (although not an amino acid but related to the above two amino acids) can also be used in this category to assist with sleep issues. LOW BLOOD SUGAR – When we do not eat often enough or eat the wrong foods that are spiking our blood glucose (and, therefore, insulin) too high or too frequently, hypoglycemia’s crash in blood sugar is the result. With this comes irritability, confusion, and even physical symptoms of shakiness, dizziness, and nausea. The amino acid L-Glutamine can help provide our brain with the fuel it needs to get through challenging moments until we can get appropriate nutrition to the organ (i.e., the brain) responsible for our mental health. Because of its natural blood sugar-stabilizing effects, this amino acid can also be used to eliminate cravings for things like sweets/sugar or even substances like alcohol.

ENDORPHINS – Low endorphins cause us to have trouble receiving pleasure and joy from things. Low endorphins can also correlate to those dealing with chronic pain. Luckily, two amino acids - DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) and D-Phenylalanine (DPA) - can help those looking to regain emotional pleasure & pain relief. GABA (GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID) – GABA is

both an amino acid and a neurotransmitter. Its central function is to help manage anxiety and stress by promoting calmness and relaxation. L-Theanine, another amino acid in this category, can also be used for the same purposes if GABA itself is not quite right for the person. Think of them as nature’s “natural Xanax.”

CATECHOLAMINES – When our brain is low on Catecholamines, our body looks for that next “hit” of energy, whether it is sugar, coffee, or chocolate. For this issue, we can use L-Tyrosine and L-Phenylalanine to offer a natural boost of energy, alertness, and focus that can combat even the most stubborn issues with focus,v especially in the morning.

NEXT STEPS

As with anything, the arrangement of amino acid therapy for mental health-related to dosing, timing, and frequency is unique to each individual. And, be smart about it: take this educational information and talk with your provider to see how such supplementation could be just the holistic solution you have been looking for related to your mental health. Just know that hope is out there. Change is possible. For a lot of people, medication may not be necessary… IF you give the brain the fuel, it needs. After all, mental health symptoms are not due to an anti-depressant deficiency or because you are not taking enough anti-anxiety medication. They are an imbalance in the brain that can be helped by replacing those same brain chemicals in a therapeutic and targeted way!

Ashley Carter Youngblood LMSW, LMFT, CMHIMP

Ashley is the owner and psychotherapist at her growing practice located in Kalamazoo, Inner Peace Counseling, PLC. She and her colleagues offer telehealth services to those in Kalamazoo & other parts of MI. More info at www.kalamazoo-counseling.com.